Former Leeds live music venue is now a thriving events space

For so many years The Faversham was synonymous with live music and eclectic club nights, as well as for serving great food during the day. It was the go-to place for students and residents of Leeds alike, with its large rooms and excellent location, just outside of the city centre.

Over lockdown the management decided to remodel the business, refurbish and remerge from the pandemic as a dedicated events space, catering for corporate events and conferences, weddings and private parties.

This is the latest evolution for the venue which was established in 1947 as a hotel before becoming a hot spot for sporting stars and celebrities throughout the 60s and 70s.

In the early noughties, it became the hub of the indie music scene, offering a platform to hundreds of DJs and bands, with live performances from now internationally recognised artists, such as the Arctic Monkeys, The Streets and Hot Chip. This coupled with its convenient location, behind Leeds University Union, made it a hot bed for students as well as local Leeds residents.

Now in its eighth decade, The Faversham has again been transformed, consisting of four distinct areas where corporate and private events can take place:

• The Main Hall which has a capacity of 350 standing or 100 theatre style
• The Lounge a more intimate setting offering space for up to 50 people it’s perfect for private dinners, meetings and wedding ceremonies
• The stunning conservatory, with its glass roof and many of its original features, can cater for up to 85 people offering a special setting for small private and corporate parties as well as wedding ceremonies

The venue is set in its own grounds with extensive lawns, parking and an outdoor terrace which also offers the option for an alfresco experience with the ability to seat up 100 people it is perfect in the summer months.

Alongside the refurbishment, The Faversham has also joined forces with renowned event and wedding caterers, Bears Pantry, who will be based in-house at the venue, cooking up everything from canapes to grazing tables and BBQs to buffets, and is able to provide mouth-watering food for any event and budget.

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

“It’s a place steeped in nostalgia and to date we have a great response to the events from both the corporate and private market. “We want to inspire and amaze the people who eat our food so guests should not expect predictable event food. Just as The Faversham is a unique setting for an event, we want to provide distinctive and delicious food that will perfectly suit the event we are catering for.”