It's finally happening... Leeds' newest addition, the Brewery Wharf Tavern, has finally announced its anticipated opening date.
Brewery Wharf Tavern will officially open to the public on Friday 29 August, hoorah!
The new city centre pub, situated on the banks of the River Aire and close to The Calls, takes its name from the fact they are based on the site of the riverside delivery wharf for the historic Tetley Brewery.
Brought to you by the wonderful team behind Leeds institutions Whitelock’s Ale House, The Meanwood Tavern, and White Cloth Hall - you just know it's going to be a good 'un.
Images: Supplied
The modern pub is based at the premises most recently occupied by Home Restaurant, and before that, the Oracle bar.
A sister venue to The Meanwood Tavern, the pub draws inspiration from the Meanwood Tavern design and has been refurbished in collaboration with interior designers Collective Design, and the team at Box Construction.
Like the other venues, Brewery Wharf Tavern will operate as an independent freehouse, showcasing a wide range of independent beers alongside great cocktails and wines, whilst championing Yorkshire-based food and drink suppliers.
Images: Supplied
A brand-new pizza kitchen will be launching later in September, serving up premium sourdough pizza and small plates.
Founder and Managing Director of the Whitelock’s Group Ed Mason, who is also a founder and owner of Five Points Brewing, said: "We are passionate about hospitality, and about Leeds, and we are excited to be opening a brand new venue on the banks of the River Aire, right in the heart of the city.
"There is a shortage of riverside venues in the city, and still not enough venues championing independent food and drinks suppliers - we are excited about delivering both."
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Jungle are back and have announced a huge Leeds gig for later this year
Daisy Jackson
Modern funk and soul band Jungle are officially heading back to Leeds.
The Mercury Prize-nominated group will be performing at the First Direct Bank Arena this November, following their blistering summer on the festival circuit last year.
They'll be heading to Leeds on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Jungle was formed back in 2013 by producers and friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
While they technically worked as a duo for years (until 2023, when touring member Lydia Kitto became an official member of the band), Jungle are known for their huge live performances.
They always fill stages with musicians and vocalists, for incredible funk n soul live shows.
The bands huge hits include Back on 74, Casio, and Busy Earnin’, from four top-10 albums including 2023’s groundbreaking Volcano.
The upcoming Leeds date forms part of the band’s upcoming world tour, which arrives in the UK in November 2026 following a string of international performances across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Fans can expect a setlist jam packed with standout tracks, including fan favourites such as ‘Volcano’ and ‘Back On 74’ and newer material from their upcoming album ‘Sunshine’, released on 14 August that continues to push the band’s signature sound forward.
With over 3.4 billion streams to their name, Jungle’s Leeds show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 so we wouldn't mess about if we were you.
Tickets for Jungle in Manchester will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 27 March, with pre-sale from 10am on Thursday 26 March.
Clementine Hall -
21st August 2025 
