Townhouse
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Reviews
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Joe said
on 14th May ...
"to be fair i saw no sign of racism. my mates got turned away on the second time of asking they got in. we were part of the white minority in the club and had only a few funny looks, the same as with every other venue in leeds. the most ethnically diverse club I've been in in leeds."
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Raul. said on 13th May ... "I have no idea where you people have been but Townhouse is possibly one of the best clubs in Leeds! It's massively improved since the start of 2008, and to those of you who think the club is racist are living on another planet, its an R&B club!"
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Allie34 said on 09th May ... "We visited Townhouse on Satuday 3rd May as a group of eleven professional, well dressed women. Up until going there we had been having a great evening.... the doorstaff allowed nine of us through at a cost of 45.00 and we waited for the other two on the stairs (so we had not actually entered the club) They then asked one of the remaining two for 'ID' which she did not have as she is 27! As I have heard of their reputation for discriminating I said to the girls not to bother trying to discuss it we would just get our money back and move on.
The 'manager' refused and asked me to step behing the barrier thus treating me like some sort of criminal. I have never been so humiliated and disgusted with an establishment, and plan to fight to get our money returned on principle.
People speak with your feet DO NOT GO HERE."
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Retro said on 14th March ... "Townhouse used to be the place to be, about 10 years ago. If you're still killing yourself to get in, you don't deserve to. If you had problems getting in before, go now. I'm sure the management would be pleased to have anyone in there...
"
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Perry said on 29th February ... "Good points below, and as a former nightclub and city centre bar manager i can tell you that people who stand there and argue with the doorstaff were normally stopped by me the next time they tried to get in to any venue i have run.
The doorstaff are there to do a job and DO NOT have to give a reason for not letting anyone in. it is up to managment and doorstaff discretion.
When I went to townhouse found it nothing but pleasant staff and good drinks, plenty of variety inside.
Clubs and bars have dresscodes and door policies for a reason, that reason is not to annoy you but to keep the enviroment and atmosphere inside safe and at a level acceptable to managment..."
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Doorman said on 21st February ... "As I worked on the door at townhouse i feel i can put a good input into this.
Racist - not really. Trying to have a business plan.. yeah.
On the door you are told to make sure there is an even balance of male, female, black, white and asian people and so on, to make the venue diverse in regards to people who come and have a good time there. Unfortunately, alot of people are turned away from the club. This is by far not racist, if you stand there long enough you will find all people being turned away.
What i would suggest to you if you have been turned away, respect the fact that you have been turned away and walk away. Causing a fuss will just embarress yourself and not, by any means, make the doorstaff change their mind.
What people don't understand is that a doorman turns you away and you argue with him not knowing that that doorman has just had a knife or something pulled on them, carried a person out the club because they have drunk too much and need fresh air and a glass of water, or even an ambulance, stopped your friend from getting a beating off someone, while you argu, cause a fuss, not just that doorman is paying attention, a few will be watching out for there friend, meaning, not protecting customers in the venue. You could be the idiot who stops them doorman from protecting someone when they really need it.
There is hundreds of clubs, pubs and places to go in leeds. Why annoy yourself by annoying others. "
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doorman Leeds said on 07th February ... "As a regular visitor to the townhouse and a doorman elsewhere in leeds i feel most of these comments must be made by bitter chav sorts unable to get in. The townhouse has the one of the largest percentages of black and asian customers I have come across in Leeds and the doorstaff do a top job of making everyone safe under sometimes difficult circumstances. "
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Imran said on 05th February ... "Racist, you must be kidding me? There are probably more black and asian people in Townhouse than in any club in Leeds, credit to the managment for pulling it round after that tv programme said they were racist."
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Kunal Rai said on 20th January ... "The music is normally good but the bouncers are out of order...they didn't let me in and after asking for a reason the answer was - "You were mouthing off last week". The thing that suprises me is that I havent been out in Leeds for couple of months so how could I be mouthing off is a mystery..."
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cherry said on 14th January ... "You're all full of shit! It pisses me off when people are quick to persume people are being rasist! Get a life... "
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Sarah said on 03rd September ... "Went to the Townhouse on Saturday night after a recommendation from a friend. Had a fantastic night. Loved the music in all the bars and can highly recommend. "
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Simon said on 29th August ... "If it is that racist then you should get in touch with the BBC, that inside out programme seemed to highlight this issue at Townhouse but obviously it hasn't had any effect on their policies. To be honest though I have been going out in Leeds around call lane for years and everyone knows the rumours about the morons who own Townhouse, I feel sorry for the staff and doormen. Nobody has a clue what they are doing there and they wonder why hardly anyone goes in there anymore?????"
