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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Mellissa Dzinzi

The legendary nightclubs of Leeds in the 1990s - and one that's still going strong

Leeds has changed drastically over the years - largely for the better.

But one thing has remained a constant; the love of a good night out and the pubs and clubs that make the city such a great place to socialise and blow off steam.

Sadly, some of these iconic venues have been shut down.

But while they're no longer alive with the flashing disco lights and beating thump from the DJ's speakers, they are still very much in the hearts and memories - albeit hazy - of the punters who spent their 90s dancing and drinking in these venues.

So, in no particular order, here are the nightclubs and pubs people miss most from Leeds in the 1990s.

Branningans

The most popular venue mentioned by readers who said they had "fabulous" nights in Brannigans which used to be in Vicar Lane.

The former site of Brannigans bar (Google)

The former club which is now a row of music shops and hi-fi encouraged "eating, drinking and cavorting".

Looking at the building now you would never know that it used to be a successful nightclub unless you were there in the 90s.

Majestyk

Another nostalgic reader mentioned they missed the Majestyk nightclub formerly based on Quebec Street in the city centre.

Majestyk nightclub, Leeds, in 2009 (left) and 2018 (Google Street View)

Before being made into a nightclub, the building was actually a cinema built in the early 1920s which had a restaurant and basement ballroom.

The nightclub ran from 1996 until it closed in 2007. The recent years the building was announced it would become Channel 4's headquarters.

Majestyk nightclub, Leeds (Carl Milner/Flickr)

The Gallery

Named after the display of paintings around the balcony according to 88to98.

The club, which was in Merrion Street, received hundreds of visitors each week and they gained a high reputation among club-goers, receiving the likes of Eric Catona, Gary Kemp and even Vic Reeves.

Superstar DJ Pete Tong (Daily Record)

Pete Tong was one of the DJ's for the club as well as other well-known musicians such as DJ Vertigo, DJ Sy and Carl Cox.
And, according to 88to98 in 1992 the club was voted the 'second-best rave venue in Europe'.

The Warehouse

Based in Somers Street, it was mentioned by our readers but unlike other venues, it is still going strong. They still welcome tribute bands as well as host unforgettable nights.

In September they were even expecting to welcome Jo Whiley for a 90's themed night.

Bar Celona

One reader said nothing comes close to nights out in Bar Celona which used to be on Kirkstall Road. The club was filled with fun and exciting nights with fire breathers and other scenes you would not see in clubs today.

The former Bar-Celona, Kirkstall (Google)

Mr Craigs

This was one of Peter Stringfellow's clubs in Leeds. The venue was based at the Grand Theatre, New Briggate. It was Mr Stringfellow's attempt to bring some 'London sophistication' to Leeds.

Although we are not sure how successful it was, many readers remember spending many nights at the club.

If there are any places or things we have missed, let us know what you think.

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