Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock’s team up to reopen The Victoria Hotel & Pub in Leeds
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…
£50 Three’s A Crowd Harrogate Restaurant Voucher
11 West Park, Harrogate HG1 1BL- Town centre gastropub which oozes laid back, refined cool
- Showcasing the best seasonal ingredients
- SAVE 25% off
Middletons York Afternoon Tea
Cromwell Rd, York YO1 6DS- Historic 4-star hotel
- A stone’s throw from York city centre
- SAVE up to 16% off
Sora York Afternoon Tea with a Cocktail
- Asian-fusion rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning views of York city centre
- SAVE 22% off
Aldwark Manor Afternoon Tea
Aldwark Manor, York YO61 1UF- Stunning North Yorkshire estate near York
- Michelin recommended restaurant
- SAVE 21% off
Written by
11/01/2024