A new pub has opened in Leeds this week - and it's on the site of a former beloved gay venue.
The Bridge LS1 opened for the first time on Monday, October 25, in Bridge End in Leeds city centre.
It has opened at the address of The Bridge Inn, a former popular LGBT pub that closed in September 2020 after 35 years due to struggling through the pandemic.
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It is now under new ownership but intends to continue being friendly to the Leeds LGBT scene.
New manager Cameron Saunders, 24, told LeedsLive: "It was really important to me to keep it as a safe space for the LGBT community in Leeds.
"We're starting off slowly, but we're planning for DJ events that will be run for and by LGBT people.
"We want to be a modern LGBT bar that's offering something a bit different, and bring people in who are new to the gay scene but also give something new and fresh to people who are already here."
The Bridge LS1 is serving a range of tap beers, spirits and cocktails.
The inside of the pub has been redone, with new paint, furniture sourced from local charity shops, and complete with disco balls and a rainbow chandelier.
After feedback from a non-binary friend during the decorating process, gender neutral toilets have been installed.
Cameron said: "It's been going well so far. We've had lots of people in and we've had some lovely feedback.
"As people learn about us through word of mouth, we're hoping to do some bigger events.
"It's quality drinks, good music, and good vibes."
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Cameron is particularly concerned about safety after recent reports of spiking in Leeds so he has ordered strips to test drinks and says all staff are trained in what to do.
The pub also operates Ask for Angela and plans to get staff trained in the Good Night Out and Mesmac schemes.
The Bridge LS1 is open 3pm until midnight, Monday through Wednesday, and from 2pm until 2am the rest of the week, other than Sunday, when it closes at 1am.
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