Outlaws Yacht Club sailing into a bright future as a one stop shop

Outlaws Yacht Club is a versatile European-style bar that has been central to Leeds's ever evolving creative scene for more than decade. It's calling on punters to show the local independent scene "as much love as you can". Owners Shaun Read and Joe Gill told the YEP's CHARLES GRAY about their vision for the future

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Outlaws Yacht Club in New York Street is truly one of a kind, with its unique character and blend of businesses in house businesses. How did the idea come about?

"Hopefully people are aware of what we do, even though we're tucket away somewhat," said Shaun. "People can come in and have a bloody Mary, get a haircut and browse some records all in the same visit."

Did you two know each other before you opened the club in 2012?

Shaun said: "We each other from working in bars around Leeds. Our vision has always been to offer a creative, inclusive alternative to other venues in Leeds."

Where does the music arm of the business fit in?

"We are trying to lead the way with underground music and culture has always been at the centre of what we focus on," said Shaun, "with DJs, cultural events, exhibitions, live acts, film screenings and various socials all happening on a regular basis, but with the day-to-day offer of craft beer, cocktails, natural wines, coffee and food to make it a place anyone can hang out in at any time of day. Then we took over full ownership in 2015."

Tell us about the name - how did you come up with it?

"Outlaws Yacht Club was inspired by one of Joe's favourite books, Jim Dodge's Stone Junction," explained Shaun.