Whitelocks Ale House was awarded a spot on the Mail on Sunday's cosiest pubs in Britain this week.
Pubs around Britain were marked on the cosiness of their interior and overall feel: fires, comfy nooks and whether or not dogs were allowed inside, were all factors in the decision making.
Nine pubs across Yorkshire were selected, which is no surprise to us, but it was Whitelocks made a particularly clear impression on judges Tom Parker Bowles and Olly Smith.
The pub really could tick any of the boxes in their sleep. With a wide selection of ales and craft beers, the nineteenth century interior effortlessly oozes sophistication, softened by candle light and merlot red hues.
The kitchen hatch is conveniently placed in the centre of the building, allowing the waft of mouthwatering dishes to flow through both the beer garden and indoor seating area. / Image: Whitelocks Ale House
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.
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.
Whitelocks Pub is still full of heritage features. / Image: Whitelocks Ale House
The pub was first founded in 1715 and has a long history of serving customers an endless selection of delicious seasonal meals and locally brewed drinks.
These days, customers have the choice of sitting outdoors in their beer garden or inside with a seat close to the action. Whichever you choose on your next visit, good food and a truly memorable atmosphere is guaranteed.
The Victorian pub was originally named The Turk's Head before being taken over by the Whitelock family in the 1880s. The entire building has been preserved with beautiful nineteenth century decor, including stained glass windows.
To us, it's really no surprise that the pub has been recognised as one of the cosiest in Britain, but it's great to see Whitelocks recognised on a national scale.
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.
Sophie Smith -
12th October 2021 
