A Wetherspoons pub in Headingley has applied to grant permanent access for participants of the famous Otley Run.
The Golden Beam has recently applied to Leeds City Council to change their alcohol license.
It comes after a trial run over five Saturdays in September and October that saw Otley Runners allowed into the premises.
The Wetherspoons pub opened in 2021 but its license prevented entry from those taking part in the pub crawl which sees masses of fancy dress-wearing drinkers embark into a range of pubs from Far Headingley to the outskirts of the city centre.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's been a few concerns raised regarding the size of the Otley Run and the noise it produces.
A statement from the area's ward councillors, Jonathan Pryor and Abdul Hanan reads: "For full transparency, when Wetherspoons held their five Saturday events allowing in Otley Runners (sic), we received a small number of complaints from local residents, fewer than you can count on one hand. And we received no contact from people in support.”
The new application would remove all of the conditions, meaning the Otley Runners would be allowed in whenever they wanted.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson from The Golden Beam said: "The Golden Beam has extensive seating and lavatory facilities within the pub, CCTV throughout, no music, food availability until 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm Friday and Saturday and highly trained staff.
“It is hoped that allowing well-behaved Otley Run participants to use the Golden Beam facilities will improve, rather than detract from, anti-social behaviour in the area.
“The measures used to encourage good behaviour have been included in the variation application and will form conditions on the licence if it is granted.
“We will work with neighbours and other local stakeholders during the application’s consultation period to answer any questions they may have.”
Those wanting to share their views can email entertainment.licensing@leeds.gov.uk - quoting the reference PREM/04457/005.
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages this winter.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 December 2026.
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
Clementine Hall -
28th October 2025 
