The New Conservatory is one of the last remaining independent bar-restaurants in Leeds city centre, tucked away underground on historic Albion Place (LS1 6JL) and trading since 1984. The largely subterranean room is built around a huge mahogany bar with dark wood panelling, stocked bookshelves and Chesterfield sofas — equal parts old library and gentlemen's club. It is a genuine live-music fixture: an Open Mic Night runs every Thursday from 9pm hosted by Toby Thorne, soul-and-funk selector DJ Rob Press takes over Fridays with Friday Hustle, and guest DJs cover Saturdays. A house PA supports performers, and both original material and covers are welcome. Fresh produce comes daily from Leeds' Kirkgate Market, and there's a small street-level beer garden, pool table and free wifi.
The New Conservatory Open Mic
Leeds open mic at The New Conservatory — listed on Google Places. Schedule below pending venue confirmation; check the venue's own listings before turning up.
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Last updated: 3 June 2026
The New Conservatory Open Mic — Quick Facts
Leeds open mic at The New Conservatory — listed on Google Places. Schedule below pending venue confirmation; check the venue's own listings before turning up.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The New ConservatoryAlbion Pl
Leeds LS1 6JL
Leeds — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Highlights
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About The New Conservatory




About This Open Mic
The Night
There are few venues lovelier to play than The New Conservatory's book-lined bar in the heart of Leeds city centre, just off Albion Place. The open mic kicks off on Thursdays from 9pm with host Toby Thorne, and it's run with a genuine 'give it a go' policy — any skill level, almost any medium, and an appreciative local crowd. Entry is free and performers get a free promotional beer after their set (subject to availability). Sources vary on whether it's weekly or every other Thursday, so check the 'Open Mic Night at The New Conservatory' Facebook page for the next date.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The New Conservatory’s Thursday night runs.
Find The New Conservatory
Albion Pl, Leeds LS1 6JL
Planning Your Thursday Night
Arrive by 19:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Leeds live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Leeds's The New Conservatory open mic.
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