28 Great George Street
City Centre
Leeds
LS1 3DL
0113 887 2232
hello@thevictorialeeds.co.uk
Traditional Town Pub
The Vic is a Leeds institution, maybe not as famous or as characterful as Whitelocks, but well known to generations of Leeds pub-goers. It had been closed since Covid but reopened in December 2025 in a joint venture by Kirkstall Brewery and Five Points Brewery, owners of Whitelocks.
On the bar are ales from both breweries along with a selection of well chosen guest beers on cask and keg. Food has always been part of the Victoria’s appeal and that continues since the reopening with a mix of pub classics and some less familiar dishes. Maybe with an eye on the award winning Highland Laddie, the smaller dishes and bar snacks are the most interesting.
The pub was built in 1864 but its stunning Victorian style interior actually dates from a late 20th century refurbishment. There are three rooms, the Victoria Bar, the Albert Bar and Bridget’s Bar. The main bar, the Victoria is the most impressive, with its row of mahogany and etched glass drinking booths on one side, and an elaborately carved bar counter and bar back with brass fittings, cut glass mirrors and stained glass on the other.
The Albert Bar is the main dining area and has a wood panelled dado with olive green and cherry red walls and ceiling. Bridget’s Bar at the front of the pub has green cushioned bench seating and a fine central chandelier. The name commemorates the characterful Irish woman who once ran the bar counter in the room. Both Bridget and the bar counter have gone sadly, and this is now the quietest room, often used for local group meetings.
The new owners have spruced up the three rooms and added new toilets, kitchen and beer cellar, but the most visible addition comes from the huge breweriana collection of Kirkstall Brewery owner Steve Holt. The walls are covered with old mirrors, posters and signs from long gone UK breweries.
The Victoria has significant memories for me as it’s the place I had my first pint on what a few of us from school thought was a daring adventure. For the record it was a lager and lime, almost certainly Skol which was a fixture in Tetley pubs back in the day.
