Sheaf Street has announced its sad closure, stating the business is no longer sustainable and unable to recover.
Established in 2017, Sheaf Street is an independent family-run business that set out to host a range of events in a comfortable space for the people of Leeds.
And they did exactly that.
A true hidden gem in the Southbank area of the city, the venue has hosted a plethora of events over the years - from late night club nights to live music events, it was the perfect place to dance, drink and relax.
Sadly, Sheaf Street is now closing with immediate effect as owners issue a statement reading that the business is no longer sustainable and unable to recover.
The statement reads: "Sheaf St. will be closing permanently with immediate effect. This is a truly devastating statement we genuinely hoped we’d never have to write, but it’s the end of the line for Sheaf St.
"Back in May, we discussed the choice of ‘shut down or double down’. We chose to go all in, doubling down on our events in a last-ditch attempt to make things work with a bumper Quarter 4. The team curated a series of events we are truly proud of, but sadly, the world is not on our side right now.
Image: Sheaf Street
"The Aire Park development, which completely surrounds us, has had a devastating impact on our trade. The cafe has been forced to close since January this year, losing a vital stream of regular income with no compensation for the disruption.
"Our industry is facing a real crisis post-pandemic, with low attendance, rising costs, increasing fees, significantly reduced spend per head, and skyrocketing utilities and stock costs, all on top of trying to recoup huge pandemic losses."
The venue are calling on its visitors to share their "tales of the dancefloor" at Sheaf Street, in an effort to influence someone who will the economic benefit that the iconic venue had on the city, in a hope to support another venue in the future.
Their statement finished with: "And a huge thank you to all our customers: the after-work drinkers, daytime diners, brunch enthusiasts, and late-night dancers. We will miss you all. We may have orchestrated the space, but it’s YOU that made Sheaf St what it is.
"We’ll fondly remember the good times – so many really, really good times."
The Wombats aren’t just still going strong - they’re getting better. And honestly? Long may they reign.
The Wombats absolutely tore the roof off the First Direct Arena in Leeds last night, Wednesday 26 March and what a night it was.
From the second they hit the stage it wasn’t just a gig, it was a full-blown indie-pop spectacle, packed with infectious energy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of dancing.
They kicked things off with “Moving to New York,” and honestly? The crowd was in from the first note.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Matthew Murphy’s unmistakable vocals rang through the arena and suddenly, thousands of people were screaming every lyric like it was 2007 all over again. It was one of those moments where you could just feel how much this band still means to people.
Despite the massive venue, The Wombats somehow made it feel intimate. The lights? Pure chaos in the best way - vibrant, colourful, and totally in sync with the band’s wild, bouncy sound.
Murphy’s cheeky banter between songs made it feel less like a polished arena show and more like a jam session with a few thousand of your closest mates.
Setlist-wise, they nailed it. “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Greek Tragedy” had the whole place losing it, while the stripped-down version of “Techno Fan” gave everyone a minute to breathe (and maybe get a little emotional).
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those quieter moments just made the high-energy choruses hit even harder. It was a rollercoaster - in the best way possible.
Then came the encore. If you thought the crowd was loud before, “Kill the Director” took things to another level. Pure, chaotic indie bliss. The kind of moment you don’t want to end.
Here’s the thing about The Wombats: some might say their older songs hit harder than their newer stuff, but is that just nostalgia talking? Or maybe it’s a generational thing?
Either way, they proved they’re still one of the most exciting live bands out there. They’ve still got the hooks, the humour, and the ability to turn a massive arena into a sweaty, euphoric singalong.
Mumford & Sons add new Leeds show at the First Direct Arena to sell out UK tour
Clementine Hall
Two new arena dates have been added to their forthcoming UK tour, after selling out the entire run within two hours.
Ahead of dropping their fifth studio LP Rushmere at the end of the month, the cult favourite folk-rock outfit announced a brand-new European tour in support of the record, including a limited UK leg.
The now sold-out arena run starts in Europe in November before now arriving in Leeds on Sunday 30 November.
The significance of the band’s return can be found in the title of the new album, as Rushmereis the spot where it all began for the boys: a pond located on Wimbledon Common in south-west London where Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane first hung out.
However, the multi-award-winning acoustic-driven British rockers and folk revivalists are now a trio following the departure of Winston Marshall, who quit the band back in 2021 following controversies surrounding his right-wing beliefs.
Image: Supplied
With that in mind, it’s rather fitting that they have insisted that beyond just a place and a title, Rushmere is alsothebeginning of a new phase.
Following an intense period of creativity, the project was produced by fellow nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb and recorded at the famous RCA Studio A in Nashville, as well as in Savannah, Georgia and back home at Marcus’ studio in Devon.
The album itself drops on this Friday 28 March and judging by the little that we’ve heard so far, they’ve been well worth the wait.
As for the arena show, tickets will go on sale this Thursday 27 March at 10am.
Best of all, they’re donating £1 from every ticket sold straight to War Child UK – this sort of stuff should be standard for any big act as far as we’re concerned.
Clementine Hall -
31st October 2023 