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Rachel said on 28th August ... "Went out Sunday night for bank holiday, for my mates birthday, got to front of queue and was refused entry. I don't even live in Leeds and never been before so it can't be because of anything I have done in the past. They then decided to say we were barred as well. When asked why they replied we are bouncers we don't need reasons!!! Don't ever go there!!!"
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aJ said on 18th August ... "Townhouse, what can I say! Queued three times and three times refused entry. being dressed smart and being polite it seems that there are problems at townhouse. On my last visit the bouncer walked down the que and came to a stop and said ' not tonight lad' to which I asked any reason why and he replied ' the camera says no' pointing at the camera on the corner! The most nonsense i have heard.
If your asian or black best of making other arrangments as your more then likely to be refused entry. They should adopt the Gatecrasher approach been many a time never had no questions asked!"
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kacey said on 12th August ... "I'm a girl and me and my friends were given frees passes on a friday, thought 'ooh this is good' then realised why when we got there
Was half empty, people there not really dancing,and there was too many SWEATY people in there.
Music ok,drinks overpriced,for the place they're being served.
Won't be going back. Seems from the comments on the racist and/or way too picky door policy that people have got sick of it, are voting with their feet and not going there.
Karma I guess, serves Townhouse right..."
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Jade said on 12th August ... "I think Townhouse's door policy is DEFINATELY RACIST!!! Have never been able to get in there and I'm always well and respectably dressed. I'm not white and that seems to be the reason. They didn't give me a reason- as always as this was several attempt to get in. I have watched them turn down all the people in the queue who are not white. Its disgusting!!
DO NOT GO THERE! "
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Nicole said on 30th July ... "Disappointing to say the least.
Saturday night, 6 friends and I (male & female) - just at random. No reason given just said they didn't like the look of my little brother. 24 yr old bloke, well dressed, not aggressive and probably would've spent 100 quid in there that night! Their loss.
Would never go back - neither would my friends..."
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Mark said on 19th July ... "Townhouse seems to me to be the worst racist club in Leeds if you're not white.
For no reason at all i was singled out of the queuem, I can only think it was just for being black, I was following the dress policy and my two white friends were allowed in without a word.
Without decorating my words TOWNHOUSE is a RACIST club so if you're Black or Asian its best you look elsewhere.
Its amazing to see such acts of racism protected by the so called licence agreements in this Year in a supposedly civilised country.
Blacks or Asians if going to Townhouse you risk 50% chance not to get in just because the colour of your skin..."
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Charlotte said on 10th April ... "I have been to townhouse a few times. With all respect to townhouse, it has gone down hill. The atmostphere has changed. It used to be all up class, beautiful fashion consious people, but now it seems they need the money so let anyone in. I used to get dressed and stand infront of the mirror and think "will i get in to townhouse dressed like this", now i know i probably will. Townhouse used to be the best bar in Leeds!
As for the doorstaff! I have been turned away, i have been let in. So what if you get turned away, there is, what?, 4 more bars on that street alone. They are rude, horrible horrible people BUT if you think about it, if you worked a friday or saturday night on the front door of a club like townhouse i think you would become rude after a while. I have an example of what they have to put up with. This was disgusting, and the only time i have ever felt sorry for a "bouncer".
It was a few weeks ago, me and a few other girls were in the cue waiting to get in. There were 3 scruffy guys in front of us and I said to my friend "they look like they just fell out of bed". It was like the doormen heard us. He said to the 3 guys "sorry not to night". They got a little angry and the doormen said that he was sorry he could not disguss the reason (which is silly). They then became agressive and the doormen said that he is not allowed to disguss the reason but that they were a little casual, and not because these men were black and then he even said sorry if that offends them, which is the politest thing he could have said. The men went mental. One took his jacket off and said to the doormen that he wanted to fight. The doormen turned away from him and ignored him and started talking to us. He continued shouting at the doormen until we went into the club. The craziest thing is when we talked to the doormen he seemed really nice, as if that had not just happened. I asked him how he does it and he replied that he doesnt, that he really hates turning people away but has too, if he didnt he wouldnt have a job. I was saddened by this. When we left the doormen was stood outside by himself, talking to the guy who takes all your money to get in! (£5, what is this) He came up to us and apologised, HE apologised to us for their behaviour, can you believe it? This is so wrong that you all come on here and slate the bouncers.
On to the racism at townhouse. All i have to say is read above again. I bet a whole load of money that the same amount of white people are turned away on a friday and sat night.
Townhouse should buck its ideas up.
