Page 1 of 5

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 6:50 pm
by LS12
does anyone know of any old pubs/ bars which were used by gay men to meet? or any history regarding the gay scene in Leeds? have heard of Rockshots and Primos II is the 80's but not sure when these opened / closed?

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 7:11 pm
by Jogon
How come I'm the first to come out?For as long as I can recommember the New Penny near Leeds Bridge was a gay pub. Also the one nearest the Asda HQ I recall the Old Red Lion.I'm not, and I don't, but friends do. Are gay women allowed a mention in this thread or are we only on gay bloke bars?Whilst on 'themed' (if you don't mind me saying) pubs/bars I remember that for some reason the Templar Hotel Pub on Vicar Ln was always a Deaf Pub.Some folks took the wrong 'aw how cute' view but they could (can?) lip read, get drunk and hit you like anyone else.    

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 7:17 pm
by The Parksider
LS12 wrote: does anyone know of any old pubs/ bars which were used by gay men to meet? or any history regarding the gay scene in Leeds? have heard of Rockshots and Primos II is the 80's but not sure when these opened / closed? The hope and anchor that became the new Penny was a stalwart for years and continues to be so.In recent years the Old Red Lion and The Bridge made a nice little circuit for the gay community.I used to go to the White hart bottom of Pool Bank regularly with the wife, friends and family. Once the wife and I dropped in on a Sunday and she was just about the only lady there, then it dawned on us that sunday lunch was for Gay men to have a trip out to the country!

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 7:24 pm
by geoffb
The New Penny was previously the Hope and Anchor. In the 1960s it had really bad reputation and was highlighted in the News of the World because of the Homosexual clientele (before gays). The week after this article Leeds United played Rangers in a European game and their fans wrecked it. It was closed for a while and reopened as the New Penny.

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 7:25 pm
by BillyBritvic
As far as I can remember, in the early 1970's the New Penny (former Hope & Anchor or Grope and Edited - if you feel the need to disguise a word, to comply with the terms of site usage please don't post it at all. Non compliant posts will be deleted.) was the only specific and known "gay" pub in Leeds. There was Charlies nightclub upstairs near Lamberts Yard and there was also RooM at the Top at the bottom of North Street, other than these 3 venues I cant think of any others. Hope this helps.ps, does anyone remember The Amsterdam Bar in Huddersfield?        

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 7:32 pm
by Jogon
parkieI have to say I'm shocked at the White Hart down Pool Bank!Their choice of pale-lime green meets army-drab green window, gutter and downpipe detailing is just too close to the pale grey/brown gritstone of the building.During the week I pass there a couple of times and have it in mind to suggest an Autumn Gold or perhaps dark brown so at least there is some contrast.What was the food like?

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 8:33 pm
by LS12
has anyone any ideas how how the Bridge and Red Lion have been gay bars? I assume the Bridge has been there a 100+ years?

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 8:52 pm
by Cardiarms
Dredging my brain I seem to remember the rainbow flags there in the mid to late 90's. Could be wrong.

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 8:57 pm
by liits
LS12 wrote: has anyone any ideas how how the Bridge and Red Lion have been gay bars? I assume the Bridge has been there a 100+ years? The bridge is a "recent" venue. It was a Theakstone's pub [leasehold, I think] which opened sometime in the early 80's. One of the other contributors on here,who worked for Theakstones, sould be able to throw some light on the date that it opened.The Mitre on Commercaial Street had been another gay venue. The bottom of the stairs having atwo way mirror through which either the police [or the talent] could be viewed as they / it arrived.

Posted: Tue 17 Jan, 2012 9:05 pm
by BillyBritvic
LS12 wrote: has anyone any ideas how how the Bridge and Red Lion have been gay bars? I assume the Bridge has been there a 100+ years? Back in 1973/4 When I used to go in the Red Lion it was a meeting point for The Scooter Scene. If I remember correctly there was evem a Red Lion Scooter Club, although I think the biggest club was The Saxons, anyone any further info about scooter clubs in Leeds? anyway, I don't seeem to remember it being a gay pub back then.