Leeds United artwork created by regular at Aire Bar Leeds in The Calls
A bar owner has commissioned one of his regulars to create a series of Leeds United themed artworks in a bid to attract customers during a terrible period for the hospitality industry.
The owners of Aire Bar, in The Calls, have collaborated with local artist Carl Knapper and designer Chris Pitts, who have created the original images which pay homage to Leeds United down the years.
Owner Chris Howard explained that the bar, like many other hospitality businesses across Leeds, continues to be heavily impacted by coronavirus restrictions and the subsequent lack of footfall in the city centre.
He said: “Aire Bar attracts a huge Leeds United following and not being able to attend live games at Elland Road has been a blow to thousands of fans.
"Carl is a regular customer and a huge Leeds United fan and he approached us with an idea to create some pieces exclusively for Aire Bar.
"We thought it was a great idea to lift fans' spirits post-lockdown and add even more character to the bar."
It's been a particularly tough year for Aire Bar, after flood measures failed to prevent the bar during storms at the start of the year.
The bar has reduced capacity due to Covid-19 guidelines while also increasing the number of large screens in the bar to eight to ensure everyone can get a good view while staying socially distanced.
Tables for all of Leeds United televised games have sold out within hours and hundreds of requests for tables have had to be turned down.
Chris hopes that the artwork, which has already been getting a lot of attention on social media, will encourage fans to visit the bar again when restrictions are eased.
The team at Aire Bar have also been raising money for 'Hospitality Action' by holding raffles for Leeds United memorabilia during televised games.