Fab Café

One of the worst places in Leeds. The door staff are very rude. The management isn’t better and my friends tell me they drinks taste watered down (I’m a non drinker)

last year I went to buy a Christmas present for my nephew Sam. he doesn’t have many friends and likes to vandalise the neighbours’ flowerbeds. After his mum suggested that instead of just being a normal teenager he may in fact be autistic, I headed on down to Games Workshop to get him some Warhammer figures for him to cake in paint and then throw in the bin as you do. So there I was in this renowned den of social misfits with awkward bumfluff and bad teeth, perusing the grotesque troll like characters and deciding which one looked most like my mate’s wife when the lights went out. turns out the lad that worked there (hard to distinguish staff from customers) had pressed the wrong switch when going into the stock room. one of the tabletop warriors screamed in terror and another (around about 30 years young) actually pooed himself. I am not kidding you. I was staggering around town the other night when I stumbled into Fab Café. I was instantly reminded of Games Workshop in the dark and all those poor lonely souls whose exasperated parents had dumped them in there while they got smashed in the pub every Saturday aft.

This is my favourite place to visit when on a night out! Geek heaven pretty much sums it up!
The club/​café has some quite steep stairs as you go in which can prove difficult after a few drinks or if you are wearing high heels.
I Love this place!!! But it can be a little bit expensive on the wallet… compared to some of the studenty clubs in the local area, but it is well worth it!

Very sad… this bar is in the wrong place. Unfortunately it’s situated across the road from holes such as Lloyds and Yates’s Wine Lodge and way past Morrisons. Not in a place you think you’d find this sort of bar, therefore It’s not easy to find for people who don’t know the city. It’s the most geekiest place ever and that’s a good thing! Not stuck up it’s arse like quite a few city centre bars (especially ones on Call Lane and Greek Street) and it’s full of fun and a wide variety of people… i love it!
On entering you’ll be in a cave full of nostalgia. The ‘dinginess’ is part of the appeal. There’s arcade machines, a huge Darth Maul, lots of great toys on display behind glass, geeky nostalgia… you really need to visit to know what I mean. They even sell sweets behind the bar!!!
The main people who frequent here are mainly students, nerds, geeks, rockers and general social rejects who are too ‘different’ for Call Lane, but too ‘uncool’ for Nation of Shopkeepers. Anyone is pretty much welcome. It’s hard to make yourself look like a tit in here. You can do the Carlton dance on the floor and nobody would laugh at you… they’d laugh WITH YOU!
The main bad points about this bar are that the drinks aren’t that exciting (some local ales and exciting and exotic foreign beers and spirits would be more fitting) and the toilets are awful (though there’s worse in the city). It’s also a pity they don’t put the huge outdoor concrete area to use. Would be a good smoking area. They really need to refurbish the entrance too. It’s starting to show it’s age.
A WORD OF WARNING: The bar staff are pretty nice, but don’t go over the metal fence and go to hug Darth Maul or the Dalek in drunken fashion. The staff will not be pleased. It’s a one way ticket out of the bar haha…

If you claim to be any kind of geek and you go out in Leeds, then this is the club for you.
I fell in love with this place the first time I walked in and was greeted by a life size Han Solo frozen in Carbonite!
So many drunken nights doing shots of Tequila while listening to Weezer and drunkenly dancing to Dropkick Murphys with random people.
Not too expensive, not too pretentious. A good way to end a night out in Leeds

Any place where I meet a screaming German lady hollering continental obscenities as she tries to flush away the inhuman MOUNTAIN of poop she has just delivered into the ladies loo is worthy of a review.
I speak German as well as Grandpa on Only Fools and Horses (VOT IS YOUR NAME???) so there was no real chance of me comforting said unfortunate foreign female but I did try to offer some advice through the cubicle door as she frantically battled with her non shifting load, and that advice stands for anyone caught in the same unfortunate predicament: Stop. Flushing.
On Friday it was party time and for our mate’s special day we started at The Victoria (LOVE!) and ended at Fab Café… having been randomly turned away from Carpe Diem because we were all wearing silly hats. Shame on you Carpe.
I think we paid the grand sum of £2 in, which in Leeds’ overpriced post-​midnight scene is pretty good. There is a DEFINITE wall of human moisture as you walk in– this is not the best ventilated place, but the walls are lined with 80’s and 90’s memorabilia and if you spent any part of that period mainlining ²⁰⁄₂₀ whilst flinging shapes in the fields with your mates then you are going to have a great time with the music. It didn’t take us long to hit the dance floor and we stayed there most of the night engaging in alternate head banging, robot dance and shoulder popping as each song in turn made us all double finger gun each other and shout «CLASSIC!!».
I was lucky enough not to be buying the drinks so don’t know about prices but the red wine was tasty enough– it may have made me grimace at 2 in the afternoon, but by 2 in the morning it was pretty much indistinguishable to my palate from a £100 Margaux, which I wouldn’t have noticed drinking either.
One thing that did really stand out was how everyone was super friendly, when one of our Bambi legged cohort collapsed into a table of drinks there were no recriminations and everyone nearby rushed to help her up. At one point we were handed a blow up sex doll and in return we all handed out our silly hats and formed a big, friendly olé’ dance circle with lots of strangers who were acting like instant friends. This was nice. This reminded me of my student days when everyone seemed a little less serious on a night out. Days when I had cherry DM’s and a tie dye hoody. *sigh*
All in all it’s a pretty good laugh at Fab Café, the memorabilia provides a great talking point and chance to reminisce, the music will please all ages, there are no hollering oiks, it’s cheap in and it’s open late.
Just remember to stop flushing.

