Wharf Chambers

Wharf Chambers is a co-operatively run bar and venue on the ground floor of a former Victorian pork pie factory at 23–25 Wharf Street in central Leeds. It grew out of The Common Place, a volunteer-run social centre with left-wing political aims that closed in April 2011; former members renovated the premises, raising money through gigs and parties, and Wharf Chambers was up and running by 2012. Its programme takes in music, club nights, art, films, political events, workshops and meetings.

A workers’ co-operative runs the venue in partnership with a members’ club whose members have democratic control, and the Wharf Chambers Co-operative Club manages events that need a licence. No single person directs the co-operative, and bar takings and room hire pay for running costs and upkeep. The events room has a 24-channel PA and cinema equipment and holds about 180 standing or around 40 seated, with a fire-safety capacity of 250 for the whole ground floor.

Stretchy Dance Supply brings UK bass, footwork and jungle to the venue, while the monthly Love Muscle party mixes drag with music from disco to dark techno. License To Jungle and NoizHeadz have also staged events there, and Diverge, Solo, LD50 and PIX.L are among the artists who have played.