New owner for landmark city centre pub

The pub closed in February 2023

A landmark pub in Derby city centre has been sold to a national chain following its closure last year.

The Thomas Leaper, formerly owned by J D Wetherspoon, has been bought by Amber Taverns after shutting its doors in February.

The firm, which has about 160 pubs across the UK, said it was aiming to have the pub back open by late spring with the proposed name, The Iron Ram.

It has submitted a planning application to Derby City Council for a £1.4m refurbishment that would "be sympathetic to the beautiful architectural features".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said Amber Taverns was expecting to employ up to 25 full and part-time staff when the venue opened.

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