Fab, we’re pals of old, no? I remember the days when we used to hang out more — you were there when I graduated, you were there when I danced like a loon under your spaceship ridden sky. And I can see that you’ll be there when I require sugary treats late on a night, cheap beers for a budget dance without the hatred of some unmentionable other venues, and excellent door staff who won’t let the power trip go to their heads.
Am I sad that Hans Solo isn’t there like he used to be? Yes. Do I feel a little old to cavort in your colourful innards? Perhaps. (But that’s only because everyone else is getting younger.) Will I be back for more of the same, reliable, cheesy but forgivable funzies? Likely.
As we walked in, this last Saturday evening, the phrase «I can feel everyone’s sweat on my face» was uttered. An apt description of the atmosphere (literally), but it wasn’t so off putting that I couldn’t resist a proper dance and a reminisce. Basically, I’ll always love Fab, but I can tell that my visits will become less frequent as time goes on. I love that I can sit on the carpeted bit of floor, and carry off a conversation, and yet boogie like it’s 1999 amongst the excellent array of fashions that enter such a place with equal abandon.
However, there’s just something that stops me from partying here every weekend, and I just think it’s that un-​seeable barrier, that lamentable but unavoidable fact, that I’m growing up. Damn it, I swore I wouldn’t partake of such tiresome activities, but unfortunately I’ve not yet figured out how to stop (and/​or reverse) the aging process. I’m sure there are some that don’t share the sentiment, but that’s how it is, right? Anyway, Fab — can I ask a favour? Don’t stop being awesome? You haven’t let me down yet.

One of the coolest places in Leeds to visit on a night out, you’re always guaranteed a good show at FAB Café — if there’s nothing or no one on the dancefloor that doesn’t take your fancy, there’s always a selection of movies playing on the screens dotted around the place, or an amazing array of memorabilia from movies across the entire bar.
An ideal setting for that birthday party or celebration that fancies a little bit of a sci-​fi or geeky twist, the drinks are decently priced and the staff are very friendly and helpful (as this reviewer found out when discovering the different types of tequila on a friend’s 20^th birthday outing). If the ‘geek’ vibe is putting you off, don’t let it. If ‘geek chic’ is the sudden new ‘in trend’, then FAB Café is very, very stylish indeed.

I have so many fond memorys of this place, first started going there when I was 18… now 10 years on. and it is still my fave place to go and meet people. Movie night is the best with the little bowls of popcorn on the table. It’s also a great way to start and end your weekend. Top banana

Despite missing out on that fifth star, this is still one of my favourite places to go out in Leeds.
The walls and ceiling and absolutely filled with cool bits of memorabilia from all kinds of comic, cartoon and sci-​fi worlds, and the tv screens scattered around constantly show some kind of cool horror or sci-​fi film. The music gets a good mention too, with a cracking selection of rock and alternative tracks.
The quizzes held on Sundays and Wednesdays are the best in Leeds (for me anyway!). They’re full of questions on various geek films/​manga/​cartoons/​music, and even bits of random geography. I’ve had the honour of being on the team that tends to win them when they turn up, but haven’t been in a while, and since I was last in they’ve changed the quiz masters so I’m yet to sample their delights.
Also the bar staff are generally lovely. There’s been a good few occasions when either I’ve got in early and had a chat with one of them while I was all on my lonesome, or later on if it’s not bust at the bar. All of this makes for a cracking night out if you’re into alternative sort of stuff.
On the down side, the drinks aren’t great, and aren’t particularly cheap either, and the toilets are pretty shocking. But these are the only cons I can think of.
One last thought — there’s a huge picture behind the bar that features all kinds of characters from films/​tv in cartoon form — try and spot Jay and Silent Bob. A barman once challenged us to that many moons ago — it’s not easy!

