Back in May, the team behind Whitelock's and The Turk's Head, the oldest pub in Leeds, acquired a new Meanwood property, East of Arcadia.
Since taking over, the new owners have invested a six-figure sum into the building to complete a full refurb and rebrand before reopening in September.
The acquisition was a new move for the company, who currently own pubs steeped in history. Whitelock’s first opened in 1715 and is locally known to be the oldest pub in Leeds, whilst The Turk’s Head was estimated to exist around the same era- named after the family that once owned the building.
East of Arcadia will become The Meanwood Tavern. / Image: East of Arcadia
Choosing the name The Meanwood Tavern, the pub is said to take inspiration from traditional British pubs, but offering a contemporary twist that will see a refreshed new site with all-new bar and seating areas, and capacity for up to 160 guests.
The tavern is going to have a particular focus on locality, bringing together a plentiful drinks menu with craft beers from Yorkshire and well-kept real ales, as well as a full selection of wines, spritz and a dedicated cocktail menu.
Ales from Whitelock's. / Image: Whitelock's Ale House
Taking over the kitchen, indie pizza operators Well Oiled will be showcasing the best of Detroit-style slices from October 2022.
Inspired by the unique American style of cooking pizzas in rectangular steel pans, Well Oiled also focuses on championing locals without compromising on quality. Think artisan-made slices topped with meats, veggies and flavours from local British producers and housemade fermented and pickled ingredients.
The Full Spec Pizza from Well Oiled. / Image: Supplied
Having sold the public on a series of successful pop-ups, Well Oiled will be topping their focaccia-style doughs with toppings aplenty. Take the Full Spec pizza for example, we're talking about Trealy Farm fennel salami, whipped ricotta, hot honey and pepper mash, whilst sharers include the brand’s signature garlic donut bread with a whole burrata centre, filled with turbo chimichurri.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has shared an update this afternoon, after a man died in a horrifying tiger attack at the zoo yesterday.
The wildlife park, which remains closed today, has informed customers of the future of the tiger involved, Altai.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
The zoo has said that its 'thoughts and heartfelt sympathies' remain with the man's family and loved ones.
They also said that its staff team have been left 'deeply affected' by the tiger attack and will be receiving specialist support.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has now shared that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.
Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.
Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.
The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.
“A contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
“It should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.
“By stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leeds’s oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.”
Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.
Sophie Smith -
10th August 2022 