"
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Leeds ladies said on 06th April ... "I think the doormen at Townhouse are brilliant, especially the little bald one on the front door, what a hottie!!!! Go check him out girls!"
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townhouse doorman said on 29th March ... "i work the door at townhouse. we let good people in only. those of you with a problem about being turned away please read the licensing laws. They are very clear and we at Townhouse follow them closely. The only people with a problem are the fools that we turn away because their attitude is wrong. There - nuff said."
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Dom Leeds said on 08th March ... "Well For those of you that wanted it to go bankrupt it has. But it seems the owners simply bought it back what can you say about that. "
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Paul Taylor said on 20th February ... "Hi! I am a party planner (promoter) and have worked in most cities around the UK. From by reading all your comments, what seems to be happening at The Townhouse is the venue are using what we call in the industry a "Door Picker".
This is common pratice in London, as up marketing Style Bars and Clubs. Basically a door pickers job is to ensure the right crowd is in the venue to keep a good atmosphere. For example if there is a lot of males in the venue and not too many females, the chances are males will be turned away at the door and they will let the females in to correct the balance. The reason being if you get alot of Males in a venue the risk of violence is increased.
This is not a racist door policy.
"
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Jay said on 13th February ... "Too many soapboxes, its boring. I'm a young black man aged 24, i like to think i dress well and behave ok. I have been turned away from Townhouse before when i was with 3 white guys, i have been allowed in before when 1 was with 2 black guys. They turn away an endless stream of white people every weekend, so i just don't get what everyone is on about. I could understand if you went inside and there weren't any black or asian people and then you went outside and every white person gets in and every black/asian person doesn't. Get off them soapboxes and live your lives, what about all them big shaven headed white lads that aint got any chance of getting in any venue on or near call lane! Maybe someone thought they had a black friend? Thats probably why they can't get in? Think about it!"
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Kamran said on 12th February ... "I am an Asian male, and have been knocked back once out of the four times I have been to Townhouse. However it is more the reputation that it has built up for itself, and the number of times my friends have been knocked back which discourages me from going. I also don't think it's that good a club either, its fairly small and more of a wine bar atmosphere rather than a club, which gives it a really dull vibe.
As far as the racist door policy goes, I dont think anyone could seriously argue that their policy is blatant racism, especially against Asians, although Blacks also get the rough end of the stick.
I think that Leeds really needs to be looked at because I personally feel that Townhouse has become a scapegoat for many people, as most Leeds clubs are racist these days. For example many of my white friends that aren't students walk straight into student nights without even having their id's checked, but everytime I go to the door, im firstly asked for student id, and then questioned about the legitimacy of it. I think that its nothing short of ridiculous, and the problem won't be solved until they take these apes off the door!"
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M Peters said on 11th February ... "I will never go back to Townhouse.
I've been in Leeds for 9 years now and originally Townhouse was not to bad. However my last visit was a week ago with a couple of mates looking for somewhere to have a few more drinks. It was roughly 1am and Townhouse was the place with the shortest cue (now I understand why).
When we arrived there were 3 people in the cue. We joined the queue, followed by 2 asian guys. There were also 2 police talking to the bouncers for some reason. Shortly after the police left the bouncers told the 2 asian guys that they were full and they weren't going to get in. The 2 left leaving 6 of us in the queue. The bouncer then announced that it was going to take 15-30mins to get in (no reason given), shortly followed by we could now go in but it would cost £5 each. Thus we were quickly allowed in to a 1/2 to 3/4 full bar, £5 lighter each, and the bouncers had pocketed £30 - not bad for them for 2 minutes work.
Needless to say the atmosphere was terrible and we left 30mins later vowing never to return and to recount the story of our experience to as many people as possible. Townhouse - I hope you go bankrupt."
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Tom said on 07th February ... "Its all when & good arguing that townhouse & rehab r not racist as there r asian & black people in the clubs & they have bhangra, r&b nights, etc, but the issue of racism comes down to the policy on the doors.
Its seems to me & many asian & black people that there r many occasions especially if, there is not a specifically themed "asian or black music" night there is a limit to the amount of asians & black people allowed into the club regardless of dress, attitude, etc, regulations that these clubs hide behind. They want asian & black people at some nights but not others which they generally want to keep exclusively white.
It is the old racist way of thinking still ingrained in some people's minds that asian & black people r "untidy" & may make some white people "uncomfortable" if there are too many of them that is leading the management to tell the doorman to refuse entry on bogus claims to conceal their blatant discrimination & racism.
The management of these clubs fear that too many asians and blacks will lose them certain white clubbers that they probably see as more important.
