Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock’s Ale House to revive Victoria & Commercial Pub in Leeds

A spokesman said: “Located behind Leeds Town Hall, the historic ‘Victoria Family & Commercial Hotel’ first opened in 1865.

"While 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.”

Steve Holt, the founder of Kirkstall Brewery, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to preserve an icon of Leeds pub history.

"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, said. “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 traditional interior, Kirkstall and Whitelock’s will also be installing a new kitchen, and upgrading the beer dispensing equipment throughout the pub. The Victoria & Commercial Pub is scheduled to reopen in September 2024.