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The 147 Club | Northern Snooker Centre
In our latest feature on our 147 Club members, we look at the iconic Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Founded by Jim Williamson in 1974, the venue remained under the ownership of the Williamson family for 48 years until it was sold to Yorkshire-based business Concept Taverns in 2022.
Over the last half-a-century, the Leeds venue has earned a reputation as one of the finest amateur snooker venues around and Concept Taverns were keen to maintain that legacy while bringing the venue into the modern era.
Abi Green, the Head of Sales, Marketing & Events at Concept Taverns, explains: “Taking over ownership of the Northern Snooker Centre has been an incredible journey for us. Over the past two years, we have experienced the challenges and joys of managing such a historic venue. We’ve focused on understanding the community’s needs and honouring the rich heritage of the club while implementing modern updates. It’s been rewarding to see our efforts resonate positively with both long-time members and new visitors.
“Balancing tradition with modernity has certainly been challenging but crucial. We understand the deep affection the community has for the club’s history, so we’ve made sure to preserve the elements that make NSC special. At the same time, we’ve introduced modern amenities and technologies to ensure the venue stays relevant and appealing in 2024 and beyond.” she added.
The club has 28 full-sized snooker tables, each maintained to professional standards, and is home to a number of current and former professionals including David Grace, Liam Pullen, Sanderson Lam and Peter and Oliver Lines, as well as young up-and-coming players such as reigning English Under-18 champion Daniel Boyes and many more.
“Having a great group of professional and top amateur players at the club is incredibly inspiring. It creates a motivating environment for younger and less experienced players to learn and aspire to improve. The presence of these skilled players fosters a sense of community and mentorship that is invaluable for nurturing the next generation of snooker talent” said Green.
Throughout its history, the venue has hosted many major snooker and billiards events and this season is no different. Last week saw the HIBSF Home International Championships immediately followed by the World Billiards Jim Williamson Open, an event named in honour of the venue’s founder.
This weekend, the Northern Snooker Centre will host 154 of the world’s top amateur cueists for the first WPBSA Q Tour Europe event of the 2024/25 season and, in September, the 36th edition of the prestigious UK Women’s Snooker Championship takes place at the venue.
“Hosting major events like the WPBSA Q Tour and the WWS UK Championship is a highlight for us. These events bring a lot of excitement to the club and allow us to showcase our facilities and hospitality. We take great pride in providing a top-notch venue for these prestigious tournaments and enjoy the buzz and engagement they generate within the community” said Green.
So, what is next for the iconic venue as it looks beyond it’s 50th year as one of snooker’s best-known venues?
Green explains: “Looking ahead, we have several exciting plans for the club. We aim to continue upgrading our facilities, including adding more high-quality tables and improving our lounge and dining areas. We’re also planning to host more diverse events to cater to different interests and expand our reach.
“We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved at the NSC so far and are excited for what the future holds. Our focus remains on creating a vibrant, inclusive, and high-quality environment for all snooker enthusiasts. We’re grateful for the support of our members and the wider snooker community, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”
Learn more about the Northern Snooker Centre at their website.