As mentioned in an earlier comment the best thing to would be to complain to the people who grant them licences through your local councillors, MP & avoid going there and encourage others to do the same. "
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Sian said on 02nd February ... "Townhouse.........hmmm lets see, I wouldnt exactly say that the place is racist, rather the bouncers are just a little full of themselves. Me and my friends (a group of black girls) decided to see what all the hype was about, and to be honest i don't really see whay anyone would want to go there!! The DJ's aint that hot and its full of people that think they're too good to dance, just incase they break out into a sweat!!! If you ask me, i would even waste my time trying to get in there! "
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white guy... said on 01st February ... "I certainly agree that the townhouse is racist - me and a couple of my white friends were refused entry recently by a BLACK bouncer..
i can only deduce from this that the BLACK bouncer took offence to the colour of our skin as we were all dressed rather swish and i had even combed my hair."
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jackbauer said on 22nd January ... "I believe the Townhouse policy is to let just enough ethnic minority individuals in before the beautiful people feel too threatened but equally they are generally obnoxious to groups of white males too.
The fact that it's loyal customer base refer to it's key features as having a "cool atmosphere" (What atmosphere??) or lots of "beautiful people" really does some the place up. Several places which the Townhouse could learn from are The Hifi, Jakes Bar, The Wardrobe, Milos etc etc - Don't get too wound up by The Townhouse, it really isn't worth bothering about!"
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James J said on 21st January ... "Has any of you actually been to Townhouse, you could call the place racist as much as you want but i don't know any bar in Leeds with a more diverse clientele.
And what idiot said stuff about sell out black doormen, do you really think a black doorman would work somewhere with a racist door policy? are u stupid? Townhouse is a great night out for people from all creeds and colours. R n B is black music (how racist is that). We live in a society where there is racism about, which all of us black males and females will come across at some stage of our life but this sure as hell aint one of them."
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Pink_pink said on 20th January ... "The other day on the news there was something on about townhouse. 6 friends all male 3 white 3 black wanted to prove that townhouse was racist. They wore identical outfits.
The results? The white guys got in and the black guys didn't
Racist? I think just from that it clearly is!"
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Steve M said on 20th January ... "Dance and R&B is black music and what do most clubs and bars play in them these days.. yes Dance and R&B ie black music, so when you're black and being refused entry to a club or bar and the music you enjoy is being played in there, its maddening not to be let in you shouldn't be thinking it might be because you're the wrong crowd. how can you be? if you're dressed correctly and you're not slurring your speech and stumbling all over the place you should be allowed in space permitting.
I am black and 42 years old and have been around long enough to recognise racism when I see it. Townhouse, Rehab, Normans guilty on all counts."
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Tasha said on 20th January ... "I recently heard from my friend about a racist policy that Town House has. I was planning to bring about 40+ people there for my birthday...however I then had a flashback of the last two attempts to go there. I had tried to go there, with a few people I knew from back home (West Midlands), who had travelled up for the weekend. They describe themselves as right jack the lads, after seeing them for the first time in years I seen that they drank far to much and argue and cause trouble at every opportunity! I didn’t think they would get in, they stood in a big group all loud and obnoxious, every single one of them got into TownHouse, except me and another lad.
We were looked up and down and told "not tonight", I asked why and they repeated "not to night, step out of the cue" they moved the rope and ignored any questions we asked and looked straight past us, and continued to let in big groups of females and males.
A girlfriend of one of the guys who got in, worked there, tried to get us in, but the bouncers just said no....why, well all I can say is I'm a mixed race female and my friend is disabled!
I’m not even going to say how we are dressed, how many degrees I have, what job I do, because lets face it, doormen do not ask for your C.V to get into a club.
I have been let in before on a weekday with a few white girls and the music was great, but I personally think that the very fact that people are justifying that it is a great place, regardless of the fact it has upset so many people, who felt the need to come onto this forum, is a really sad state of the world we live in.
What’s worse is that until everyone starts to speak up, thousands of other respectable people of a certain colour, ethnicity, culture what ever, may have been treated the same by places like the Townhouse and we would be non the wiser. Thanks to my friend for speaking up about his experience and to the BBC for reporting on the racist policy of Town House and Rehab! I now feel that this is enough for me to support a boycott of the venue.
Just to remind you who go there, your nights are often so good because of RnB music inspired by the very people that are being stopped from entering the club.
Please people, if a few people are offended and feel passionate to write such words, there’s something not right, next time you go take a look around and see if you can spot this discrimination yourself!"
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? said on 19th January ... "Townhouse is a great night out - music is good, drinks are good, and so is the crowd. The place attracts such a mix of people age, race etc I don't think it is racist at all."
