Up until 2000, 71 Vicar Lane was home to an iconic Leeds pub that hosted such bands as Nirvana, Oasis, Blur and the Manic Street Preachers.
Known as The Duchess of York, it was famous not just in Leeds but across the north - serving as an integral piece of the city's music scene for many years.
After its closure in 2000, it was replaced by fashion giant Hugo Boss which still has a store on the site to this day.
For those who miss the good old days at the Duchess, though, we've got some good news. The pub has now been partially recreated in Leeds’ Kirkgate Market for the Compass Festival, as part of a project called "Public House: The Yorkshire Square."
The Duchess of York has been re-created inside Kirkgate Market as part of Compass Festival / Image: Compass Festival
At just 12ft x 12ft, it's not that big - but then it's true that all good things come in small packages.
Described on Compass Festival's website as "Bringing a ferment of connections, conversations and experiences to the heart of Leeds iconic Kirkgate market", it will be in situ here up until 24 July.
Although it's an interactive art project, you can still grab a pint here at the recreated Duchess and relive a taste of the good old days and reminisce on a time before the iconic pub was replaced with a clothes shop.
The Duchess is only at the market until 24 July, so don't miss out / image: Compass Festival
Designed by Katie Etheridge and Simon Persighettie, the remade pop-up pub features a mock-up of the sign, gig flyers, photos from gigs in a massive hit of nostalgia.
The duo behind the project hopes that local visitors will “come together, share memories of gigs they went to and discuss why pubs and pub venues are so important, and what we can do to stop them being lost” here.
Further big names to grace The Duchess's stage over the years include Radiohead, Coldplay and Green Day - but it's biggest claim to fame has to be welcoming in Nirvana as a support band back in the late 80s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cMEZtJ-9Mw&t=4s
It's said that the little-known band from Aberdeen, Washington came to support Tad - and that Kurt Cobain went and slept on the sofa upstairs afterward.
At the time, the band was in town to promote their album Bleach; but they also played some songs that would feature in their second album Nevermind, such as About a Girl, Love Buzz, Floyd the Barber and Polly.
For anyone who was there, it was surely a truly iconic gig to witness. We have to say, we're rather jealous.
You can get some of Yorkshire's finest ales on tap here alongside old school favourites like Tetley's / Image: Compass Festival
Modeled on the dimensions of the unique fermenting vessel made famous by Tetley’s Brewery, the recreated Duchess of York has plenty of cold beer as well as what they're calling the 'Time Bar.'
Here, you can watch and listen to specially recorded interviews on pub's past, present and future and add your own using the interactive Pub Quiz machine.
There is no need to book, you can just turn up. Find it inside Kirkgate Market until 24 July.
Opening times at The Duchess:
Friday 16 July: 11am – 10pm
Saturday 17 July: 11am – 5pm
Monday 19 July: 11am – 5pm
Tuesday 20 July: 11am – 5pm
Wednesday 21 July: 11am – 5pm
Thursday 22 July: 11am – 5pm
Friday 23 July: 11am – 10pm
Saturday 24 July: 11am – 5pm
Feature image - Leeds Civic Trust / Youtube.
Leeds
Family pays tribute to ‘warm and engaging young man’ killed in tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
The family of the young man who was killed in tragic tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have now paid tribute to him.
The man has been named as William Chapman.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday 10 October, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
Today, Wednesday 14 October, Chapman's family have paid a touching tribute to the 'warm and engaging young man' via police.
It reads: "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back.
"Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.
"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."
The tribute continues: "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.
"The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their utmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.
"In the meantime, please do not approach the family, their addresses, or scrape any further social media from William’s or his family’s accounts.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park shared on Sunday 11 October that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
Georgina Pellant -
16th July 2021 
