The Brudenell Social Club

The Brudenell Social Club is a members’ Club in the Hyde Park area of Leeds. It was formed as a gentleman’s social and recreational club in 1913, then developed into a popular social club for activities like cabaret and bingo.

In recent years, its’ role has changed drastically, due to the demographic of the area (Hyde Park) changing to accomodate more and more students. The Brudenell’s large concert room, cheap bar prices, friendly atmosphere and LS6 location have made it extremely popular as a venue for live music and arts events, and an essential part of the live music scene in the city.

The Brudenell cemented its’ a reputation in April 2004, when Franz Ferdinand played their notorious secret gig there, under a pseudonym (The Black Hands). The Brudenell gig is documented on Franz Ferdinand’s DVD. Since then, the Kaiser Chiefs have also organised a secret gig at the venue, and bands like The Cribs played many early shows there.

However the main strength of the Brudenell is its’ ability to support both small bands with local support, and international touring bands, with ease. The function room is regularly used for capacity-crowd gigs, as well as many smaller gigs and events which are vital to the music and arts scene in Leeds.

A group of volunteers now hope to secure the Brudenell Social Club’s ability to host live music, DJs and community events. The main Committee at the Club have allowed the Entertainments Committee to take over the upkeep of the main concert room. Due to the Club’s non-profit charitable status, this fundraising is very important to assist the Club in keeping its’ license and staying open. The Entertainments Committee have now raised over £20,000 towards soundproofing, a new PA system, and general upkeep of the main events room. Part of this funding was provided by Awards For All, the Lottery fuding organisation, in late 2006. AFA supported their efforts with the maximum £10,000 grant towards the project.
We will continue to fight to take the Brudenell from strength to strength and aid its reputation as a truely valuable and much needed community asset.