A tribute to a legendary Leeds music venue is opening in Leeds as part of a celebration of 60 years of the city's music scene.
The Duchess of York on Vicar Lane, more commonly known as The Duchess, was the setting for performances by some of the biggest names in rock and pop before closing its doors in 2000.
And now, an impressive recreation of the pub has opened in the Leeds City Museum as part of a new exhibition named Music Leeds Us.
The exhibition looks back at six decades of the city's unique music heritage.
Created in partnership with Leeds Conservatoire to mark its 60th anniversary, the exhibition has gathered memories and stories from more than 70 partners and volunteers.
The incredible Duchess model was originally created by Small Acts and commissioned by Compass Live Art for Compass Festival 2021 in tribute to the venue itself, which was founded by John Keenan.
The Duchess was awarded a blue plaque back in 2024 for its contribution to the city's music scene, and it's safe to say if those walls could talk they'd say a lot.
Famously, Oasis performed there in 1993 to a tiny audience before returning to a much larger crowd in 1994 and Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain also reputedly slept upstairs on a sofa at the venue after their gig in October 1989, two years before the release of their worldwide smash hit album Nevermind.
Esther Amis-Hughes, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ community engagement manager, said: "The past 60 years have been truly transformational for music in Leeds and have seen some iconic moments that will forever be part of the city’s history.
“I’ve been blown away by the passion, diversity, and power of the city to continue to be a source of inspiration through music, and this exhibition has shown me how brilliant people, doing what they love, can make a positive difference.
“I hope this exhibition gives people an insight into the power of music in bringing people together, no matter what genre or scene you enjoy."
Music Leeds Us is a free exhibition that is open until 28 June 2026.
New regulations are set to be put into place as part of the Briggate Action Plan.
Proposals for the plan, aimed at making some of the city centre’s busiest areas safer for everyone, received a huge amount of support during a public consultation last year.
Since then, the council have been drawing up the necessary regulations and signage, with the new rules now due to officially come into place over the next few months.
Once implemented, the action plan will mean a requirement to walk bicycles and e-bikes within the city centre’s pedestrianised shopping area from 10.30am until 8pm every day.
That means no surprise bicycles will try and run you over as you're doing your shopping, hooray!
The action plan will also introduce prohibitions around certain street trading activities in targeted areas, including mobile street traders.
Extended restrictions will be put into place during major city centre events including Leeds Pride, Light Night Leeds and the Leeds Christmas Market.
Anyone breaking the new rules could be given a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council, said: “The city centre welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and our aim is for every one of them to have the best and safest possible experience of Leeds.
“Through this action plan, we’ve taken important and meaningful steps to address issues which the public have consistently told us were impacting their enjoyment of the city centre whilst also creating potential safety issues for shoppers and pedestrians.
“With these new regulations in place, our hope is that both day-to-day visits and major events will now be even more enjoyable, successful and welcoming.”
The new restrictions on pedlars are expected to be in place from Thursday 1 October, with restrictions on bikes in pedestrianised areas due to be in place by the end of the year.
Huge new two-storey late-night venue with beer hall and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
A new late-night venue is set to open in Leeds city centre.
And luckily for us, we don't have long to wait.
Introducing Klubhaus, a new venue by The Bierkeller brand that will open its doors on Friday 30 October on Merrion Street in Leeds city centre.
Combining a whole host of things, Klubhaus will feature drinks, games, and its very own beer hall on the top floor.
'The Bier Hall' will offer your classic Bierkeller-style benches alongside a huge stage and vast dance floor, perfect for events and live DJs.
Elsewhere in the two-storey venue, there will be two bars and plenty of games including dart boards, pool tables, and Bierkeller's popular ‘Spin the Wheel’ game where customers are given the chance to spin a large wheel behind each bar to unlock discounts and offers.
Dave Howarth, Brand Manager of The Bierkeller said: “Klubhaus is an exciting Bierkeller concept, and Leeds is the perfect city for a more drinks-led, late-night version of the brand.
“With two floors, two bars and The Bier Hall, we've built a venue on Merrion Street designed for the perfect night out.”
Considering the location, we've got a feeling this will do very well for those who prefer to party at the top of town on Merrion Street.
And with the prospect of bagging yourself a free drink from the mysterious wheel...who could resist?
You can have a look at what to expect via the Klubhaus by Bierkeller website here.
Clementine Hall -
13th October 2025 
