John Willie Lees, Withy Grove, 1990. (c) deltrems at flickr.
With the development of the Arndale Centre came this strange little pub, the John Willie Lees, built into the side of the bus station entrance on Withy Grove. Generally populated by old men, off-duty bus drivers and newspaper workers, this little pub was probably one of the smokiest places you would ever visit. Taking its name from the JW Lees brewery that took the franchise and supplied the beers, this was one pub that can easily be forgotten and it's not a real to shame to have lost it. Towards its end it was named John Willie Lees Cabaret Club, had club nights and showed local bands on occasion, but it's now gone following redevelopment of the Arndale.
