Entertainment in Yorkshire
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A
Baby Jupiter
A retro gem with lots of purple velvet, hanging fishbowls and a very funky soundtrack, this was - at the time of writing - the 'in' place with those who make it their business to define what 'in' actually is.
reviewed
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B
The Elbow Room
Part of a franchise with branches in London and Bristol, The Elbow Room in Leeds offers pool tables and live music or DJs every night. It's all effortlessly appealing: there's pop art on the walls, purple pool tables and laid-back music that matches the clientele. Don't worry about getting hustled, you're more likely to meet Yorkshire Phil than Minnesota Fats.
reviewed
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C
Frog & Parrot
Home to the world's strongest beer (allegedly), the 12% ABV ‘Roger & Out'. Unsuspecting ale-heads saunter in looking to down a pint of something as strong as your average wine, which is why they only serve this particular brew in half-pint glasses – so that you have at least a 50/50 chance of walking out under your own steam.
reviewed
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D
Grand Theatre & Opera House
The Grand Theatre & Opera House presents a diverse array of entertainment, including plays, musicals, opera and ballet. Resident companies are the internationally successful Northern Ballet Theatre and the acclaimed Opera North. This is the place to see stars just before they make it big and you have to pay the earth just to glimpse them.
reviewed
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E
City Varieties
This old-fashioned music hall features anything from clairvoyants to comedy acts to country music. Recently closed for major.
reviewed
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F
University of Sheffield Student Union
A varied and generally good program of rock gigs and club nights – including appearances by some pretty classy DJs – make this a good spot to spend an evening, plus there's the Last Laugh Comedy Club on Sunday nights. The Union is about a mile west of the city centre.
reviewed
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G
Ye Olde Starre
Licensed since 1644, this is a bit of a tourist trap, but an altogether excellent pub that is popular with locals. It was used as a morgue by the Roundheads, but the atmosphere's improved since then. It has decent ales and a heated outdoor patio overlooked by the minster.
reviewed
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H
Dr Wu's
Small and chock-full of black leather seats, this grungy bar would slot comfortably into New York's East Village, and don't the punters just know it. The vibe is studied cool and the DJs play a suitable blend of eclectic (but always alternative) sounds.
reviewed
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I
Japanic
Take a traditional English pub and combine it with a modern, hi-tech karaoke bar and you get Japanic, where students flock to share a bottle of sake, knock back a few ales and take to the microphone. What's not to like? It's just north of the centre.
reviewed
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J
Leadmill
Every touring band has played the dark and dingy Leadmill on the way up (or on the way down), and it remains the best place in town to hear live rock and alternative music. There are club nights too, but they tend to be cheesy 1970s and '80s disco classics.
reviewed
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K
Sandinista
Our favourite bar in town has a Latin look but a unifying theme, attracting virtually everyone with its mixed bag of music and unpretentious atmosphere. If you're not too fussed about looking glam, this is the spot for you.
reviewed
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Duke of York
Many pubs also serve food, including, of course, fish and chips or crab sandwiches. A good first choice is the popular Duke of York at the bottom of the 199 steps, with plentiful food and a classic Whitby atmosphere.
reviewed
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M
Showroom Bar
Originally aimed at film fans, this stylish bar with its arty, hip clientele is one of the best night-time destinations in town. The ambience is good, and so is the food, and Sunday afternoons have live jazz.
reviewed
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N
Ackhorne
Tucked away from beery, sloppy Micklegate, this locals' inn is as comfortable as old slippers. Some of the old guys here look like they've morphed with the place. There's a pleasant beer garden at the back.
reviewed
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O
Royal Hall
A gorgeous Edwardian theatre that is now a part of the Harrogate International conference centre. The musical program covers orchestral and choral performances, piano recitals, jazz etc.
reviewed
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P
HiFi Club
This intimate club is a good break from the hardcore sound of four-to-the-floor: if it's Tamla Motown or the percussive beats of dance-floor jazz that shake your booty, this is the spot for you.
reviewed
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Q
Wire
This small, atmospheric basement club, set in a forest of Victorian cast-iron pillars, throbs to a different beat every night, from rock 'n' roll to drum and bass. Popular with local students.
reviewed
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R
Fruit Cupboard
Hip-hop, R & B and other urban beats make up the menu at this compact club known by some as 'Fight Cupboard' - but alco-fuelled trouble is a potential feature most everywhere.
reviewed
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S
Bar Fibre
Leeds' most popular gay bar, which spills out onto the cleverly named Queen's Court, is where the beautiful congregate to congratulate themselves on being so lucky.
reviewed
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Showroom Cinema
The Showroom Cinema is the largest independent cinema in England, screening a great mix of art-house, off-beat and not-quite-mainstream films.
reviewed
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U
Harrogate Theatre
An historic Victorian building that dates from 1900, staging variety, comedy, musicals and dancing.
reviewed
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Whitelocks
Great beer and good, old-fashioned décor in a very popular traditional pub dating from 1715. In summer, the crowds spill out into the courtyard.
reviewed
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W
King's Arms
York's best-known pub is a creaky place with a fabulous riverside location - hence its enduring popularity. A perfect spot for a summer's evening.
reviewed
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X
Lamp
One of the more modern watering holes in town, with DJs, cocktails, a plush atmosphere and all the other devices to attract the beautiful kids.
reviewed
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Hull Truck Theatre
Home to acclaimed playwright John Godber, who made his name with gritty comedies Bouncers and Up'n'Under (he is one of the most-performed playwrights in the English-speaking world), Hull Truck presents a lively program of drama, comedy and Sunday jazz. It's just northwest of the Old Town.
reviewed