I went here for the 1^st time a couple of week ago for a friends 21^st, and if like me you was born or grew up in the 80’s or 90’s when you walk through the door you will see half of your child hood on display in the cabinets.
This has now become 1 of my favourite places to go out as it is an awesome atmosphere and full of friendly people even the bouncers are friendly and will have a chat and a laugh with you, I’m not one for talking to people that I don’t know but I was in with a mate and we made a couple of new friends that night, the DJ could have been better as he was falling asleep but all in all we had a fun night drinking and playing on the arcade machines and table football while watching great shows such as red dwarf (how many pubs and clubs have that sort of entertainment?).
A café during the day that transforms to a night club by night with so much memorabilia a true geek would think they are in heaven, music is mostly metal etc but you do get a mixed crowd in from time to time, they have a great selection of drinks, I think it is the only place I’ve been to that sell all the stuff I like to drink, they have a cloak room for a small fee you can leave your coat and not have to worry where you left it if you want to go onto the dance floor and on a friday between 4:30pm and 7pm you can get a FREE FISH FINGER SARNIE WITH YOUR DRINK!!! this is just 1 of the offers that they have on as there is something on everyday.
I would highly recommend going even if its not to your taste it is certaintly an experience not to be missed.

It’s a fun place to go and look at. The bar is a little hard to find if you’re new to Leeds, but you’ll find a great place to chill. You’re surrounded by retro movie props, posters and memoribilia from movies such as Ghostbusters, Star Wars, Gremilins, Star Trek and Spider-​man. The admission is acceptable as well on late nights (cost me £2 to get in on a Friday night) They even sell sweets behind the bar! The place usually has a mixture of clientele, but mainly rockers, geeks, students and you’re general saturday night crowd. Even if this bar is kind of not your thing i’d take a visit. It’s welcoming whoever the hell you are. You can dance like a total wierdo and no-​one will really care! If you’re a sci-​fi or comic book geek then you’ll love it! It might seem like a bit of a dingy as said, but that’s the appeal of the place!

My favourite bar in all of Leeds — I cannot recommend it enough!
The music ranges from pop, rock, cheese and a dash of metal throughout the night so if you’re in a varied group there’s something to please everyone. Also, the DJ booth is a space ship!
The bar has a variety of drinks and offers, and more importantly — a selection of sweets and crisps you’ll recognise from your school’s tuck shop. During the weeks the drinks are cheaper, and it’s usually free entry before 10. If you spot one of Fab’s flyerers in town they often have half price entry vouchers on them (mine has K9 and some Dalek’s on it and I can’t bare to part with it so it’s being used as a book mark).
The place is covered from ceiling to floor in cult movie memorabilia, comic book things and all sorts of other geekery. Upon first entering the bar you’re greeted by a lifesize Han Solo trapped in carbonite, moving around which the humongous Dalek and Darth Maul are sure to catch your eye, and if that wasn’t enough of a treat there are pacman tables to play while you drink and a (really difficult) star wars machine tucked away in the corner.
The staff are always friendly (and I’ve received a free shot or some sweets from them before) and quirky but (unlike many bars in Leeds) not at all pretentious. Don’t try and hug the Dalek though, you will get told off.
The atmosphere is relaxed — there are several seating areas and tables with a small amorphous dancefloor that’s almost always occupied. The DJ’s take requests if you’re polite, and never shoo you away in annoyance. The crowd vary from older people chilling after work, students, long haired men, and general revellers of the night. Everyone fits it, no one sticks out!
Although I’ve not been to the pub quizzes yet, they always seem to have worthwhile prizes that roll over if they’re not won. I went to their Halloween fancy dress party a few years back and it was brilliant. I’ve never seen such fantastic costumes — people put in a lot of effort and there was a prize for the best costume as well as free (cheese and mustard!?) sandwiches and free hats! YAY, FREE! The NYE party was a similar state of affairs although the music was disappointingly indie-​pop.
Overall, if you like quirky things, are a film geek, or even a bit of an oddball yourself, go to Fab Café!

this place is a bit hit and miss in my opinion. Its more often than not almost completely empty, which sometimes can be a good thing, but most of the time isn’t as you cant dance to the (usually) good music without everybody else seeing you, which at times makes people a little self concious. The drinks in my opinion are too expensive– at least for Leeds. I would liken them to nearer London prices.
However I absolutely love all the sci-​fi memorabilia on the walls and it makes for a really interesting night out, especially as they sell assorted sweets and crisps from most peoples younger years (e.g. dib dabs and space raiders). they also have some great themed nights– such as circus, where they really push the boat out in terms of entertainment.

