A major piece of Leeds’ brewing heritage is set to pour pints once again. From 26 April, Kirkstall Brewery will officially reopen the iconic Tetley building, marking a homecoming for one of Yorkshire’s most storied landmarks in beer culture.

The revival of The Tetley—a building that was once the beating heart of Tetley’s Brewery—follows a string of bold moves by Kirkstall, including stepping in to support North Brew Co during its financial troubles and resisting a potential acquisition from private equity firm Keystone (formerly Breal Group), which has already absorbed a number of UK breweries including Black Sheep, Brew By Numbers, Brick Brewery, and Purity.

A celebration of Northern beer

Kirkstall Brewery founder Steve Holt described the reopening as a proud moment for Yorkshire beer. “We’re thrilled to have not only Kirkstall, Leeds Brewery, and North beers available but also beers from other Leeds-based breweries including Northern Monk, Anthology, and of course, Tetley’s Bitter,” Holt said.

The bar will be a hub for Northern brewing, blending traditional and modern styles. In addition to Kirkstall’s own offerings, the taps will pour a rotating selection from local craft and cask producers—creating a communal space that nods to both the history and future of Yorkshire beer.

From cask ale powerhouse to vibrant venue

Originally constructed in 1931 in a bold Art Deco style, the Tetley building played a pivotal role in shaping Leeds’ brewing legacy. By the 1980s, Tetley’s Brewery had become the world’s largest producer of cask ale. Despite closing its doors in 2011, the site remained a cultural landmark—hosting an art gallery from 2013 until 2023 within the newly developed Aire Park district.

Now, under Kirkstall’s stewardship and with the support of developer Vastint UK, the building is returning to its roots. “We hope this partnership with Kirkstall Brewery gives the people of Leeds a small taster of what’s to come in the very near future,” said Simon Schofield, head of development north at Vastint UK.

A bar and restaurant for the community

Open daily from 10am, the revitalised Tetley will offer a classic pub menu, with Sunday roasts promised as a weekly staple. Holt shared that the goal of the reopening was not just about great beer, but creating a welcoming venue. “It was always our ambition with this project to create a venue that offered fantastic food and celebrated the best of local brewing,” he added.

With its reopening, The Tetley is poised to become a vibrant gathering space for locals and visitors alike—where history, hops, and hospitality meet. The rebirth of the building under Kirkstall’s guidance marks not only a return to brewing but a celebration of Leeds' deep and enduring beer culture.