And now historic Roundhay Park Mansion has been awarded a coveted Civic Trust blue plaque.

The grade two-listed building is nearly 200 years old and re-opened last year following a major restoration in which the council worked with catering company Dine. It had been closed since 2003.

* Click here to watch latest YEP news and sport video reports.

Leeds Civic Trust director Kevin Grady said: "The Trust is delighted that at last The Mansion has been splendidly refurbished so that Leeds people can once again enjoy eating and drinking in this landmark historic building.

* Click here for latest YEP news and sport picture slideshows.

"It was thanks to the acumen of John Barran, the mayor of Leeds, that this substantial part of the medieval hunting park, 'the Round Hay,' was acquired for the people of Leeds in 1871.

"Since then, Roundhay Park and The Mansion have become one of the great treasures of Leeds."

* Click here to follow the YEP on Twitter.

An impressive regency country house set in 700 acres of woodland and water gardens at Roundhay Park, the house was built in 1815 after architect John Clarke was commissioned to design it by the then park's owner, Thomas Nicholson.

The building and park were then acquired for the people of Leeds in 1871 by Mayor John Barran and went on to establish a reputation as a top café restaurant, carvery and party venue,

The house was managed for over 120 years by the Gilpin family, the most famous of whom was Craven Gilpin.

He pioneered professional outside catering from The Mansion and his
reputation was such that King George V requested to meet him after a royal banquet at Leeds Town Hall in 1933.

After the Gilpin family relinquished their tenancy in 2003, the council won support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for an £8m restoration of Roundhay Park and The Mansion.

The council's lengthy refurbishment programme to the fabric of The Mansion was completed in 2007, and in 2009 Dine restored the building's interior before it re-opened in August.

Daniel Gill, Dine managing director, said: "It has been a real honour to be involved in the final stage of the restoration."

Coun John Procter, executive member for leisure, accepted the blue plaque on behalf of the council. He said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the success of the restoration, and this blue plaque award is a fantastic recognition of the history of this amazing building and all the hard work that went into restoring it to its rightful grandeur."