A popular Leeds pub dating back to the 19th century has been given protected status as part of a project to help save rare historic pub interiors.
Whitelock’s Ale House, which is tucked away down an alley in Leeds city centre, has been upgraded to Grade II* by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England.
The Grade II* status means it is in the top 5.8 percent of protected historic buildings in England and Historic England said that Whitelock’s is one of the best examples of a late-19th century upmarket luncheon bar.
Read more: City centre site 'to be torn down' to make way for 1,000 student flats
The pub still has its 1895 interior decorative scheme and a wealth of high-quality features, including stained-glass windows and a rare ceramic-tiled bar counter.
The Prince Alfred in Maida Vale, London, another Victorian pub, has also been upgraded to Grade II*.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive, Historic England said: “At a time when many historic pubs in England are susceptible to change or at risk of closure, we are pleased to celebrate pubs that have kept their remarkable interiors.
“These rare interiors help tell the fascinating story of pubs over the centuries and how they reflected society. From celebrity haunt Whitelock’s Ale House in Leeds to the Prince Alfred in London with its ‘snob screens’, they all fully deserve the protection given by listing.”
Paul Ainsworth, chairman of Camra’s Pub Heritage Group said: “Times are tough for all pubs at the moment, including those with important historic interiors. The more protection they can receive, the better.”
Read next:
