Leeds oldest pub has been granted new historic protection status in acknowledgment of its important cultural status in the city.
A fixture in the city for over 300 years, Whitelock's Ale House is loved by locals and tourists alike for its great selection of beers and cosy drinking nooks.
Now, the hidden boozer has been given the second-highest historical protection status possible - acknowledging its status as a surviving upmarket Victorian “luncheon bar”.
On the advice of Historic England, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has upgraded the pub to Grade II* - putting it in the top 5.8% of protected historic buildings in England.
It is one of just two historic UK pubs to be upgraded to Grade II*, the other being the Victorian Prince Alfred in Maida Vale, London.
First licensed back in 1715 as The Turk’s Head, Whitelock’s has witnessed countless key moments of local record.
Image: Whitelock's
Image: Whitelock's
Image: Whitelock's
The pub still boasts has its 1895 interior decorative scheme, as well as a number of striking period features.
Described by poet John Betjeman as “the Leeds equivalent of Fleet Street’s Old Cheshire Cheese and far less self-conscious,” it has been a favourite rendezvous for many guests of note over the years.
The pub received royal approval when Prince George (later Duke of Kent) entertained a party in a curtained-off section of its restaurant and was known as a popular haunt for stars of the stage in days gone by.
The pub was also recently named as one of the cosiest in Britain acrroding the Mail on Sunday’s hotlist.
The roaring flames from the fire heat up the bar area and offer the perfect place for dogs to curl up to after a long day in the city: creating the perfect laid-back atmosphere for all ages.
Whitelocks has a long history of serving customers a range of ever-changing dishes, including their famed Sunday roast, each paired with a careful selection of ales and wines.
Image: Whitelock's
Tucked away off the high street, Whitelocks is a true hidden gem, although given its popularity, it is more likely Leeds worst kept secret.
A considered selection of ales and wines are paired with home-cooked food, all sourced from the local area, are just some of the little touches that make this public house feel like home.
Feature image - Whitelock's Ale House
News
A huge football fan zone with space for up to 1,000 fans has opened in Leeds
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
15th June 2022 