Fab is awesome. If you’re a fan of music, 80’s movies and video games you’re in for a real treat.
Fab is not a usual bar — it’s designed to pay homage to film and television, with glass cases containing memorabilia and huge rocks coming out of the walls/​ceiling. They also have a weird selection of food and drinks available. The variety of sweets and crisps on offer makes you feel like you’re a kid again, deciding what to choose in the local corner shop.
Entry is pretty cheap and the drinks aren’t hugely expensive either. There is also a large outdoor area for smokers/​summer drinkers.
All in all Fab is more of an experience than a bar — you have to give the management credit on the effort they’ve put into the décor, it’s very unique and you WILL be returning!

If you are visiting Leeds, Fab Café just needs to be on your ‘To Do’ list. From the outside this place just does not look in anyway desirable, grey concrete slabs everywhere! Hideous. Also Fab Café isn’t located right in the city center, oh come on its about a 5 minute walk from Briggate!
You quite literally walk into another world when you enter Fab Café. I think everybody has an inner-​geek and Fab Café is where you can unleash it! Full of sci-​fi film memorabilia it’s like your stepping into one of Captain James T. Kirk’s adventures.
Food wise the menu is just as unique as the interior, they are prized on their TV dinners. Foodies this isn’t the place for you, I would quite frankly run in the opposite direction as they offer a selection of tinned goods, microwaved for your pleasure! Ravioli, spaghetti hoops and corned beef (who eats that anymore!) The bar more interestingly has a range of sweets, the kind you ate when you were an 80’s kid, rainbow drops and dip dabs. They also sell pot noodles behind the bar, they’re so hard to resist when you’re on a bit of a bender.
It really is a love it or hate it kind of place but my advice is to just try it out. You need to experience this place. The best night to go is on a Wednesday, quiz night! Its an all round laugh and at the end of the day you cant really get much better than and sci-​fi themed bar!

Aah the Fab Café… a little exciting, a little terrifying!!!
As you enter down the metallic stairs, you don’t know quite what to expect… then as soon as you enter the double doors you get hit by a massive scene of Sci-​Fi and film paraphernalia. Quite scary if you was expecting a regular dingy little bar.
Cheap drinks, pop, rock and indie music, and a whole lotta science stuff to gawp at. Seriously, go here just to take on the scene… you may well feel like you’ve just stepped out on set…

Fab is one of the most unique bars you’ll ever stumble into — if you don’t know what to expect, upon entrance you might think someone’s slipped something into one of your previous drinks.
The sci-​fi and retro film feel about the place makes the whole experience rather trippy — comic book designs cover the walls, geeky film paraphernalia is in abundance, and there’s even a dalek chilling behind the bar.
The drinks are cheap, and the music is good, if a little one dimensional (think indie-​pop) but there’s always a good vibe about the place, and it’s often full of self-​conciously ‘alternative’ students to such an extent that you feel cool just for being there.
It’s a wee bit dingy in places however (especially the toilets) which ruins it a bit for me, and you do get some utterly bizarre folk in here. But all in all, if you go once in a while, it’s pretty fab.

Ten years old this year, Fab Café has done well to maintain its quirky, alternative vibe in the face of an ever upwardly-​mobile student population, and its a testament to the loyalty of its customers and promoters that it remains popular despite rarely changing or updating anything — including the toilets. When I last checked, the same door had been broken for over a year. Despite this, and a general feeling of being a little rough around the edges, Fab is a great venue for a silly night out of drinks and dancing to some pop, rock and indie classics, and film geeks will love the memorabilia dotted around the walls. If, like me, you get very excited by the sound of a sonic screwdriver there’s even a life-​size Dalek holding court by the bar, and the cheerful staff will sell you retro sweets like Wham bars alongside your pint.

This is a fantastic bar, with no prejudice and lots of kitsch.
Want a cheap drink? You’ve got it!
A pot noodle? Yep!
Look at old sci-​fi posters and a dalek? It’s here!
Want to prat about under a blacklight with paper teeth in? They won’t mind!
My only issue with the bar is that it’s hard to find if you don’t know where you’re looking, but otherwise, I love it.

This is a great little place, which accepts everyone whether you’re in fancy dress, dressed to the nines or just there after work. Music is great, indie and rock on a Saturday night. Drinks are cheap too, but don’t expect anything too fancy.
The place looks a little dingy on first glance but after a few beers you realise that it only adds to the appeal of the place.
Watch the toilets though, they’re pretty horrific, especially towards the end of the night.

A sci-​fi bar/​club. Never seen one anywhere else and its a great novelty to get your groove on while surrounded by props, moive posters and figurines from popular and obsure sci-​fi films!
Bit pricey, but great experience.