New independent pub The Smithfield set to take over former much-loved Leeds venue
A new independent pub is set to take over the site of much-loved Leeds venue.
The Smithfield is preparing to open on 76–78 North Street, the former site of pub The Reliance which closed in 2023 after more than two decades in the city.
The pub was later replaced by Three’s A Crowd, which closed its doors suddenly last year.
The Smithfield is a collaboration between craft beer brewery Crooked Brewing and Leeds-based chef James Donovan.
An exact opening date has yet to be announced.
The business name is inspired by the area’s historic connection to Smithfield cattle market in the early 1800s.
Steve Dawson, Co-owner of Crooked Brewing, said bars were “special places” and shared his excitement for The Smithfield to open its doors later this spring.
In an Instagram post, he said: “(The Reliance’s) absence is really keenly felt by people. Everybody I’ve spoken to over the last couple of months is really excited for something coming back here.”
“When you see it as an empty building it feels like a real shame because it was a place and will be a place again where people come, meet friends, meet family, enjoy themselves.”
The Smithfield will specialise in serving seasonal Yorkshire produce in dishes designed to share.
James Donovan, Chef and Co-owner of The Smithfield said: “The emphasis is going to be on the quality.
“There’s to be small plates for sharing, slightly larger plates for sharing, and then much bigger plates for sharing that are kind of mains for two, three, possibly four people.
“Think big pies, whole cuts, whole braises, and things like that.”
The pub was granted permission to re-open in October, after measures were agreed to tackle noise nuisance.