The Basement Hirsts Yard,
Duncan Street,
LEEDS,
LS1 6DQ
(0113) 2461030
The ViewLeeds Review
The cobbled walk up through Hirsts Yard is very serene compared to the mayhem and fun inside The Space. This is a unique club that anyone who likes non-commercial, underground beats should experience. No cheese allowed.
The Venue
Despite its name, The Space is anything but spacious. And this explains why this two-roomed club has mirrored walls.
The decor couldn't be described as tasteful in the slightest, in fact the whole venue just smacks of nineties' tackiness, and it's starting to look very worn and tired compared to the new ‘places to be’ in town.
However, it's the night-time haunt for many and that's because the music more than makes-up for its shoddy appearance.
The People
The clientele who normally hangout in hard-house clubs seem to be missing their uniforms at The Space. There's not a glow stick to be seen, but that's because The Space isn't about gimmicks, just pure funk.
The dress code is no more strict than any other Leeds club, however those who frequent The Space have a sense of cool that seems to be unrivalled in the city.
The ever helpful bar staff do a fantastic job given the decibel levels, and they appear to have lip-reading down to a fine art.
It’s a shame the doormen don’t share the same work-ethic and people-skills as the bar and floor staff, however. Expect a group of unapproachable, rude men to eyeball you on your way in, regardless of your age, outfit or level of sobriety.
The Music
The midweek student night, Habit (Thursday), has a reduced entry-fee for any undergraduate who is in search of electro and funky house. At just £4 for NUS card carriers it’s a real favourite for the student population as it is open until 5am.
Also open until 5am is Frisky on a Friday, which hosts funky house anthems, R'n'B and club classics.
Back2Mine is the another popular event. It's held every month and plays a mix of funk, house and electro. Doors stay open until 5am, but the management recommend you call ahead to make sure of opening times.
Funky Dory, meanwhile, is possibly the most popular of the nights on at The Space and it's not one to be missed if funk is your thing.
The Drink
For many a reveller, ordering a sophisticated grown-up drink is no higher up on the agenda than sitting down. So, emphasis is placed on bottle sales. Correction, over-priced bottle sales.
Like many small clubs, the drinks are notoriously more expensive than in other bars, even though there is always a door charge. This, twinned with a poor selection of beverages, means the drinks are rather a let down. However, on a Habit student night some drinks are just a £1.
The Last Word
Attitude should be checked-in at the cloakroom along with neon your accessories because The Space is for hard-core revellers, not wannabes. Those who are accustomed to opulent surroundings are in for a culture shock as The Space appears to be stuck in a time warp, with decor Austin Powers would be comfortable in. However, if all you want from a night out is great music from genres that many other clubs neglect then you can do a lot worse than go here.