The new owner is Whitelocks Ale House Limited, a newly founded company headed by Ed Mason. Tim Cross, head of commercial property at Langleys Solicitors LLP in York acted for the company in the purchase.
Tim Cross said: “It’s fantastic to be working with Ed to help secure the future of Leeds’ oldest pub. Whitelocks has a proud history and Ed and his team will continue this whilst bringing new ideas into the business.”
Ed Mason has previously owned and operated several venues in Leeds including the award-winning HiFi Club, which he set up in 2000, and the Art's Café. He now owns The Deramore Arms in Heslington, York, and two London pubs, the CAMRA-award winning Duke of Wellington, and 'craft beer bar' Mason & Taylor.
Ed said: “I'm really excited to be the new owner of Whitelock's. I first started drinking here when I moved to Leeds as a student in 1989 and it has always had a special place in my heart.
“It seemed like the pub had fallen off people's radar a bit in the last few years, and we're committed to investing in the pub and turning things around. In particular we’re committed to maintaining our Good Pub and Good Beer Guide listings, and working with the independent breweries of Yorkshire to maintain the pub's long-standing commitment to real ale.”
Sarah Whitelock, one of the last remaining family members directly associated with the pub says that she is looking forward to the future. She has visited Ed’s pubs in London and feels that the new owners will bring a fresh new life to the business.