The Victoria and Commercial in Leeds city centre will reopen at 12 noon on Friday 5th December. The Grade II listed pub, built in 1865, has been closed since March 2020. Its new operators, Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock’s, have restored the building and will run it alongside the team behind White Cloth Hall.
The refurbishment aimed to bring back the Victorian character of the pub after years of neglect. The work included a new kitchen, toilets and beer cellar. The bar will serve cask and keg beers from Kirkstall and Five Points, as well as drinks from guest breweries. Visitors will also find a wide range of wines, spirits and cocktails.
To mark the reopening, the first 100 visitors on Friday, 5th December, and Saturday, 6th December, will receive a free pint of Kirkstall or Five Points beer. The weekend will feature Christmas entertainment, beginning with a choir performance on Friday evening. On Saturday the Cardi Choir will lead a Christmas sing-along. A festive jazz session will follow on Sunday, paying tribute to the pub’s once regular jazz nights.
The kitchen will be led by former Whitelock’s head chef Nick Robertson. Food will be served throughout the pub, with a focus on local and seasonal produce. The bar menu will include pub classics, snacks and sandwiches. Albert’s Room will reopen as a dining room offering a longer menu of seasonal British dishes and grilled meats. Tables can be booked, while the main bar and Bridget’s Bar will remain open for walk-ins.
A new Sunday roast menu will launch with options such as beef rump cap, pork tomahawk, lamb gigot steak and salt baked celeriac pithivier. Bookings open on Monday 8th December on the Victoria’s website or in person.
Steve Holt, director at Kirkstall Brewery, said: “We know the people of Leeds cannot wait to toast the return of one of the city’s greatest pubs and see the work that has gone into its restoration, new drinks offering and dining room menu. We anticipate a fantastic first weekend at the Victoria and look forward to sharing in the festive cheer.”
Ed Mason, director at Whitelock’s, commented: “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 Victoria’s opening hours will be Monday to Wednesday 11am to 11pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 12am and Sunday 12pm to 10.30pm.
