Memories of much-loved Leeds venues which kept a city entertained

By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 23rd Sep 2025, 04:45 BST

They are the much-loved Leeds venues which gave city folk a reason to put on their glad rags down the decades.

These photos showcase a wide range of places to enjoy a good time such as restaurants, cinemas, pubs, theatres and dance halls. Some have stood the test of time while others fell out of fashion. This collection of photos are sure to evoke memories for generations of city folk who enjoyed a break from the daily grind. They are a mix from the YEP archive, West Yorkshire Archive Service and others published courtesy of This photo is published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 17 extraordinary ways Leeds has changed the world LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

This dance hall enjoyed a 30 year stay in the County Arcade before closing in 1969. A new Mecca opened up in the Merrion Centre in 1964.

1. Mecca Locarno Ballroom

This dance hall enjoyed a 30 year stay in the County Arcade before closing in 1969. A new Mecca opened up in the Merrion Centre in 1964. | YPN Photo: YPN

Housewives would drop in to the Kardomah Cafe on Briggate for a cuppa and snack, as a reward for slogging round the shops. Opened in 1908 and closed in August 1965.

2. Kardomah Cafe

Housewives would drop in to the Kardomah Cafe on Briggate for a cuppa and snack, as a reward for slogging round the shops. Opened in 1908 and closed in August 1965. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Originally called Jacomelli’s Swiss Restaurant and Café on Upper Mill Hill it became a Berni Inn in 1967 where customers could enjoy prawn cocktail, steak and chips and black forest gateaux .

3. Jacomelli

Originally called Jacomelli’s Swiss Restaurant and Café on Upper Mill Hill it became a Berni Inn in 1967 where customers could enjoy prawn cocktail, steak and chips and black forest gateaux . | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

One of Leeds’ oldest pubs, Whitelocks off Briggate down Turk's Head Yard has been a favourite haunt of both young and old for generations. The pub can trace its origins back to 1715.

4. Whitelock's

One of Leeds’ oldest pubs, Whitelocks off Briggate down Turk's Head Yard has been a favourite haunt of both young and old for generations. The pub can trace its origins back to 1715. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Affectionately known as 'The Madhouse' by its staff and customers, the Market Tavern on Harewood Street in the city centre was demolished in 1995 to become a car park.

5. Market Tavern

Affectionately known as 'The Madhouse' by its staff and customers, the Market Tavern on Harewood Street in the city centre was demolished in 1995 to become a car park. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The last performance at the Empire Theatre - Babes in the Wood with Nat Jackley - before its closure in February 1961. It opened in August 1898 as the Empire Palace Theatre.

6. Empire Theatre

The last performance at the Empire Theatre - Babes in the Wood with Nat Jackley - before its closure in February 1961. It opened in August 1898 as the Empire Palace Theatre. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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