New ownership for ‘jewel’ in city’s gastro scene

One of Leeds’ oldest pubs has been acquired in a six-figure deal.

Harrogate gastronomic enterprise, Three’s A Crowd, will take on The Reliance as its second location and its first outside of its North Yorkshire home town.

The Reliance is now closed and will re-open in February following further investment into its refurbishment.

All 20 of The Reliance’s staff will be employed by the new owners and 10 new jobs will be created.

Three’s A Crowd is owned and run by John Quinlan, who has been at the helm of the business since the Harrogate venue opened in West Park almost four years ago.

With a background in fine dining, Quinlan is passionate about serving good food using modern techniques and delivering first class service to guests.

He said: “It’s a huge honour to play a role in The Reliance’s significant story. The pub is more than just a venue, it’s an institution which I’m committed to upholding and keeping alive as we breathe new life into it.

“To commemorate this new chapter, Three’s A Crowd will continue to serve The Reliance’s bitter to customers old and new.

“Three’s A Crowd has gone from strength-to-strength since 2019 as we carved out our own cult following in Harrogate.

“I’m pleased to be investing in and expanding the brand into Leeds so our unique offering can be experienced in the city.

“What’s more, personally it’s a privilege to be taking the reins of The Reliance in the next chapter of our journey.

“It’s a venue that has been inspirational to so many business owners like myself – our dream is to continue the success built by Joss and Becs for the past 20 plus years as we build our second venue in this much-loved jewel of the Leeds gastro scene.”

Based on North Street and spread over two floors, the new Three’s A Crowd venue will seat up to 82 diners and will offer monthly events, tastings with locally sourced food and a bespoke, hand picked wine list.