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Anthony C said on 19th January ... "I have been to townhouse and had parts of my entourage dismissed from entry for no reason, these guys were black.
But who is to blame? The management? the bouncers? The management are in place to manage the establishment and make sure they are doing the right job.
If you are ethnic, dont go to townhouse, THE DOOR POLICY IS OUTRAGEOUS! The door staff can deny you access without any valid reason.
I'm just being honest."
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? said on 19th January ... "Townhouse is a great night out - music is good, drinks are good, and so is the crowd. The place attracts such a mix of people age, race etc I don't think it is racist at all."
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Josh said on 19th January ... "All this stuff about Townhouse being racist is rubbish, I've never had a problem getting in. I think it is fair to say the drinks are a bit pricey, but it is one of the best venues in Leeds and I think the fact they are a bit more picky about who gets in is a good thing.
It is always full of beautiful girls, and a good crowd of people having fun. People need to chill out."
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kush said on 19th January ... "im a young black male an i have never been turned down anywhere, (apart from town house) . town house plays black music, however only lets a small amount of black people in there to give the place i lil vibe, but they don't like to let to many of us in. townhouse is definetly racist.
they use black bouncers to turn black people away. (very clever). there is a name for sell out bouncers like that. which comes from slavery. there (house n**g**s).black men who take orders from white men to turn there own people down, (watch roots) they should be ashamed of themselves.
overall im not 2 botherd as i don't like town house anyway. i find the place a bit false and materialistic 2b honest. but thats jus my opinion. but glad its open, as it keeps all the false people there, so i can enjoy my nite at bk2basics, the best nite in leeds. 15 YEARS and still going. don't need 2 say anymo.
kush
"you all WANT fantasy, wot u NEEDis reality, truth is from the inside out. lauryn hill (mtv unplugged)"
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JB said on 14th December ... "I am a black male who has been going on and off to Townhouse for 3 years now. The doormen have changed loads but i have still never been refused entry.
I have been in mixed groups or all male groups with black, white and asian friends from Leeds and other cities and have always got it. I think its a bit sad everyone jumps on the racism band wagon every time they get refused entry, if you actually saw Townhouse's clientele you would realise that it is probably one of the most multi-cultural and diverse clienteles out of any venue in the city.
Maybe people should look in the mirror for the real reasons why they have been turned away instead of seeing the colour of their own skin and using that as a soapbox. "
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no poser said on 03rd December ... "i dont like this place at all its full of people up their own arses , atmospheres awfull with people knocking you about because its so cramped and its as if they're doing it on purpose, i go out to dance and enjoy myself not pose and be bitchy!!! if ur a down to earth type give it a miss."
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James said on 08th November ... "Reading all the comments previously you have to keep in mind some people were turned away because they looked scruffy, aggressive or likely to cause trouble with in Townhouse. This said an independent patron monitoring survey has determined Townhouse to have a racist door policy. This is in combination with a separate door policy to prefer entry to patrons of a certain look (described in earlier comments as the "elite"/"posh" look".
This results in a combination of people being turned away because they are dressed too down, are aggressive or have simply been born black.
Enough reviewers on this site realize this. To end this racist policy you need to do something about it, rather then just never turn up again. Complain to Leeds City Council and any other authority which grants the license to Townhouse to serve drinks/refuse patrons etc.. Given enough genuine complaints Townhouse will be revealed for what is seemingly a racist/homophobic door policy. Another point to keep in mind is that bouncers/door staff in that region are often abusing steroids which lead to varying psychiatric problems. Don't feel bad about yourself if you were turned away from Townhouse. You are more then likely a professional or a student who does something valuable with their day. To be turned away for 5 minutes at night by drug fuelled door staff with psychiatric problems in a mid of the range northern city is hardly anything to worry about.
This said remember Leeds nightlife has many other superior venues to the Townhouse. This is not merely venues that will let anyone in, but venues which are cosmopolitan and are actually heard of in London. Townhouse is a venue frequented by the noveau rich/faux rich Caucasian Yorkshire people who have a small county complex. If the management of Townhouse are racists, think do you actually want to be there? Would you want to be meeting these people in the daytime? Would you go to a club organized by the BNP?
Remember these kinds of things never happen in London and no one has ever heard of Townhouse in the South. Enjoy the rest of Leeds."
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Chloe said on 04th November ... "To be honest I have never experienced being turned away at townhouse and I am a black female. However my boyfriend and his friends, who are black and Asian, have and I do feel that it is strictly down to their racist door policy.
I also don't think that you can blame all of this on the door staff as at the end of the day the owners must have the final word on who they do and do not want in their club i.e. its the racist owners that we need to be directing the majority of our anger at then the rest can go on the door staff who enforce these nasty and stupid rules."
