Brudenell Social Club

Perhaps Leeds’ most beloved music venue is the Brudenell Social Club, which has the initial appearance of being a lively but indistinct northern social club in the residential area of Hyde Park. You don’t have to delve much deeper though to discover its firmly established place at the heart of the city’s thriving independent music scene.

Embracing all forms of music and art under a very wide umbrella.

With two dedicated live music rooms and a games room with snooker table, five pool tables, darts and table football – the Brudenell hosts live shows most nights of the week. It’s the go-to venue in the city for many touring acts, and often scores a coup with substantially larger bands choosing to play festival warm-up shows in its relatively intimate spaces.

The booking policy here knows few boundaries, meaning you could find an up-and-coming Americana artist playing at one end of the building while a covers band packs out the other. With its bar well-stocked and noticeably cheaper than your standard Leeds music venues, it’s hard not to have a great night out at the Brudenell. Embracing all forms of music and art under a very wide umbrella, in the past it’s been made famous for hosting secret gigs for big names like Franz Ferdinand and The Kaiser Chiefs but there’s much more to discover here besides. 

One of the most famous music venues in the city.

That said, it’s not all about music here – although that is, undoubtedly, what The Brudenell is best known for. In its bar, you’ll find large TV screens showing all the latest sports fixtures on Sky and BT, with taps pouring quality local cask and world speciality craft ales at more than reasonable prices. The club is also home to a number of local meet ups and organisations, including photography, film, and even origami groups, which meet up here on regular occasions. 

Taking its name, or so it is said, from the Brudenell family who were notorious for owning Kirkstall Abbey after it ceased to be a monastery in 1539, the club has a long and varied history dating all the way back to 1913 and the late Victorian period. Split into three areas, it holds two 400 capacity concert spaces, separated by a bar and games room. One of the most famous music venues in the city, no self-respecting fan can miss an opportunity to catch a show here given the chance.