They say (Joni Mitchell, I believe if you require a source) that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone, and in a city that evolves as fast as Leeds, that definitely applies to our favourite haunts.
Whether it was the underground gig venue where you saw a future superstar, the restaurant where you celebrated every milestone, or the nightclub where the dancefloor was famously "revolving," we all have that one "lost" spot we’d bring back in a heartbeat.
We recently asked Yorkshire Evening Post readers to fill in the blank: "The lost Leeds pub, bar, or restaurant I miss the most is____" and the floodgates opened.
We were overwhelmed with hundreds of memories, from the 1970s rock circuit to the neon-soaked clubbing era of the 90s and 00s.
Some of these buildings are now supermarkets, some are luxury flats, and others are just empty shells, but the stories remain.
We’ve sifted through your suggestions to find the 21 most-mentioned legends that defined a night out in our city - and if you’re interested in some more retro Leeds content, why not check out the incredible work journalist Andrew Hutchinson pens frequently?
-(1).jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
13. Carpe Diem
The go-to for 'down to earth' vibes and cheap beer. It was the place to see great bands before they hit the big time, without any of the 'trendy' pretension. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
14. Da Mario
Specifically missed 'for how it was in the 90s.' This classic Italian spot on the Headrow holds a very special, carb-filled place in the city’s collective heart. | Simon Hulme
15. Big Lils
A titan of the city centre circuit. It was mentioned by multiple readers as an absolute 'must-visit' and a cornerstone of a proper Leeds night out. | Google
.jpeg?trim=0,185,0,0&crop=&width=800)
16. Skanda Grill (Merrion Centre)
A very specific foodie memory for the Merrion crowd. One reader swore their 'Steak Diane was the best ever,' proving that some flavors are never forgotten. | Young/Fox Photos/Hulton Archive
17. Barcelona (Kirkstall/City Centre)
Whether you frequented the one in Kirkstall or the city centre, it was a 'proper' night out that readers are still shouting about years later. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme
18. Upstairs Downstairs
As one reader put it: 'If you remember it, you’re old school!' A true throwback for the veteran Leeds party-goers who remember the city's golden era. | YPN