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PC said on 21st October ... "I'm a 28 year old professional, one job and a small business, two degrees and a very relaxed calm outlook on life... but I'm black!
I personally have a policy where I will not give my hard earned money to pay the wages of people who are rude, and especially those who are racist. I've been turned away from the Town House several times, but the final time I went, and was turned away (6 of us - 3 couples! 1 white, 1 asian, 3 mixed, 1 full black all completely stushed), my friend who I was with decided to phone his female friend who works the bar inside to find out if she had any clue as to why we were turned away. She informed him that she no longer worked there; she'd handed her notice due to the fact that the Town House had a racist door policy whereby they would only let in a certain number of non-whites.
That did it for me - I WILL NEVER EVEN ATTEMPT TO BLESS THEM WITH MY PRESENCE OR MONEY! And I would suggest everybody, not just black or asian people, but also white people who realise just how wrong this kind of behaviour is should do the same.
Further to this, I've made some enquiries about possible legal action.
Another similar place you won't catch me is Norman's. These places could take a lot from nearby bars such as the Boutique and Mook, which are both exceptional bars. Friendly doormen make such a difference to a night out."
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jess said on 20th October ... "i am a british asian law student... who a) dresses to impress b) doesnt drink enough to be problematic c) has a lot of white and asian mates - and i have never been refused from a club in my life (except when i was 16 and pretended otherwise...) YET.... TOWN HOUSE has rejected me without giving me any basis for why. it is the most ignorant, discriminative, not explanatory behaviour i have ever seen..
no offence, but who the hell do bouncers think they are - they seriously feel like they have some god given power to assert their ignorant racist views onto their club door policy - it makes me never want to step into town house again! fair enough if i looked like trouble... but seriously im 5 ft 5, size 8.. and just not intimidating at all!... so thats my review..."
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sash said on 27th September ... "I went on Friday and it was a really good night, so was surprised to see such bad reviews on this site. I didn't have any problems getting in, and was with two other asian guys. Whats all the fuss?"
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Annoyed Punter said on 22nd September ... "I believe that townhouse is vey rascist, i have been told by the bouncers that work there that they have a policy of knocking back black and asian people for the colour of their skin. The headdoor men used to be black as did the dj's but if you notice they no longer work there because of their policy.
My word is forget it, so what the blacks and asians are the ones who spend alot of money in there, there are plenty of places to go on a sat nite!
Your loss CLOWNHOUSE!"
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kala bander said on 21st September ... "every time i go to townhouse they always tell me "not tonight mate!" townhouse is 100% racist! they let all the white people in and limited black why? and then come out with "couple only!""
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Kija said on 19th September ... "Townhouse is a a very racist venue, and has a lot of egotistical bouncers on their doors. I was celebrating my 26th bithday last year and at this point wasn't drunk at all, due to it being the beginning of the night. Cued for 15mins to be told 'not tonight', whilst 3 white girls all got the knod to enter the venue, how annoying is that. They never give you a reason but look at you dismissive as if your meant to know why you cannot enter the Might Kingdom (townhouse)
I know people that have reported then to the local counsellor etc, because its ridiculous, I mean don't play black people's music if you don't want black people in your club its as simple as that!!! Its ironic that there's black bouncers at the door telling you, you can't come in, if the bouncers are were white it would be a much more greater deal...I call it diplomatic racism"
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sam g said on 19th September ... "Full of beautiful women!! This place is where to go in Leeds on the weekend."
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prit matharoo said on 16th September ... "townhouse is a nice place but they dont let black or asians in there and we are spending all the money, aswell as the mussic being the same way inclined, asians always dress smart escpecially when going out"
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Sarah said on 12th September ... "I held my Birthday party at Townhouse last weekend and it was great. Had my own room for half the night and all my friend there, what more could you ask. The best bit was they didn't even charge a hire fee!! Such a good night I can't tell you."
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Tom said on 08th September ... "I really like this place - don't think their is anywhere better in Leeds, and hasn't been for ages.
They are picky about who gets in but to be honest you have to be! People knock this place for no reason, I think they have got it right, its always busy and I haven't had a bad night in Townhouse. I've been going for years!"
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high said on 06th September ... "In my experience they bascially dont let anyone who looks rough, in this way i mean, a skinhead and looking like a "tough person" someone who would start a fight. Even if your wearing the right clothes. I've never had a problem getting into townhouse.
They sometimes don't allow you to go in because its too full, so they randomly select people not to go in. anyways its not even that great in there full of little posh kids going out on there daddies pay cheque. We went there for one reason the flaming lambigunie, they stopped that tho "fire hazzard"."
