Search Form

STEP BACK IN TIME WITH RE-VAMPED PUB

Re-vamped Timothy Taylor gastro pub, Town Hall Tavern, is appealing for Leeds people to relive their fond memories of the historic venue after the re-furb triggers tales from past.

Town Hall Tavern, dates back to 1926 and was traditionally used by solicitors and their accused. As news has spread about Town Hall Taverns refurbishment and re-launch into an eclectic gastro pub, it has sparked a wave of Town Hall Tavern nostalgic tales from locals.

The re-furbished venue will re-open to all from May 20th serving a new locally sourced gastro menu and high-quality cocktails, ales and wines. The team at Town Hall Tavern would like to make a story book to keep inside the pub, listing the tales and anecdotes people remember about it, as well as any old photos, to ensure the venue's heritage is not forgotten.

One regular recently told new managers Mat Atkinson and Renee Hughes that he was actually barred from the pub in the 1950s for selling duck eggs to customers.

Leeds resident Mary Ruane has also contacted Town Hall Tavern to tell them she worked there from 1959 until the early 1960s and fondly remembers it as a busy but friendly place to work.

Mary said: “I got a barmaid job at Town Hall Tavern after my cousins drank in there and heard they were looking for staff. It was always a very busy pub when I worked there, full of solicitors and policeman and most of them drank cask ale or whisky shorts.

“It was split into two rooms back then, with the lounge room where solicitors and policemen drank and the tap room which was where the defendants and less wealthy spent their time. Back then it was owned by Tetley and I presented flowers to Mrs Tetley in January 1959 during a presentation within the pub.

“I'm pleased to hear the new team are ensuring they keep Town Hall Taverns history and heritage alive.”

Other locals have talked about business deals that got finalised over drink sessions and bands that played there, and the staff are now appealing for more people to get in touch with their tales and any old photographs that they will put up on the wall in the pub.

Locals can submit their stories via email to info@townhalltavernleeds.co.uk , via Facebook at www.facebook.com/townhalltavern or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/townhalltavern. The stories will be compiled to create a story book that will be kept within the pub.

Town Hall Tavern Venue Manager Mat Atkinson said: “It's great to hear that so many local people have fond memories of Town Hall Tavern and we hope to create more of these for the latest generation of customers.

“Town Hall Tavern is an iconic venue to many and we want to ensure its history is not lost during its transformation into an eclectic gastro pub.”

Town Hall Tavern will re-open to the public from Friday 20th May. For more information visit www.townhalltavernleeds.co.uk
TOWN HALL TAVERN