The Fenton

The Fenton is an independently owned pub at 161-165 Woodhouse Lane in Leeds. In the late 1970s it became a meeting place for the city’s post-punk scene, hosting bands including the Mekons, Delta 5 and Gang of Four. Gang of Four formed in Leeds in 1977, and the Fenton was one of their central meeting places.

Much of the original interior plan survives, including a dog-leg corridor and glazed screen. The pub has a capacity of about 200, with an upstairs event room equipped with PA gear and a sound engineer; it also hosts local bands, life-drawing classes, open-mic and jam sessions. FENTEK, Salt & Pepper Sound System, R.I.P. and LDH Records have run events there. Artists who have played include Colesy, Plankton, Dave Skywalker and Mr Ripley. In university terms, the pub serves five cask ales, largely sourced from small Yorkshire breweries, and as many as four still ciders, mostly from Lilley's. A dartboard is in the front room, while the rear room on the right has a pool table and jukebox.