A Decade of Doing Their Thing: Hyde Park Book Club Turns Ten

Celebrating ten years at the heart of Leeds’ independent scene, Hyde Park Book Club has grown from unlikely beginnings into one of the city’s most important cultural spaces. In our interview, Jack Simpson reflects on taking on a former petrol station that had also been a fancy dress shop and garage, and turning it into a venue that now hosts everything from live music and comedy to art, talks and community events. He explains how the name came about and speaks candidly about how privileged he feels to be able to do this for a living. What started as an idea has become a platform for creativity, built on a simple aim: to give people the space to try things, share ideas and find an audience.

Jack is clear that the story of Hyde Park Book Club is not just his own. In the video, he thanks everyone who has come through the doors over the past decade, bought a ticket, played a show, hosted an event, or even shared a post online. That support, he says, has been matched by a strong sense of solidarity between venues across Leeds, with a genuine collegial spirit helping independent culture to thrive. Ten years on, Hyde Park Book Club remains committed to facilitating people doing their thing, and in doing so continues to shape the creative life of the city.

Watch our full interview with Jack Simpson below.

Over the past ten years, Hyde Park Book Club has hosted countless moments that have defined nights out in Leeds. From breakthrough bands playing intimate early shows to packed -ut comedy nights where future stars tested new material, the venue has consistently backed emerging talent alongside established names. Its programme has spanned live music, spoken word, political discussion, art exhibitions, book launches and club nights, often all in the same week. It has become a space where new ideas are tried out, where audiences are up for something different, and where some of the city’s most memorable cultural moments have quietly taken shape. We can’t wait for more!