Deep down in Brudenell, something stirs. East Village describes itself as a "Dive Bar". Set up within spitting distance of the legendary Brudenell Social Club, the venue owes its existence to the vision of owner Olly.
He previously ran a bar in New York and when he spotted a vacant comer Shisha bar in the backstreets of Leeds' student land he took the plunge and has re-created and updated a New York punk heyday vibe in the heart of Yorkshire.
I was introduced the the Village by son Joe who picked the venue with pals for the premier of a new skate video he's been filming with mates all over the North over the summer. Taking a few hints from DiCE, Joe turned the premier into an opportunity to mix skate and art with a small show of artworks from current and ex-Leeds art school, tattoo and skater pals. Olly pitched in - providing old skateboards as a canvas for exhibition signs.
With so many ex (and current) shredders among the current bike scene I was taken by what a perfect venue East Village would be for a custom biker get together - top cocktails and beers, a little out of he way and a wide street frontage for parking.
The video premier went down well and the tight camaraderie of the young skaters was reminiscent of some of the best biker events I've been to. The music and decor at East Village adding to the sense of best-of-times deja vu with original Ramones and Patti Smith posters and sounds setting the scene.
I was taken right back to Barbarellas, the Rum Runner and a crazy night searching out the SPOTs (Sex Pistols on Tour) in Newport back in the day.
The kids loved the music and the vibe - and so did I.
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