Leeds Pubs and Cinemas by Tram

Pubs and cinemas traditionally provided a community focal point where local people naturally congregated. They are an interesting part of the social and architectural history of Leeds and we believe that images of many of the buildings do not exist elsewhere. All the tram routes had pubs and cinemas particularly in the densely populated areas near to the City Centre. Many disappeared in the slum clearance and road and housing improvement schemes of the 1960's and 70's. In the first decade of the present century there was a rapid decline in pub numbers because of demographic change, a smoking ban and cheap alcohol in supermarkets. The introduction of television resulted in the demise of the cinemas. In 1953 we counted 142 pubs on the tram routes in Leeds. We have found photographs of 122 and have included a further 17 which were to be seen in the city centre. Of the 34 cinemas which were to be seen from the tram we have photographs of 25. 100 pages, A4 hardback with over 150 mostly new illustrations.