300 year-old Leeds pub gets craft beer on the menu

THE owner of the oldest pub in Leeds, Whitelock’s Ale House, has signed a deal allowing him to sell Yorkshire craft ales.

Ed Mason, who bought the pub in 2012, renegotiated a contract which had restricted the selling of his own ales, and those of Yorkshire independent breweries

The owner of historic Whitelock’s Ale House in Leeds has negotiated a new lease that enables it to sell craft ales from his own brewery and other independent Yorkshire breweries, alongside traditional Yorkshire beers.

The 300 year-old pub is the oldest existing licensed pub in the city centre.

Before the renegotiations, Whitelock’s was tied to the Spirit Pub Company which restricted the ales on offer.

York solicitors Langleys got on the case, sorting out a new lease which allows Mr Mason, who is also the proprietor of The Five Points Brewing Company in East London and The Deramore Arms in York, more scope to sell the beers he wishes.

The brewery launched in late 2012 and has won awards for its craft beers which include Five Points Pale, Hook Island Red, Railway Porter and Five Points IPA.

Mr Mason said: “This is a beautiful, historic pub that has a special place in the heart of the local community. We are delighted to be helping it celebrate its 300th Anniversary and are committed to its long term future. Our new lease means we can offer our customers an even wider range of high quality independent beers.”

Tim Cross, partner at Langleys Solicitors, said: “The new lease will give Ed the freedom to continue his evolution of this fantastic venue, while retaining the heritage that makes it such a popular choice for drinkers and diners. Five Points Brewing Company is growing fast and we look forward to working closely with Ed as he continues to build this exciting business.”

Whitelock’s Ale House was first licensed as The Turk’s Head in 1715, near Briggate market. The Whitelock family purchased the pub in the 1880s and it was refurbished in 1886