Leeds pub Victoria & Commercial reveals first official menu following triumphant first month
The Victoria & Commercial pub in Leeds city centre has unveiled its first official menu after a highly successful first month of trading.
Located on Great George Street, the venue, brought back to life by the teams behind Kirkstall Brewery, Whitelock’s and White Cloth Hall, spent December trialling and refining its menu as it welcomed customers back through its doors.
Reflecting on a successful launch, with over 40,000 pints served in its first month back in business, The Vic is now launching its official permanent menu, featuring customer favourites and a range of new dishes.
Put together by former Whitelock’s head chef, Nick Robertson, the menu showcases local and seasonal produce, including mainstays such as the 6oz beef patty Victoria burger and beer-battered haddock and chips, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.
It also features nods to the pub’s historic past, such as the Guinness and beef shin steamed suet pudding, as well as contemporary treats like confit duck leg with chorizo cassoulet and kohlrabi tarte tatin.
On Sundays, the menu features lamb gigot steak, pork tomahawk, rump cap, and salt-baked celeriac pithivier served with carrot puree, piccolo parsnips, roasted potatoes, kalettes, braised red cabbage, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
Whitelock’s director Ed Mason said: “So many generations of Leeds locals have a special connection to the Victoria and the good times they spent there so it’s truly a privilege to see the place bursting with life again.
“After a month of careful research and refinement, we’re excited for you to sample our permanent menu. Stopping in for a sandwich or in the mood for something bigger? Let us know what’s good!”
Originally closed six years ago, the Grade II-listed pub relaunched on December 5 following extensive refurbishments to restore its Victorian grandeur. As guests return, so will the pub’s famous Jazz at The Vic, with live jazz in the main bar at 8pm every Thursday starting January 29.
Another favourite from before the pub closed in 2020, February 2 will see the return of its regular Monday pub quiz, with £1 entry and weekly cash jackpots.
Steve Holt, director at Kirkstall Brewery, said: “We couldn’t be more proud of the team and our wonderful community for making the first month at The Vic so fantastic after such a painstaking restoration journey. 40,000 pints is just incredible and we’re so excited for the future; here’s to plenty more.”