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Leeds legend Liam Cooper puts £1,000 behind The Old Peacock bar for locals
'What a captain and leader on the pitch and at the club he was. An even greater gentleman and kindhearted guy who will do everything for anybody top guy. MOT.'
Leeds United legend Liam Cooper was a special guest at go-to matchday pub The Old Peacock this past weekend and delighted fans even further by putting a healthy £1,000 in free drinks behind the bar.
Cooper left the Whites after more than 10 years at Elland Road back in September 2024 after his contract expired, joining Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia on a free transfer, but he remains a welcome face at the pub across the way from Leeds' home ground.
Especially when he gets the round in.
Returning to The Old Peacock for the first time since leaving Yorkshire, not only did Liam Cooper turn up completely by surprise and offered to put £1,000 behind the bar.
A belated Christmas present from ex-captain Cooper. (Credit: The Old Peacock)
Speaking to the BBC, one of the staff members explained how Cooper walked in pretty much without being noticed until beloved bar woman Dawn Oates spotted him and asked him for a picture.
After it became apparent it was indeed the former defender and club captain, the Kingston upon Hull-born Scottish international was insistent on sharing some free drinks with the punters.
Dawn and her colleagues then proceeded to hand out can after can of ALAW Lager ('All Leeds Aren't We'), the popular beer created in collaboration between official United supporters' groups and Osset Brewery, who have owned the Peacock since 2013.
Writing in a post on social media, the busy boozer said: "We would like to send a massive thank you to Liam Cooper for coming into the pub today and putting £1000 over which we handed fans a free can of ALAW Lager on his behalf."
Responding in the comments, many applauded the "classy" gesture and noted it wasn't the first time he'd done similar; one person detailed how he was treated to four free tins of the local brew and everyone echoed the mutual love between him and the club.
Much to the delight of regulars, The Old Peacock has been treated to lots of guest appearances by both present and former players over the years.
Fellow former defender and fan favourite Luke Ayling, who also left the club last year, famously relished popping in to surprise match-goers, even having the pub temporarily renamed as 'The Luke Ale Inn' in his honour.
If you thought his goodbye video was emotional enough, 'Coops' farewell was doubly so after a literal decade as a Peacock.
Where does he rank among all-time club servants and legends, do you think?
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."
Danny Jones -
6th January 2025 
