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Leeds City Square

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Trace Leeds’ fascinating history at this pretty civic square in the heart of the city, where you can see diverse architectural styles and a row of historic statues.

The old Tetley Brewery signage.
The Tetley Brewery was founded by Joshua Tetley in 1822, the Tetley name represents one of Leeds’ oldest manufacturing dynasties. For over 200 years the name Tetley has always had a strong link with the city.

Consequently the brewery site has important social and industrial significance and the brewery and its people have contributed greatly to the rich history of the city.

In 1822, Joshua Tetley leased a brewery in Salem Place, Hunslet for £400. Joshua Tetley and Son was created in 1839 when Joshua made his son, Francis William a partner. Construction of a new brewery began in 1852 and by 1860 Tetley was the largest brewery in the North of England. By 1875, annual beer production had reached 171,500 barrels.

In 1931, the art deco Tetley headquarters building was erected. In 1954 Sheffield’s Gilmour Brewery was acquired, along with 500 tied houses. Tetley’s position as Leeds’ largest brewer was confirmed in April 1960 when it announced a takeover of Leeds’ Melbourne Brewery.

In 1961 Tetley merged with Ind Coope of Burton upon Trent and Ansells of Birmingham to form Allied Breweries, then the world’s largest brewing conglomerate. At its height in the 1960s, the Leeds Brewery employed a thousand people. The brewery became the world’s largest producer of cask ale during the 1980s. In 1998 Tetley was taken over by the Carlsberg Group.

The Leeds Brewery was closed in 2011, and demolished in 2012, with production contracted out by Carlsberg to breweries in Wolverhampton, Tadcaster and Hartlepool. Tetley retains its links to Leeds through sponsorship of its two main rugby teams Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Carnegie, and through The Tetley, which recently opened in November 2013, exhibiting up and coming artists.

Yorkshire Contemporary

You can browse the exhibits at Yorkshire Contemporary, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Leeds. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art scene.

Holy Trinity Church

This landmark Renaissance-style church is an architectural beauty and a center for the local arts community in Leeds, playing host to music and art events.

Trinity Leeds Mall

Experience Leeds’ biggest destination for shopping at this exciting indoor mall, where over 120 shops, cafés and bars are spread over three floors.

Leeds Park Square

The traditional Georgian common in Leeds city center is ideal for relaxing in the grass and admiring the surrounding period architecture.

Leeds Town Hall

Check out live music performances, film screenings and exciting festivals hosted by this landmark building and one of the largest town halls in the United Kingdom.

Best Lodging Options Near Canal Wharf

Check availability on hotels close to Canal Wharf

The Queens Hotel

City Square, Leeds, England

ibis budget Leeds Centre Crown Point Road

2 The Gateway North, Crown Point Road, Leeds, England

Leonardo Hotel Leeds

Brewery Place, Leeds, England

Hyatt Place Leeds

2 Sovereign Square, Leeds, England

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