Historic Leeds pub that has survived over two centuries, Duck & Drake, finds fame on new Netflix film, Bank of Dave.
The pub was closed for five days in March 2022 to allow for filming to take place for Bank of Dave - a heartwarming, feel-good film which is now topping the Netflix charts.
Based on the true-life experiences of Dave Fishwick, Bank of Dave tells the story of how a working class man from Burnley became a self-made millionaire and fought to set up a community bank, so that he could help the local businesses of his beloved town survive in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
Starring BAFTA-nominated actor Rory Kinnear as the title character, in his bid to help his beloved community of Burnley, Dave has to take on the elitist financial institutions of London and fight to receive the first new banking license to be issued in over 100 years.
Image: Netflix UK & Ireland
The film was predominantly shot in Burnley but additional filming took place in Leeds, with scenes of Dave coming up with the idea for the bank and organising his first loans shot at the Duck & Drake.
Located on Kirkgate, it is one of the most beautiful and historic pubs in all of Leeds.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
It is believe that a public house has stood on the very site for over 200 years, and to this day you can still see examples of its original Victorian beginnings.
From the marble archway doorway jambs to the original light fittings and the floorboards that have survived a whopping two centuries; the pub is drenched in history and if the walls could talk, we're sure they'd have a whole lot to say.
The pub has existed under several different names including The Horse & Groom and The Brougham’s Arms. During the second world war, Brougham’s even had a reputation for being a place where women would meet and entertain American GI’s.
It wasn’t until 1985 that the name changed to The Duck & Drake and today on your visit, you can expect a selection of the finest cask ales, delicious plates of pie and peas and some of the best live music that the city has to offer.
You can find the Duck & Drake towards the end of Kirkgate, just behind the Corn Exchange.
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
You can watch The Celebrity Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds this Friday
Clementine Hall
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens this Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Headrow House, one of the city’s most beloved event space, rooftop and bar, will be hosting a finale watching party - and we’re all invited.
Taking place this Friday 30 October, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale at 8pm.
The best part? Entry is completely free and they'll even be streaming the semi-final ahead of the final at 6pm, so you can indulge in a double bill of the country's most beloved show.
We honestly couldn't think of a better way to spend a Friday evening and we're already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Headrow House said: "celebrity traitors final this friday! we’ll be showing the semi-final for anyone who missed it before tuning in for the live final. free entry, get down early for a seat and bring your claudia wigs x"
So to give this series of The Celebrity Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Headrow House from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Clementine Hall -
25th January 2023 
