Future of North Brewing Secured with Sale to Steve Holt of Kirkstall Brewery

Kirkstall Brewery’s Founder Steve Holt has purchased North Brewing, which will continue to operate as an independent brewery, run by the existing management team. 

The move will ensure North’s future, including its Springwell Brewery and Taproom, as well as the North Taproom sites in Leeds and Manchester. The transaction does not include the North Taproom in Birmingham, which will now close. 

The founders of North, John Gyngell and Christian Townsley, have known and worked closely with Holt since the earliest days of the North brand, since the opening of North Bar in 1997. As their respective businesses have expanded, the Leeds beer scene has grown with them. 

Steve Holt of Kirkstall Brewery said ‘We’ve been friends and industry colleagues for almost 30 years. North is an iconic beer brand that had to continue. Together, we’ll make sure that North will continue to make some of the best beer in the country.’ 

The purchase of the North will see Gyngell and Townsley remain at the helm of the business, and secures the jobs of 78 North employees. 

Trinity Kitchen's Newest Vendors Bring Fresh Flavours for the New Year

Kicking off 2024 in style, Trinity Kitchen has announced a fresh line-up of new street food vendors taking over the iconic converted VW Camper Van, Citroen H van, horse trailer, shipping container, and J7 van. Guests can discover new traders Hoi Sin City and Niko’s Comfort Kitchen, alongside returning favouritesSpuds ‘n’ Bros, Little Red Food Truck and Shouk.

The new arrivals are available to try now at Trinity Kitchen for the next nine weeks.

Niko’s Comfort Kitchen lives up to its name – providing comfort food at its finest, serving smash burgers, ‘shroom’ burgers and their speciality hash browns.

Hoi Sin City brings a tasty start to the new year by offering up delicious bao buns and loaded fries for guests to enjoy. Fresh and jam packed with a range of fillings, what's not to love!

Leeds-based Spuds ‘n’ Bros is serving up loaded fries with a twist. Traditional Canadian poutine is on the menu covered in a variety of toppings and they even have gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian gravy.

If you fancy fried chicken and fries, Little Red Food Truck is the place for you. Back due to popular demand, veggie, vegan and gluten-free are also available so no one is missing out!

Shouk provides the fluffiest pitas and Middle Eastern shawarma, made with only the best ingredients and flavours it is not one to miss.

Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “The new line-up is sure to welcome guests into the New Year, keeping an exciting variety of unique food offerings. Alongside our returning eateries, the new traders will mean there is something for everyone at Trinity Kitchen.”

The new arrivals will be trading alongside permanent eateries including Archie’s, Pho, Rola Wala, Tortilla, Pizzaluxe and Doner Shack.

Visit Trinity Kitchen page.

Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock’s to reopen the Victoria Hotel

The people behind Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock’s Ale House are taking on The Victoria & Commercial Pub on Great George Street, pledging to revive and restore this famous Grade II-listed pub to its former glory. 

Located behind Leeds Town Hall, the historic ‘Victoria Family & Commercial Hotel’ is one of Leeds’ most enduring and well-loved Victorian buildings, first opened in 1865. Whilst the upper floors of The Victoria Hotel and the neighbouring Shenanigans Irish Pub are being redeveloped into student accommodation, the legendary pub itself is being left intact. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity to preserve an icon of Leeds pub history,” said Steve Holt, founder of Kirkstall Brewery. “Our own pedigree of restoring historic pubs, such as The Cardigan Arms and The Kirkstall Bridge Inn, puts us in good stead for this project. Additionally, the chance to take on one of the most beautiful pubs in the city in partnership with Whitelock’s, Leeds’ oldest pub, was one we simply couldn’t pass up.” 

Ed Mason, Whitelock’s Managing Director and the co-founder of The Five Points Brewing Company, is equally enthusiastic about the project. “We’ve had a close partnership with Steve and his team at Kirkstall Brewery for a long time, and we love their pubs, so when the opportunity came along to join forces it felt like a natural next step. And at a time when so many pubs are being lost, we are delighted to be able to work with the developer to ensure that this beautiful Victorian pub is preserved for future generations.” 

As well as restoring the pub’s celebrated traditional interior, Kirkstall and Whitelock’s will also be installing a brand-new kitchen, and upgrading the beer dispense equipment throughout the pub. The Victoria & Commercial Pub is planned to reopen in September 2024, and more details will be forthcoming in due course.