Weekender: Film studio redevelops TV archive into new coffee house

A former TV archive on Kirkstall Road has been redeveloped into a new coffee house, bar and event space, named ARCHIVE.

Opening to the public on 11 February, ARCHIVE adjoins Prime Studio’s main production facility.

ARCHIVE, which will initially stay open until 6pm, features a menu that includes brunches and lunch options, with food sourced from local suppliers. There will also be vegetarian and vegan alternatives on offer.

The new venue comprises the facilities to cater for an array of events including art exhibitions and live music performances.

The first exhibition has been announced and will open to the public on 12 February. Bands FC will be showcasing their football badges and merchandise in Leeds for the first time.

Ben Hepworth, Prime Studios’ managing director, said: “Prime Studios is the ultimate multi-use venue, and has hugely diversified since we opened as a film and TV production facility in 2012. As we’ve expanded the site, production activity has increased and new tenants have set up here, but until now, there has been nowhere within reach of the studios for people to eat and drink.

“ARCHIVE has been a labour of love for me, from start to finish, and caps-off a brilliant twelve months, which has seen us welcome legends like John Malkovich, Rupert Grint, Bill Nighy and Keira Knightley. I’m thrilled that we are finally ready to open our doors to the public, who will help us to create new stories in this unique community space.”

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