One of Leeds' 'first gastropubs' has announced it has been sold to new owners after 22 years.
The Reliance on North Street was first opened in the year 2000 by Joss Ainsworth and John Gyngell. The bar was one of the city's first gastropub and inspired by those seen in London.
In recent years, the venue has become a bit of a celeb hotspot being loved by the cast of Emmerdale. Last year, we reported Marlon Dingle actor Mark Charnock held a big party at the venue to celebrate his 25 years on Emmerdale.
Read More: Heartbreak as beloved Leeds café forced to shut down to soaring costs
The pub has been acquired in a six figure deal by the Harrogate-based Three's A Crowd and will now be closed until the end of February. All 20 of The Reliance’s staff will be employed by the new owners and 10 new jobs will be created.
Three’s A Crowd is owned and run by John Quinlan, who has been at the helm of the business since the Harrogate venue opened in West Park almost four years ago. With a background in fine dining, Quinlan is passionate about serving good food to customers.
John Quinlan, owner of Three’s A Crowd, said: “It’s a huge honour to play a role in The Reliance's significant story. The pub is more than just a venue, it’s an institution which I’m committed to upholding and keeping alive as we breathe new life into it. To commemorate this new chapter, Three’s A Crowd will continue to serve The Reliance’s bitter to customers old and new.
“Three’s A Crowd has gone from strength to strength since 2019 as we carved out our own cult following in Harrogate. Three’s A Crowd is a place where anyone can come and feel relaxed and welcome. I’m delighted to be investing in and expanding the brand into Leeds so our unique offering can be experienced in the city.
“What’s more, personally it’s a privilege to be taking the reins of The Reliance in the next chapter of our journey. It’s a venue that has been inspirational to so many business owners like myself - our dream is to continue the success built by Joss and Becs for the past twenty plus years as we build our second venue in this much-loved jewel of the Leeds gastro scene.”
Based on North Street and spread over two floors, the new Three’s A Crowd venue will seat up to 82 diners and will offer monthly events, tastings with locally sourced food and a bespoke, hand picked wine list.
To find out the latest food and drink news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds.
Read next:
