“It couldn’t have come at a worse time,” ruminates new Duck & Drake owner Simon Colgan about his latest venture, “…cosmically, everything was wrong about it, but I had people emailing me saying, ‘You can’t let this happen, you’ve got to do something about it.’” By the time Colgan took over the pub in September of this year, it had been closed for several months and had fallen into a state of disrepair.

Renowned by those on the live music circuit for the vibrancy of his Blues Bar over in Harrogate, punters believed Colgan was the man to inject some magic into what had become a dreary and forgotten place - soon enough, he was being urged to come to Leeds and revive the Duck & Drake. Just a few months on and the place is livelier than it’s been in years. The old regulars are returning, the pub’s heavenly selection of real ales reads from a chalkboard like an order of service in the corner of the room, and posters dotted around the place showcase local performers set to take to the stage in the coming weeks.

As murals of former soul and blues legends decorating the bar area demonstrate, live music is at the forefront of Colgan’s vision for the Duck & Drake. Visitors to the pub are awestruck by just how much it brings the place to life. “Oh, you ought to see this place on a Sunday”, remarks one regular, “the atmosphere’s electric.” And that atmosphere isn’t just confined to weekends – Colgan promises a musical spectacular for seven days a week.

With acts including “Serious” Sam Barrett, Hijak Oscar and Resurgence lined up to perform at the pub over the next month and a fine range of ales on tap, there’s more than one reason to drop into the Duck & Drake - a historical tavern of local treasure situated just a stone’s throw away from the city’s market and train station.