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.
One of Leeds' longest-running pub will be closing.
The Cross Keys in Holbeck is a lovely little boozer.
And it's got a fair bit of history too. Dating back to the early 1800s, the pub has stood on Water Lane for more than two centuries, with its story closely tied to Holbeck's industrial past.
Back when the area was one of Leeds' major manufacturing hubs, the Cross Keys was a local drinking spot for workers from the surrounding foundries and engineering works.
The pub itself fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1980s, before being brought back to life during a major restoration in the 2000s.
But now, The Cross Keys is closing once again.
Images: The Cross Keys
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, the pub said: "It's with a heavy heart that we share the Cross Key's will be closing its doors on the 3rd of October.
"The whole team thank you for your support during our time in business."
In classic Leeds fashion, the comments were flooded with support from fans of the pub alongside fellow local businesses.
One comment reads: "Absolutely gutted about this. I held my fiance (now husband’s) 30th at The Cross Keys and it was excellent and the team were so helpful and hospitable. So sad to hear this."
Whilst another said: "Gutted, the home of some great memories and significant pints in my life."
So, if you've had a significant pint in The Cross Keys and wish to bid it a proper farewell, you've got until Saturday 3 October to do so.
Brand-new ‘party pub’ to take over the old Revolution site on Call Lane after £600,000 investment
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready to party Leeds, because a 'party pub' experience is coming to Call Lane.
Following a whopping £600,000 investment, Bonnie Rogues is preparing to open in the former Revolution site in Leeds city centre that will close this month.
After a major refurbishment, Leeds’ first Bonnie Rogues venue and the sixth site for the fast- growing UK brand will open in November 2026.
Designed as an all-day-to-night social destination, Bonnie Rogues combines live music, live sport, and late-night celebrations in one immersive venue.
From big nights out to spontaneous after-work drinks and even Sunday Roasts, Bonnie Rogues aims to offer something completely different from the traditional pub experience.
Expect live performances, crowd-involved entertainment and interactive moments in an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from day to night.
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said, “Leeds has such a strong social scene and a real appetite for experience-led venues, so we think Bonnie Rogues will fit perfectly into the city.
"It’s a concept that brings together everything people love about going out - live music, sport, food, entertainment and great atmosphere, all in one place. We’re excited to bring something new to Leeds and can’t wait to welcome guests later this year.”
The Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Bonnie Rogues venues across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio following its acquisition of multiple Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more.
Clementine Hall -
25th January 2023 
