Former live music venue returns as dedicated events space

The Faversham, in Leeds, has a new lease of life after being synonymous for almost 40 years with live music and eclectic club nights along with garden parties and food.

With the last 18 months taking its toll on the hospitality industry, the independently owned venue has been refurbished and is now a dedicated events space, catering for corporate events, weddings and private parties.

Established in 1947, The Faversham began as a hotel, before becoming a hot spot for sporting stars and celebrities throughout the 1960s and ’70s.

In 2004, it became a hub for the Leeds indie music scene, offering a platform to hundreds of DJs, club nights and indie bands, with live performances from the likes of The Cribs, Arctic Monkeys, The Streets and Hot Chip.

Its location, behind Leeds University Union, made it a hotbed for students as well as local residents.

The Faversham’s owner decided it was time to change its business model, meaning it has now evolved from a club and events venue into an events-only destination.

The majority of the venue has been renovated and re-imagined, featuring stylish fixtures and fittings with an industrial, yet contemporary vibe.

General manager, Zachary Williamson, said: “The last 18 months have been extremely challenging for the events and leisure industry and we are finally starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.

“Our core business is weddings, so it’s been an extremely stressful time having to rearrange them.

“Some of our couples have had to rearrange their wedding three times, but we are now finally able to go ahead with these bookings and look forward to welcoming our first newlyweds on 26 June, albeit with the new restrictions in place.”

The Faversham now consists of four distinct areas where corporate and private events can take place: the hall, the lounge, the conservatory, and an extensive outdoor terrace that seats up to 100 people.

Williamson added: “The latest coronavirus announcement on 14 June has definitely put a spanner in the works for any corporate and private events company but we are making every possible effort to ensure our planned events over the coming months go ahead.

“As we are now a dedicated events space and no longer a nightclub, we have slightly more flexibility in what we can offer our customers, plus we have such a large space both indoor and outdoor that can cater to everyone’s needs, whilst adhering to limited numbers and social distancing measures that are still mandatory.”

The Faversham is working with event and wedding caterers, Bears Pantry, who will be based in-house at the venue.

Sam Pullan, founder of Bears Pantry, said: “We’re obsessed with flavour. We’re food explorers. We love catering for events and are delighted to be part of The Faversham Family.

“It’s a place steeped in nostalgia, and we are super excited to for events to come back with a bang. I

“It’s been a rollercoaster over the last year and a half but the team at Bears Pantry are ready and raring to go with what we do best – making food that will be enjoyed and remembered.

“We want to inspire and amaze the people who eat our food so guests should not expect predictable wedding and event food.”