Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock’s team up to reopen The Victoria Hotel & Pub in Leeds
//= get_the_date( 'dS F Y' ); ?>
The people behind Leeds’ Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock’s Ale House are taking on The Victoria Hotel & Commercial Pub on Great George Street, pledging to revive and restore the Grade II-listed pub to its former glory.
Located behind Leeds Town Hall, the historic ‘Victoria Family & Commercial Hotel’ is one of Leeds’ most enduring and well-loved Victorian buildings, first opened in 1865. Whilst the upper floors of The Victoria Hotel and the neighbouring Shenanigans Irish Pub are being redeveloped into student accommodation, the legendary pub itself is being left intact.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to preserve an icon of Leeds pub history,” said Steve Holt, founder of Kirkstall Brewery. “Our own pedigree of restoring historic pubs, such as The Cardigan Arms and The Kirkstall Bridge Inn, puts us in good stead for this project. Additionally, the chance to take on one of the most beautiful pubs in the city in partnership with Whitelock’s, Leeds’ oldest pub, was one we simply couldn’t pass up.”
Ed Mason, Whitelock’s Managing Director and the Co-Founder of The Five Points Brewing Company, is equally enthusiastic about the project. “We’ve had a close partnership with Steve and his team at Kirkstall Brewery for a long time, and we love their pubs, so when the opportunity came along to join forces it felt like a natural next step.
And at a time when so many pubs are being lost, we are delighted to be able to work with the developer to ensure that this beautiful Victorian pub is preserved for future generations.”

As well as restoring the pub’s celebrated traditional interior, Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock’s will also be installing a brand-new kitchen, and upgrading the beer dispensing equipment throughout the pub. The Victoria & Commercial Pub is planned to reopen in September 2024, and more details will be forthcoming in due course.
Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with more exciting openings coming to Yorkshire in 2024.
DON’T MISS…
Sunday Lunch with Champagne at Hotel Du Vin York
89 The Mount, York YO24 1AX- AA Rosette award-winning bistro
- Start with their French Market buffet before enjoying a roast cooked over fire
- SAVE up to 29% off
Majestic Hotel Harrogate Afternoon Tea
Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2HU- Victorian 4 Star hotel in the heart of Harrogate
- Choose from Traditional, Prosecco or Champagne Afternoon Tea
- SAVE up to 22%
Chef’s Table Tasting Menu Experience at Swinton Estate
Swinton Estate, Ripon HG4 4JH- Grade II-Listed hotel on 20,000 acres of parkland
- Michelin recommended tasting menu
- SAVE 15% off
Yorkshire Food Guide Gift Voucher
YorkshireCan’t decide on a gift from our range of exclusive restaurant and hotel offers? Never fear, let your friends and loved ones choose for themselves with our Yorkshire Food Guide Gift Vouchers.
Written by
11/01/2024








