One of Leeds' most iconic gig venues has been shortlisted in the prestigious Music Venue Week Awards.
Brudenell Social Club in Burley has just been shortlisted for a big award – and is up against big names from across the UK.
The old working man's club is hoping to cinch the title of Grassroots Venue 2023, going up against the likes of Night & Day Cafe in Manchester, The Windmill in Brixton, Leadmill in Sheffield, and The Globe in Newcastle.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Supported by the Music Venue Trust, the awards celebrate and recognise the achievements of the entire music industry across 25 different categories.
The awards will champion the country’s best marketing teams, retailers, promoters, record labels, venues, radio shows, ticketing companies and more.
It's not the first time that the legendary venue, which has hosted some huge names in music over its 43 years in the city, has been acknowledged at the awards - taking home the Grassroots Venue: Spirit of The Scene at the Music Week 2021 ceremony.
The venue originally opened in Leeds in 1913, but was demolished and rebuilt in 1978. With room for 800 people split across its two rooms, it’s stayed true to its working men’s club aesthetic – keeping the old 50’s-style interiors whilst bringing some adventurous music bookings to its home on Queen’s Road.
From introducing brand new, upcoming artists to the city to acting as a home for big names to play intimate one-off shows, if you want to see something really good in Leeds you can always rely on the Brudenell to provide.
The winner will be announced live on stage at the Music Week Awards ceremony, London in May. Voting is now open until the end of March at the Music Week Awards website here.
Feature image - Wikimedia Commons
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Georgina Pellant -
8th March 2023 
