Dry Dock: The story of a quirky Leeds pub
It’s the landmark which is arguably the quirkiest pub in Leeds.
The Dry Dock - a gravel barge turned watering hole - has been part of the city’s entertainment scene for more than 30 years.
It has been serving up a warm welcomed since being marooned on Woodhouse Lane in 1993.
The vessel is thought to have been built around 1948 and was a sand and gravel barge called the Lambda which could be found in the River Aire.
It was transported to LS2 after the project to locate it here overcame many logistical difficulties, and once Leeds City Council were persuaded on the merits of the move.
This new kid on the block prompted debate among YEP readers at the time.
Letters to the editor included this one from Graham Auty from Cookridge.
"Is Leeds City Council determined to turn the centre of the city into a complete eyesore? First we suffer the abomination of the so-called Landmark Leeds, creating a veritable obstacle course through the busiest streets in the precinct, complete with the brilliantly conceived death trap in Trinity Street, where an unguarded three foot drop, awaits its first victim,” he wrote.
"Next, the council allows street traders to set up stalls to block pavements, turns a blind eye peddlers of counterfeit goods and beggars, and a deaf ear to the sub-standard music pumped out by buskers.
"Now to rub salt in the wounds, half and pavements and roads in the city are being dug up so that we can have pretty red kerbstones.
"To cap it all, a new eyesore has been planted on a former green field right alongside the existing eyesore of the Woodhouse Lane multi-storey car park, presumably to keep it company. I refer of course to the rustling hulk of a barge that will form part of a new 'theme' restaurant, The Dry Dock.”
He added: "Perhaps the council should take heed of its own motto, emblazoned on refuse wagons, and 'Keep the Streets Neat.'"
The Dry Dock went on to win the Publican’s Best Pub Design Award in 1995 and became a firm favourite among students being the last stop off on the Otley Run.
It was also featured in a YEP round up of underrated city bars and pubs in 2018.
"Its position near the universities means it’s a little out of the way from the main stretch of pubs and bars, but this docked boat certainly catches the eye if you happen to be in the area," read the review. "While it’s often dismissed as a student pub, Dry Dock has plenty of appeal for everyone, thanks to its delicious food menu and diverse variety of drinks - all at very reasonable prices."
Your YEP visited the pub to learn more about its history and heritage and produced this video report.