Synonymous for almost 40 years with live music and eclectic club nights in Leeds, The Faversham has long been an iconic venue in the city.
A massive hub for Leeds indie music scene in 2004, it has hosted some very memorable shows over the years with performances from the likes of The Arctic Monkeys, The Streets, The Cribs and Hot Chip.
For a time, 'The Fav' also became the home to the world famous Nasty Fest and Bad Sneakers and the award winning hip-hop and broken beat clubnight New Bohemia.
Set in its own grounds just on the edge of the city centre of Leeds, for years it's acted as a live music venue, a restaurant by day, bar by night and a nightclub into the early hours - with its location behind Leeds University Union making it a popular haunt of students and local residents alike.
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Due to the pandemic, however, the venue has been closed for the best part of 18 months as restrictions on live music and club events have seen the events sector ground to a halt across the country.
Now it's back, with a full refurbishment courtesy of its independent owner - who decided it was time to take the business in a different direction and has pivoted towards private do's, like corporate events, weddings and private parties.
The building now consists of four distinct areas: the hall, the lounge, the conservatory, and an extensive outdoor terrace that seats up to 100 people.
It's hoped that fans of the old Faversham might find something to enjoy in the new - like getting married in the same room that they saw The Arctic Monkeys play all those years ago.
General manager, Zachary Williamson, said: “The last 18 months have been extremely challenging for the events and leisure industry and we are finally starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
NME // Arctic Monkeys
“Our core business is weddings, so it’s been an extremely stressful time having to rearrange them.
“Some of our couples have had to rearrange their wedding three times, but we are now finally able to go ahead with these bookings and look forward to welcoming our first newlyweds on 26 June, albeit with the new restrictions in place.”
“The latest coronavirus announcement on 14 June has definitely put a spanner in the works for any corporate and private events company but we are making every possible effort to ensure our planned events over the coming months go ahead.
“As we are now a dedicated events space and no longer a nightclub, we have slightly more flexibility in what we can offer our customers, plus we have such a large space both indoor and outdoor that can cater to everyone’s needs, whilst adhering to limited numbers and social distancing measures that are still mandatory.”
To find out more about the new Faversham, visit its website here.
News
Huge international girl group tipped for reunion tour after teasers from big UK arenas
A major international girl band appear to be gearing up for a big reunion tour following a number of teasers popping up at some of the largest arenas around the country.
Including right here in Leeds.
In case you haven’t already guessed it from the thumbnail, we’ll give you another hint: there used to be six of them, though it remains to be seen how many will be returning…
Yes, the once-huge all-female pop group, The Pussycat Dolls, looks set to reunite once again, though the full lineup and exact nature of the shows are yet to be fully verified.
They were a big chart-topping act throughout the noughties, and some of the famous faces are still doing bits in around showbiz today; they’ve been away for a long time, but the First Direct Bank Arena and more have just fans getting ready to “loosen up their buttons”.
Image: Co-op Live
Sharing the big digital advert splashed at the top of the venue on Wednesday, 11 March, the First Direct Bank Arena couldn’t have made it any easier for fans to guess.
Choosing one of the most obvious lyrics turned puns and asking us, “Don’t Cha Wish you knew who we’re announcing tomorrow (Thurs, 12 Mar)”, it didn’t take any time at all for people to figure it out.
With the comments across social media platforms now filled with people sharing gifs of their old performances and dance routines, or simply sharing their general excitement, the hype train is already well and truly on the way.
And then, as if things weren’t already blatant enough, the Pussycat Dolls’ official page has also shared a short clip ahead of the inevitable reveal featuring the words, “PCD Forever”, along with pointing them towards a website listed under the same name.
Now, the last time they performed was not long before the pandemic, with most of the original lineup performing on The X Factor, releasing their first new song in over a decade, ‘React’, which was supposed to signal the start of a reunion.
However, the planned comeback tour was ultimately cancelled in January 2022, and we hadn’t heard much else since – until now. Fans are crossing fingers that they get at least a trio of Nicole Sherzinger, Ashley Roberts, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, and Jessica Sutta, but we’ll find out very soon.
A bar in Leeds is serving £1 Baby Guinness shots in celebration of St Patrick’s Day
Clementine Hall
Baby Guinness shots for a quid? It would be rude not to.
Get ready to raid your wardrobe for anything green, because one of the funnest (and booziest) holidays of the year is just around the corner.
Of course, we're talking about the almighty St Patrick's Day that is taking place on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
It's a day filled with merriment, Irish music and plenty of Guinness. Whether that be pints of the good stuff or shots of Baby Guinness.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We're particularly a fan of the latter.
And there's a few spots in Leeds where you'll be able to get those bad boys for just one pound.
Roxy Ball Room & Roxy Lanes are hosting the offer which will be available from Friday 13 - Sunday 22 March, that's over an entire week of £1 shots for you to get stuck into.
All you have to do is download their brand-new rewards app, claim the voucher and leave the rest to them.
The voucher can be used at any time during the day and at any of their Leeds locations. Pretty class if you ask us.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And you're really spoilt for choice because you'll find Roxy Ball Rooms on Merrion Street and Boar Lane as well as a Roxy Lanes on The Headrow.
Not only will you be able to bag yourself a £1 shot, but in the same timeframe they're also offering limited edition Jameson shots to mark the occasion as well as two for £10 pints of Guinness.
Of course you'll be able to enjoy all the usual Roxy games and unleash your competitive side, from beer pong and tech darts to karaoke and ice-free curling.
So, get your mates together and get ready to grab a bargain this St Patrick's Day by downloading the Roxy Rewards App here.
Georgina Pellant -
23rd June 2021 
