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.
It's officially festival season, and boy have we got a good one for you.
Is there anything better than enjoying a few drinks whilst bopping your head to live music? No, we think not.
Now add a waterside view at one of Leeds' best pubs to the equation, and you're on to an absolute winner.
And it's all kicking off this weekend at Brewery Wharf Tavern, where on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July the space will transformed into a vibrant summer destination, with visitors invited to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere throughout the weekend.
The best part? It's completely free.
Images: Supplied
Hosted by Brewery Wharf Tavern, 212, Latitude Wine, Yorkshire Wine School and Cafe Yum Yum this year's Waterfront Festival brings together some of Leeds' favourite independent businesses and partners, celebrating the city's thriving waterfront community.
Guests can expect outdoor bars serving crisp pints, cocktails, refreshing spritzes and for food there'll of course be a BBQ serving summer specials.
Live bands The Beth Honey Collective & Honey Trap will be providing the tunes as well as DJs throughout the weekend.
There will also be plenty of family-friendly entertainment as well as live street art, and a late night after party just next door at 212.
Latitude Wine will also be hosting workshops and masterclasses if you're looking to brush up on your wine knowledge.
The Waterfront Festival has become one of the area's most anticipated summer events, so make sure to get yourself down to Brewery Wharf Tavern.
The festival is free to attend, with no tickets required. You can find out more here.
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Featured image - Supplied
Leeds
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Clementine Hall -
13th October 2025 
