Pub with long history aims to put itself back on city’s menu

The Town Hall Tavern is re-launching as a gastropub and will be open to the public from Friday. New managers Mat Atkinson and Renee Hughes are now hoping to compile nostalgic tales about the venue. The move was prompted by a former barmaid, Mary Ruane, who got in touch to tell the pair about working at the pub in the 1950s and 1960s.

Another regular told how he was barred from the pub in the 1950s for selling duck eggs to customers.

Timothy Taylor’s Town Hall Tavern opened in 1926 and was traditionally used by solicitors and criminals attending the nearby magistrates and crown courts.

The new team also includes head chef Anton Scoones. Between them they hold over 22 years of industry experience, working in The General Tarleton, the five-star De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel, Oporto, The Angel’s Share, and The Scarborough Taps.

At just 25 years old, Anton has an impressive portfolio, beginning at Leeds restaurant Simply Heathcotes where he started as commis chef. He quickly worked his way up the ranks, cooking at Michelin- starred Longridge Restaurant before joining the De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel as senior chef de partie. He joined the Town Hall Tavern from the General Tarleton restaurant with rooms – a two-rosette, five star hotel with Michelin Bibs Gourmand. Anton said: “I’m really excited to be part of the launch team and bring my experience and knowledge to provide the best gastro menu in Leeds. My food uses fresh, locally-sourced produce and I’m looking forward to serving the businessmen and women from the surrounding Park Square area.”

Venue manager, and former Australian bartender of the year nominee, Mat Atkinson, has worked in the hospitality industry for over 11 years, beginning his career in the rural pubs in his home county of Cumbria, before coming to Leeds and gaining a degree in International Hospitality Management.

Mat said: “Town Hall Tavern is a historic venue, that is known by locals all over the city so it’s a privilege to be involved in the re-launch.

“I’m working to ensure each decision we make does the venue justice and stays true to its traditional roots, while bringing an exciting new gastro food and drinks menu to the business district of Leeds.”

Renee Hughes has been with Timothy Taylor for over a year, but her previous experience and progress within the company saw her being asked to bring her knowledge to launch Town Hall Tavern. She said: “In my previous roles I have been taught how to care for cask ales and train staff to nurture them to the same high standard. This is exactly what I’ll be doing at Town Hall Tavern to ensure the venue offers the best selection of Timothy Taylor cask ales in Leeds.

www.townhalltavernleeds.co.uk. To submit a story, email [email protected].