Cocktail bar launches in grade II-listed house

A COCKTAIL bar has launched at a historic building on Park Row.

The Thewlis Cocktail Lounge is named after Leeds-born architect Joseph Thewlis who designed the facade of the building. It will be located at the Kenneth Hodgson House – previously the banking hall of the West Riding Bank Building.

Property investment company, Westcourt Group, which own Kenneth Hodgson House, launched the bar on 8 October.

The grade II-listed building, formerly Abtech House, was restored in 2013 by Westourt. The building was renamed in memory of Leeds businessman Kenneth Hodgson, the late father of Westcourt’s director, Tim Hodgson.

Mr Hodgson said, “Westcourt have been looking for the right concept for some time now and welcoming Thewlis to the building is fantastic. With boutique office space upstairs and now a Cocktail Lounge bringing back the hubbub that would have previously stemmed from the busy banking hall – Kenneth Hodgson House feels wonderfully alive.

“This area is a great place to be at the moment and I can only see it getting better as more high-end bars and restaurants choose to set up in this part of town.”

Thewlis mixologists offer more than 30 unique cocktails.

Bar owners Alex and Allison Temprell said: “Thewlis will be swathed in pure decadence, with hedonistic gold and black décor throughout. A library style, with a floor to ceiling back bar, creates a liquor emporium that is rarely seen outside London.

“A full-length ladder will also be fitted – leading customers’ to their very own private drinks cabinet. Park Row is becoming a real hub for those wishing to indulge in upmarket champagne and cocktail offerings, and our discerning audience will be treated to a fantastic champagne list, from Bruno Paillard by the glass, to Cristal and Krug.”

“We fell in love with Kenneth Hodgson House before even entering the building. The architecture – in particular the frieze – blows you away. As this is the first impression our customers receive of the bar we only thought it only fitting that Joseph Thewlis’ name sits alongside it.

“The area has become much-loved as a place for after work drinks and weekend celebrations, as well as a busy financial district, so we feel we will add another dimension to the area.”

 

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