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Sarah said on 06th September ... "Great venue, fanstic night out - I love the music in this place, and the drinks!!!"
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James said on 05th September ... "Really good bar. Fantastic atmosphere, and really nice people. I like the fact that it is more picky about the clientele. That way you can guarantee their wont be any attitude and people can just relax and enjoy a great night. This is my favourite place in Leeds"
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Sue and Sarah said on 31st August ... "Townhouse is one of the best clubs in town, it is a bit expensive but we still love it. Really cute bouncers, and bar staff. We spend every weekened there.
"
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kyle said on 31st August ... "I dont know why anyone would have a bad word to say.
We had a fantastic night. The townhouse offers a night for people who do not want trouble and do not want to be surrounded by chavs. I hate Oceana and many of the other awful venues in leeds. the townhouse have got it just right, it is one of the few places you can go where you know you wont get any hassle. The music is great, the drinks even better - i love the cocktails.
Definately my fav place to end up on a sat night. "
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Stevie said on 30th August ... "Townhouse is awesome. Has to be the best night out in Leeds. Came up for the bank holiday and haa a great night. The top floor goes off on the weekends really really fit girls can''t knock it."
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Sadie said on 29th August ... "Fantastic Club - we love it!! I know it often means a bit of a q, and some of the people are a bit up themselves, but it really is a good night out 5 STARS."
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Carl said on 29th August ... "Townhouse seems like it has been about forever - but it is still the best place in Leeds.
Whenever in Leeds I will always make a point of going there. It went slightly off the boil a couple of years ago it has to be said, but it is very much back on top. Townhouse just offers more than any other Leeds venue in my opinion. I like the area, Normans BrB etc are a great starting point but it is not the same without ending up in Townhouse."
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ColouredBrit said on 27th August ... "On the weekend of Leeds festival a time (specifically 26th August)air marked to celebrate the emancipation of slavery, myself and a few colleagues ventured to Townhouse (Assembly Street,
Leeds) to enjoy the start of the long holiday weekend.
Upon arrival at Townhouse two of my white colleagues entered and waited at the door for myself and another, the third colleague also white was allowed entry. However when I, a black individual approached to enter I was told I was not allowed. When as why, I was then told it was door policy and management is not at liberty to say. I was dressed no differently from my party and I was not intoxicated. In standing there demanding a reason why this course of action was taken. Other individuals European, Asian were allowed in. Yet again to the approach of two other black individuals they too were also denied entry.
I am utterly disgust that a metropolitan and multi-cultural society still lingers on to the colour of ones skin. It is an utter shame and disgrace that the management and staff of Townhouse is in existent with the segregation of society by the colour of ones skin and a slave master mentality in this the twenty-first century. I sincerely hope that the society becomes more aware of their racism to the general public. I hope that individuals of other races never have to experience the pain and ill treatment I had to endure just because I am BLACK."
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Katie Simmons said on 24th August ... "Never had a bad night here, first went 4 years ago where I met my husband who is black by the way, so not sure about them being racist!! Have been going regularly ever since, great cocktails!"
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Joe Peters said on 24th August ... "Why such negative reviews about such a good venue. I have been visiting Townhouse for years and always enjoy it. Yes they are stricct on the door, but that is a massive plus in my eyes, always a great crowd and loads of fit girls."
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Olivia said on 22nd August ... "Town House is definitely not worth the queuing! Due to the bouncers selecting process, generally, those who do make it passed the door are stuck up students and consider themselves a cut above the rest, who you wouldn’t wan to be mingling with anyway!
I am not meaning to insult all the students in Leeds as I am one myself, but there are better places to go and have lots of fun rather than get looked down upon by those who think they are just ‘too cool for school’!! DON’T GO!"
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ele, jill, jen, tash, amy said on 14th August ... "Don't go!! We are fit girls all the way from Newcastle who stood in the pouring rain for 15 mins before being told ''not tonight girls''. Bouncer obviously had small man syndrome and on some sort of power trip!! Want a good night out with class RnB music and friendly bouncers come to Attic nightclub Newcastle!!!!"
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tim said on 08th August ... "racist management. The BBC and the Sun will be happy to get hold of this story."
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Jay C said on 31st July ... "Bouncers are right t#ts!! Whoever owns this bar/ club I feel sorry for as you lot are the hard workers, the bouncers outside will soon put you out of business by turning away custom. I went there, i got denied, no reason given apart from manager said no! there was only the bouncer on the door, No managers were present. Its ok, I took my money elsewhere! Im sure the rest will do the same.
