Alternative rock bar closes in Leeds after 14 years

The much-loved Fab Café on Woodhouse Lane will close its doors for the last time on April 11 – but plans are in the pipeline to open elsewhere in the city.

The venue, known for its quirky television and movie memorabilia and alternative music scene, opened in 2001.

A leaving party will be held to bid farewell to the bar.

In a statement on the Fab Café Leeds Facebook page, Mike Royce, director of Future Promotions Ltd which owns the bar, said: “Fab Café opened in 2001, and within a few weeks the people of Leeds were queuing up for some retro madness.

“And the rest, as they say, is history.

“Lots of people have met there, and even fallen in love.

“If I were to be asked for my personal opinion upon what made it so special, [...] I would say it all came down to the amazing staff, and the incredible, eclectic customers that made the place their home away from home.

“I have met some of the most important people in my life at Fab Café Leeds, and those friendships remain to this day.”

Speaking about the closure, he added: “We have taken the hit in the name of progress, and everything was amicable.

“You will be aware of all of the massive redevelopment in the area.

“These are changes intended to improve Leeds as a city, and we were right in the middle of that.

“So we had to pack up our toys and move elsewhere.

“The amazing news is that we do have a new location, and over the coming months we will be announcing the details of the opening of the brand new Fab Café Leeds!

“From the moment we close on Woodhouse Lane, the gang will be beavering away to make your new home from home as Fab as ever.”

He added: “Thanks to everyone who ever worked at Fab Leeds, and made it so much fun.

“The most important thank you is reserved for all the customers that made the place Fab.

“Leeds has been a great home to us.

“We are going out in style as you would expect, and we need you all to join us for one last blowout!”

Fab Café will host a closing party on Saturday, April 11.

The Manchester venue, which opened three years prior to the Leeds site, will remain open.