Pub owners quell fears that time called on historic pub

THE owners of one of Leeds’s most historic pubs have moved to allay concerns of regulars after it emerged the venue is facing a sudden closure.

Regulars at The Garden Gate, in Whitfield Place, Hunslet, have been left bewildered by the news that the 110-year-old pub is being forced to shut at short notice. But Leeds Brewery, which has been in charge of the venue since 2010, has moved to quell rumours that the building was to close for good or was even being earmarked for development.

Sam Moss, the director of the brewing firm, told the Yorkshire Post the Grade II listed building could be closed until the new year but explained “the pub is in no danger”.

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The pub is expected to close for repair work, which could mean the heating and electrical wiring being overhauled, so a reopening date is dependent on the amount of work needed. Pub goers or groups that have arranged bookings in The Garden Gate for functions will be contacted by Leeds Brewery and alternatives may be offered.

Mr Moss said: “It’s just one of those things. For the people that go in and use it, it will be a bit frustrating but we have got a long term outlook on the building and a couple of months of closure is something we have to do when we are looking to run it for the next 25 or 30 years.”

Leeds Brewery, which also runs The Midnight Bell, The Brewery Tap and The Pin Inn, took over The Garden Gate after it saw a dip in trade following the smoking ban.

The pub, which was saved from demolition by locals in the 1960s, is a former Tetley’s house.

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