One of Doncaster’s best known pubs and live music venues is to roar back into action next week with a music legend taking to the stage

The Leopard on West Street will reopen on August 25 and kicking off a series of gigs at the pub will be Simon Townshend, brother of The Who’s Pete Townshend and who has performed with the legendary Brit rockers scores of times.

Doncaster Conferencing, Catering and Events Ltd, which runs the gigs, conferences and bars for Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust has signed a lease to reopen the pub, which closed earlier this year after decades as one of the borough’s highest-profile venues for music.

Michael Hart, chief executive of Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, said: “The Leopard had a great musical history and has played an important role in Doncaster for many years and we are keen to see DCCE build on this and bring the area back to life.”

Chris Hone, from DCCE, said: “While The Leopard was predominantly known for live music we intend to broaden the scope to offer comedy and cinema. We will also be looking to offer rehearsal space for local bands and groups.”

The pub was reopened after its plight was highlighted as part of The Star’s Save Our Pubs campaign.

The line-up kicks off at 7.30pm on Monday, August 25, with Townshend, who has also worked with Pearl Jam and Jeff Beck as well as performing with his older brother and Roger Daltrey in The Who.

The venue will feature as part of Doncaster’s free music festival Mapfest on September 29 and 30, while Oasis tribute band Noasis will be in action on September 19.

Other dates include Man Made on October 2, Phuture Beats on October 4, Virgil and The Accelerators on October 31 and an appearance from legendary ’80s ska band Bad Manners, fronted by Buster Bloodvessel, on December 16.

Source: Doncaster Star