Leeds hotel 42 The Calls has been put up for sale, years after it closed for a luxury refurbishment.
The landmark waterfront building on the banks of the River Aire was rescued from administration by local entrepreneur Simon Pollard back in 2018.
It had also been home to much-loved local restaurant Brasserie Forty 4 for almost three decades, which closed around this time.
42 The Calls operated as a hotel for around a year after Pollard acquired it, before closing for refurbishment in 2019.
The vision was to create a new luxury five star hotel, complete with rooftop champagne bar, with dreams to be open for business by 2021.
But Covid struck, the world slowed, and 42 The Calls never actually reopened.
Now a huge for sale sign has appeared on the side of the 28,000 sq ft building seeking potential buyers to complete its five-star luxury redevelopment.
As well as the 37-bedroom hotel filled with lavish suites, the building includes a riverside dining space and a range of entertaining spaces.
CGI plans for 42 The Calls hotel in Leeds. Credit: 42 The CallsThe proposed rooftop champagne bar. Credit: 42 The Calls
The vision board for 42 The Calls even includes the option for guests to arrive in a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce, or by the hotel’s own Riva boat which will pick you up from the train station and take you on a river cruise to the hotel, arriving to a glass of champagne.
The hotel listing says: "Originally built in the 18th century, this Grade II listed site is a fantastic waterfront location that's steeped in local history, renovated as Leeds' first boutique hotel in 1991."
The listing also states that this is an opportunity to 'rekindle 42 The Calls Hotel as the finest destination in Leeds'.
The landmark sale includes planning permission valid until January 2025.
When The Hoot shared a video of the empty 42 The Calls building earlier this year, we were flooded with comments crying out for it to reopen.
The for sale sign at 42 The Calls in Leeds
One person wrote: “Absolutely agree, superb potential, prominent location. Shame that its redevelopment appears to have stagnated.”
Another said: “Yes it's got so much potential. Don't think its previous owners made the most of it either.”
Someone else commented: “Used to work in brasserie 44.. such a shame to see it still empty and unloved.”
Hopefully this sale will finally see the wheels turning at 42 The Calls again.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Daisy Jackson -
27th June 2024 
