Pudsey’s iconic Bankhouse Inn pub has closed its doors and is seeking new owners.
A ‘to lease’ sign has gone up at the traditional pub, which is based in Bankhouse Lane, on the edge of the historic Moravian settlement of Fulneck.
Owners Star Pubs and Bars is looking for someone to run the pub after the previous leaseholders, who had been there since 2016, left.
Star Pubs say on their website:
“The Bankhouse Inn is a traditional idyllic pub where we are looking to build on its well-established local trade through the expansion of a ‘destination’ style food offer.
“It has a lovely view of the rolling countryside, and has a real sense of character due to its stone-built nature. We need its next landlord to drive food and cask ale throughout the year, utilise its great function outdoor building, and exploit its fantastic beer garden in the summer months.”
Star Pubs has also outlined the qualities the next landlord/landlady should have:
“We are keen to partner with an operator who is focused on delivering a brilliant food offer, who can exploit the catering and seating facilities available, who is next to none in terms of their customer service and who can exploit a variety of marketing methods to build this site up to be a go-to destination food pub.”
The next licensee will be expected to pay £50,000 a year rent. On top of that there are an estimated £36,000 ingoing costs and more than £7,000 in other costs.
Star, which is the pub business of brewery giants Heinekin, say they would consider a five-year rolling tenancy on the property.
The Dispatch reported in December that Leeds City Council approved plans to demolish the empty Boar’s Head pub in nearby Roker Lane and replace it with housing.
The Boar’s Head was one of four pubs on a mile stretch of road that had closed during the past 20 years. The White Cross, the Regent and the Weasel also shut their doors – only the Fleece in Fartown is still in business.