Landmark Leeds pub to close for New Year facelift
The Tommy Wass1 pub on Dewsbury Rd near Elland Road Stadium will be closed from January 5 for a £220,000 revamp by Heineken owned Star Pubs1 reopening under new management on February 5 in time for the Leeds United home game against Nottingham Forest on February 7.
Star Pubs owners said an improved layout, better sports facilities and a smarter up to date décor will transform the pub, taking it to the next level.
The interior is being opened up with a little used function space incorporated into the bar area providing additional seating. It will be redecorated from top-to-toe with the new layout consisting of a main bar area with snug and a designated games room.
In the Heineken branded games area, there will be a mix of high and medium height tables and chairs, a new pool table with a contactless pay facility, a halo darts board and a state-of-the-art AV system showing Sky and TNT Sports on three large high-definition TVs (HDTVs). A neon sign will complete the look.
Two additional HDTVs will be located in the main bar and a third in the snug.
The bar will have new high ‘poseur’ height bar tables and chairs, and new flooring and keep it’s popular juke box.
The pictures in the tap room bar have a sports theme with an overall Leeds United flavour. The snug area will see the fixed seating recovered, wooden tables and chairs replaced and a new carpet fitted.
Outside, the pub frontage is to be redecorated in olive green and cream giving it a smarter look in keeping with the upgraded interior.
Seating in the courtyard garden will be increased by 50 per cent to 48 on new A-frame tables and chairs.
When The Tommy Wass reopens there will be a greater choice of drinks at the pub, offering something for all tastes and budgets. From Fosters, Heineken and Birra Moretti to Strongbow and Cruzcampo.
Sports will be a major feature at The Tommy Wass.As well as live sports and competitive socialising like darts and pool, local sports teams will be encouraged to use the pub post practice and games.
Additional entertainment will include a weekly quiz, weekly prize bingo and pool and poker nights. There will also be a DJ on Friday and Sunday evenings and a Juke Box party on a Saturday night.
The changes will see experienced local publican Demi Hurley take on the management of the pub on behalf of Star Pubs creating a quality neighbourhood pub with a friendly ambience. Demi was brought up in a pub and was hands on from a young age collecting glasses before working behind the bar. Most recently she ran a pub in Armley.
Demi said: “Pubs are in my family’s blood. So much so that my mum is going to be the assistant manager and my sister will also work behind the bar.
“I am really looking forward to moving to Beeston and getting to know neighbours and the pub’s regulars and becoming part of the community. I can’t wait to open the doors in February and show off the new look pub to regulars and welcome new faces.
“The Tommy Wass has a lovely feel to it, but needed investment to create a top quality local where people want to socialise.”
Star Pubs Business Development Manager, Jay Weir said: “We’re delighted to be upgrading The Tommy Wass, creating somewhere the community can enjoy.
"The investment will take the pub to a new level whilst retaining its character. An improved layout, upgraded sports facilities, more seating in the garden and a facelift, plus a great schedule of entertainment will broaden The Tommy Wass’s appeal attracting more customers.
“So Happy New Year to Beeston and wishing residents many happy days and evenings ahead at The Tommy Wass; and good luck on 7th February!”