Bar near collapsed building saved from closure

Wapentake's owners said they would "continue to serve" after being saved

A popular bar and cafe which was facing closure after work on a collapsed building nearby affected trade has been saved by an investor.

Wapentake, on Kirkgate, Leeds, is just a few doors down from the derelict shop building which caved in in April.

Leeds City Council closed the road while the area was made safe, and the bar's owners said a week ago it had "fallen on hard times".

However, Wapentake said it was now able to remain open thanks to investment from Ignition Pub Management, a division of pubs group Inglenook Inns.

The front of the derelict building fell in on 12 April

Sharing the news on social media, Wapentake said: "Despite the recent hardships and the dramatic collapse downt’ road, our Little Piece Of Yorkshire will be staying open! We survive!

"We are thrilled to share that thanks to the support of our incredible community and the dedicated efforts of Ignition, Wap, which spearheaded the renaissance of Kirkgate - Leeds’ oldest street - will continue to serve you all."

The bar quoted the CEO of Inglenook Group, James Waddington, who said: "As a local lad, I am proud to be part of the rescue of this well-loved pub.

"It is so important that we re-energise our towns and cities and keep investment moving forward. Please join us in celebrating the re-opening of Wapentake!"

A spokesperson from Inglenook Group said it was "totally devoted to saving pubs in distress, from likely closure and keeping open their doors open, as well as saving staff jobs".

Kirkgate is one of the oldest streets in Leeds

Restoration 'considered'

Leeds City Council previously said the traffic restrictions had been put in place "to help protect the safety of the public until work is completed on the collapsed building".

A spokesman said it was "continuing to consider all options with a view to facilitating a long-term restoration and regeneration solution for both the collapsed building – which had been in a state of disrepair for a number of years – and other properties on Kirkgate that belong to the same owner."

Kirkgate is the one of the oldest streets in Leeds and home to The White Cloth Hall, which opened in 1711.

It is now also home to several independent businesses including the Doghouse Bar and Bagel Shop, Blue Collar Barbering and Jam Rock Indian restaurant.

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