A local Leeds pub has changed its name in honour of United legend Luke Ayling who left the club earlier this month.
Having been with Leeds for seven seasons and playing a key role in the Marcelo Bielsa side that brought the club back to the Premier League, Ayling became more of a firm fan favourite year after year, and this pub in Beeston is yet more proof in the pudding.
The Old Peacock, which sits just a stone's throw away from Elland Road, is the most popular pre and post-match haunt for Leeds fans on matchday, and to pay tribute to the fondly thought of full-back they've decided to temporarily rename themselves.
Dubbing themselves 'The Luke Ale Inn' in his honour — well played — the popular Peacock pub will be known as such for the remainder of the season.
Ayling himself said as much, writing on his Instagram story: "What an honour. Can't wait. to get in and have a pint once the season is over".
Insisting that he is fully focused on kicking at Middlesborough, having joined Michael Carrick's side on loan until the end of the season before presumably leaving permanently after his contract expiry, he clearly can't wait to be back as a punter.
He also assured the pints will be on him when he's back up Yorkshire way. Good lad.
Ayling, 32, has only played a couple of matches for his new team after joining earlier this month but as a veritable Championship veteran at this point will no doubt prove to be a vital senior addition.
Meanwhile, back at Leeds, his departure wasn't taken lightly, with countless players past and present joining the fans in bidding an emotional farewell.
A role model on and off the pitch, renaming a pub after him is the least the Old 'Cock and the Whites could do.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Danny Jones -
26th January 2024 
