The New Penny
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The New Penny is a Gay pub in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
It is reported to be the oldest gay pub in the UK. The Pub first started as the Hope And Anchor in 1953. Although difficulty with the law meant it was a secretive place it was the first gay venue to open outside of London. It is thought that it is the longest continually running gay venue in the UK.
After a change of ownership the pub changed its name in 1982 and became The New Penny.
Currently with a Late night license the pub has seen some of the best known Drag Queens appear on its stage including Lily Savage, Anna Glypta, Fats and Small, Sisters Slim, Amber Dextrous, Miss Orry, Ricky Glass and many more. It is still one of the most popular venues in Leeds attracting both a mixed gay crowd and straights.
The New Penny boasts the only "alternative" night on the Leeds gay scene, Violator Disco, run by Richard and Rusty, churning out some of the best indie, rock, electro and alternative music from the past and the present.
Miss Anna Glypta was the crowning jewel in their weekend attractions before moving to The Viaduct in early 2007 as part of Terry George's conversion of The Viaduct from a Leeds United pub into a fully-fledged gay pub, and has been met with great success.