Change security before its too late! Im not going to say they were racist, as they wernt racist to me, however I am asian and was with 2 other asian lads, they could not blame it on what we were wearing as it was appropriate for the night. shirts, shoes, etc. so ZERO STARS!!!"
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leon said on 10th July ... "Town house it doesn't deserve a single star! Let me tell you the bouncers don't go on style and looks trust me! I’m a former model I’ve been in I.D mag etc. the bouncers are asses. to sum it up there straight haters ! To call them racist would be an understatement. The bouncer they get off on the power trip consequently it will eventually get them in trouble coz one day there going to give attitude to the wrong person! Last month was the final straw for myself and my friends considering that there are far better places to be and spend your money.
The djs are straight jokers playing a twice as nice cd with the mc still on it?!? My advice to anyone is simple don't go I go out to have fun and to walk away with a smile on my face. All the times ive been to that place I’ve only ended wondering what was the point. Yeah they've got hot girls in there but it isn’t worth it! Just boycott the place and they'll learn!"
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Wilf said on 07th July ... "I prefer to think that rather than racist the bouncers like the small power trip they get from refusing entry to random punters.
There seems little reason to why entry is refused. I have been refused on some occasions and also let into this venue. I'm now a little older and wiser and refuse to be treated in this way so go to bars and clubs where they are happy to accept me (and my money). I no longer feel the need to wait in the street while bouncers make their decision (based on reasons they cannot disclose)"
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Joshua Saunders said on 03rd July ... "They're racist, we all know that."
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Lauren Blackshaw said on 26th June ... "All you people complaining, the bouncers check on looks. they are specifically told to only let the elite people in, thats the answer to you're questions and enquires!"
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baz said on 26th June ... "im always out in leeds and never have a problem getting in to any club, but until it comes to town house,
I mean on a night out im always dressed slick to fit the part but even then the bouncers on town house doors seem to have a problem from me cumming in.
I could undrestand if I was not dressed in the right clothing, came with a croud or was too drunk and got rejected from any club but at the Town House bouncers there like to turn away people for no apparant reason and when you ask why they fob you off with it is for reasons we cant discuss."
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Simone said on 21st June ... "Well it seems like these bouncers tend to do this a lot. Me and a few friends tried to go in this bar however when we reached the door a bouncer stood in the door way with his arms out then said we couldn’t go in, when we asked for a reason why he said 'for reasons we cannot discuss'.
I don’t know why this was as it was not like the previous reasons reported on the reviews here as I am white and all the people I was with are also white. He didn’t ask for id and I’m 18 and look older anyway and the people I was with are in their 30's. Obviously these bouncers like to think their something and are a load of jobsworths who have nothing better to do than be cocky.
I wouldn’t recommend this bar unless u like wasting your time queuing then getting turned away for no reason!"
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andy said on 13th June ... "I know how you feel Paul, I had exactly the same. Now how can that be good for business, the big apes. Get a proper job!!"
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Paul said on 05th June ... "Imagine queuing up for about some 15mins and just about halfway through the queue, we got singled out from the rest by a bouncer who walked briskly to my friend and was like “Sorry mate, no point queuing, we can’t let you in”.
Of course, this sort of incident is typical between bouncers and club-goers but this felt a very isolated incidence from the usual “you are inappropriately dressed” or “have you got any ID” norm. We were very well dressed (formal Mac black trousers, Armani shirt and Ravel black shoes). We looked old enough to get into any nightclubs as well (I’m 25 and my friend, 26). So what the heck was their problem? Was it because we were black? Of course, they could not answer that question themselves, after a bitter row with them and with some white sympathisers from the queue, all we got was “we won’t discuss it …” so consequently, we refused to leave.
There was a little bit of scuffling and shoving subsequently and luckily or unfortunately rather, some officers arrived at the scene. After being humiliated in that way; did we expect some empathy from the law? No, instead they supported the bouncers. They said it was a private venue and that they had a right to refuse admission to any one they choose to. They then asked us to leave or face being arrested otherwise. Well, as we are decent members of the community and not those black hooligans that have just been refused entry, we had respect for the law and had no choice but leave.
My dispute is that if this so called establishment was classed as private, then why has it got a licence to deal with members of the public? It would have been a different case if this was a private party say, a Members Only Club, we were trying to get into. It is not like we were a bunch of idiots that can’t really tell when we’ve been discriminated against…oh yeah, they had a right to discriminate (or choose rather) and we had a right to be victims of discrimination. It’s just sad that after all we’ve been through – all the riots and protest, all the multiculturalism and equality propaganda - that even now, racism still seems to exist in a major city in Britain."
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