Plans submitted to refurbish Grade II-listed pub in Leeds

The Griffin, on Boar Lane, is owned by Greene King Brewing and Retail Ltd

A Grade II-listed pub in Leeds city centre could be refurbished, if permission is granted to carry out building work on the historic site.

Plans to modernise The Griffin, on Boar Lane, are being considered by Leeds City Council, with owners Greene King labelling the venue "tired and dated".

The brewers want to install a bigger bar, create new function spaces and reinstate a side entrance to the pub.

Greene King hopes "a wider customer base" will improve the pub's viability.

The council's conservation team said it was not unduly concerned by the submitted proposals. However, it said plans to install a suspended ceiling in the function room would cover up original plasterwork, and it has asked the owners to provide justification for the change.

'Challenging times'

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the planning document stated the premises was renovated and converted by the current leaseholder in 2014, but there had been little investment since.

"The current bar and back-of-house area is no longer fit for purpose, and does not meet modern operational requirements," the report said.

"The proposed works will update the interior and create a more attractive and relaxed modern pub environment."

As part of the refurbishment, new seating will be installed, along with wall-mounted TVs and new lighting. Glazed double doors would be fitted to the side entrance on Mill Hill and existing metal gates removed.

The planning report stated: "It is well-documented that the pub sector is struggling and continuing to face challenging times, and that premises are closing down on a daily basis as a result.

"It is extremely important, therefore, that premises remain attractive to potential customers and that they evolve and adapt to changing customer tastes, needs and expectations."