SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Hi everyone, I've just joined this forum, as it looked like it might be very useful for information on a project I'm working on.Basically, I'm interested in capturing through photos and quotes/anecdotes a sort of snapshot of what pubs are today, to celebrate and appreciate them as one of the last community hubs.I've set myself a 20 mile radius of Leeds, and am aiming to photograph a wide range of pubs, events and people to show what they can offer and hopefully also raise awareness that 39 or so are closing every week.Mostly locating the best pubs has relied on word of mouth, and I've found some great ones this way, but I'm hoping (please?) that some of you may be able to recommend some lesser-known places for me to visit.I'm particularly keen to visit unusual or special events, such as charity do's, sports, live music/comedy, interest group meets (such as bikers) or anything else which represents the diversity of pubs as a community base. Can anyone recommend anything that would fit the bill?It's also good to hear any stories or memories about the pubs.Thanks so much in advance for any help!P.S. Preferably the pubs would be fairly safe and welcoming for a little lass with an expensive camera!

lcrane wrote: I'm particularly keen to visit unusual or special events, such interest group meets (such as bikers) P.S. Preferably the pubs would be fairly safe and welcoming for a little lass with an expensive camera! Try the Hunters Inn past Poole towards Harrogate for bikers.On a summer evening they all come out and you can sit and enjoy the wonderful bikes as they all ride out for a half of any one of a dozen great beers.If there's a spot of rain watch them dissapear en masse. They haven't been polishing it all week just the get rain stains.Can't think of any pubs that are unsafe and impolite to "little lasses"

lcrane wrote: I'm particularly keen to visit anything which represents the diversity of pubs as a community base. Get in the Duncan, then get round to the new penny.These are diverse and full of genuine people....

The Grove in Holbeck, The West End , Kirkstall - The Skyrack (especially on a friday evening when the Rhinos are playing) and the new Roscoe or the Primrose when they have live music on are all worth a try.

The Hermit at Burley Woodhead is an isolated and characterful old place serving the small local community as well as passers by. Its on the Moor road between Burley in Wharfedale and Menston. Please DO be careful when driving there though, as the road is incredibly winding and narrow, and the speed humps in the area are nothing short of criminal and excessively harsh.

The Garden Gate in Hunslet is a beautiful pub.Obviously Whitelocks in the city centre, also the Old Vic round the back of the Town Hall - both beautiful.Ditto whoever said the Grove too. Especially if you can capture the jukstaposition between the pub and the giant Bridgewater Place behind it - a perfect contrast of old and new. Also, get up Holbeck Top Moorside and get one of the Spotted Cow - a beuatiful exterior now in disrepair and closed. A stunning example of the demise of the pub if ever you wanted one.I'll think of some others after LEEDS UTD WIN!.....

drapesy wrote: The Grove in Holbeck, The West End , Kirkstall - The Skyrack (especially on a friday evening when the Rhinos are playing) and the new Roscoe or the Primrose when they have live music on are all worth a try. Great one Drapesy. The Grove.......Last thursday in the month each room will have small string bands rehearsing in the front and sides rooms ready to go on in the back rooms to paly before the paying audience. A photo of a lovely old bar room with music players sat fiddling with the drinkers (go on, I've set you up) will be a gud un...

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. I've been to The Grove on a Wednesday, it was fantastic! Good to hear about the bikers at Hunters Inn too. Which night is the best for the West End House? I went on a Tuesday a few weeks ago and seemed very quiet...

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Have to throw in the Abbey in Rodley for its location (by the railway, river and canal down from either Bramley or Horsforth) and atmosphere. The Rodley Barge is a nice pub by the canal (but rather confusingly a good half an hour's walk from the Abbey).