Historic Leeds city centre pub to open in time for Christmas in joint venture by Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelocks

The much-missed Victoria & Commercial on Great George Street will re-open its doors in time for Christmas after being brought back to life by local favourites Kirkstall Brewery and the team behind Whitelock's and White Cloth Hall.

Constructed in 1865, the Grade II listed building features one of Leeds’ most impressive pub interiors, which has been sympathetically restored after being left to neglect since closing during Covid in 2020.

The project was initially announced in 2024 but the team then had to wait for developers to finish building flats in the upper levels above the pub before they could take over.

Following a painstaking refurbishment undertaken to restore the Victorian splendour of the building, the pub will once again serve the people of Leeds under the stewardship of the teams behind some of Leeds’ most loved pubs, taprooms and food halls.

A new kitchen, toilets and beer cellar have been installed and the refreshed pub will offer a wide selection of local ales, craft beers, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options. The food menu will celebrate seasonal produce and support local suppliers with a focus on provenance and quality.

Details on the opening date, menus and more will be shared in the coming weeks.

Steve Holt, Director - Kirkstall Brewery said: “This has been an exciting yet challenging project, which has uncovered surprises along the way. I have been collecting original Victorian beer advertising for many years and the Victoria is the perfect venue to display it. We are well aware that local people know and love this pub as much as we do. They are eagerly awaiting the re-opening and I am confident that they will be pleased with the result.”

Ed Mason, Director - Whitelock’s said: “Many generations of Leeds locals have a special connection to the Victoria and the good times they spent there. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to bring it back to life, restoring it to its rightful place within the city’s social and cultural life. We look forward to welcoming the local community back, just in time for a Christmas drink!”

The news comes just weeks another historic Leeds pub, The Highland Laddie, was named the best pub in the UK by the Good Food Guide just months after reopening under the stewardship of Sam Pullan and Nicole Deighton.

The pub has been praised widely for its traditional feel and, speaking after the announcement, Sam said that he would welcome the return of the Victoria and Commercial.

He also highlighted how popular traditional pubs are becoming again, saying: “I think especially after coming out of lockdown people realised that they appreciate home comforts. They don’t want the wool pulled over their eyes.

“I think people are a lot more wise with how they want to spend and pubs and restaurants have a job to do now. They can’t just expect them to walk through the door.”