Short answer:
The Bankers Cat sits in a Grade II–listed 1873 building on Boar Lane that has lived several lives: originally the Saracen’s Head pub, later a bank, then a Ladbrokes, and finally restored to its roots as a pub in 2019 by Thornbridge Brewery and Pivovar.
---
🏛️ Origins: The Saracen’s Head (1873)
- Built c.1873 for William Booth & Co. as the Saracen’s Head public house.
- The structure’s terracotta façade and Victorian detailing earned it Grade II listing.
💼 20th Century: From Pub to Bank
- At some point in the 20th century, the building was converted into a NatWest bank.
- By the time of its 1975 listing, it was officially recorded as a bank.
🎰 Early 2000s: A Bookies Era
- By 2005, the ground floor operated as a Ladbrokes betting shop, a far cry from its pub origins.
🍺 2019: Return to Pub Life — The Bankers Cat
- In 2019, Thornbridge Brewery and Pivovar transformed the building back into a pub, naming it The Bankers Cat.
- The renovation preserved and celebrated the building’s Victorian character:
- Mahogany horseshoe bar
- Leather seating and snug areas
- A replica Edward Burne-Jones stained-glass window
- The old bank vault converted into a downstairs drinking space
🍻 Today: A Modern Pub with Historic Bones
- Known for Thornbridge craft beers (Jaipur, Lord Marples, Market Porter) and a curated wine and spirits list.
- Operates as a drinks-only venue, focusing on quality rather than food.
---
If you want, I can also dig into:
- The architectural details of the Grade II listing
- How the renovation was carried out
- The history of the Saracen’s Head pub itself
- Other historic pubs in Leeds with similar “full-circle” stories
Which direction would you like to explore next?
No comments:
Post a Comment