This week the Date Night Diary will be letting you in on a secret… Have you ever taken a walk through the Grand Arcade? Did you notice a small, old fashioned barbers’ shop? Well, take a walk inside, past the scissors and the hairdressers chairs, to the back door where you will find the city of Leeds’ secret Jazz Bar.
This bar, hidden underground, is dimly lit with reds and purples illuminating a dozen booths and candlelit tables. The seating faces a small stage home to some of the funkiest live music Leeds has to offer, where on that particular night I witnessed a lively jazz band. They were incredibly entertaining, with the audience nodding their heads to the eccentric and unpredictable rhythm of the saxophone and electric guitar. The Domino Club is a functioning barber’s shop during the day, so it is unlikely you may have noticed this bar before. If you arrived early enough you’d have to step over the cuttings of hair and past the people awaiting their new cuts before going down the stairs into an atmosphere reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy.
The Domino Club is home to live music every night, including Jazz, Blues, Funk and Soul. On Wednesdays there is a vocal duo, Thursday is Live Jazz night, and the weekend ranges from blues and reggae to funk and soul and Sunday Blues. Personally, I am not a regular listener to these genres of music, but I believe that is why I enjoyed it so much – watching a live band perform music I don’t usually listen to in such an intimate setting.
For students, only some of the nights are paid entry and the drinks are more on the pricey side, but the cocktails in particular are worth every penny. As a pornstar lover myself, even I would suggest trying something different and, let’s face it, a little less basic. I would suggest the French Martini. It was pink, fruity and had a sprinkle of raspberry tasting dust lining the surface. Honestly, I could marry this martini.
Overall, The Domino Club was a huge success, and I would suggest this location for a fancy, although pricier date. I would advise making the venue a secret, as a date who is unbeknown to what they are about to find will go from confused to amazed when they discover this unusual bar. This will work a treat if you’re planning the first date and will be sure to guarantee that second date. You don’t have to take my word for it, but it worked for me… and who better to take advice from than the author of the Date Night Diaries?
Written by: Madeleine Brooks
Edited by: Chloe Hill