Leeds community left shocked after sudden closure of popular Pudsey pub

The Bankhouse Inn, situated on Bankhouse Lane in Pudsey, has closed - with new owners being sought by pub owners Star Pubs and Bars.

The previous owners had run the pub since 2016.

Now, owners Star Pubs and Bars are seeking new owners.

In a statement on their website, the owners said they are seeking a 'focused, enthusiastic' new owner.

The statement said: "The Bankhouse Inn is a traditional idyllic pub where we are looking to build on its well established local trade through the expansion of a destination style food offer.

"It has a lovely view of the rolling countryside, and has a real sense of character due to its stone built nature.

"We need its next landlord to drive food and cask ale throughout the year, utilise its great function outdoor building, and exploit its fantastic beer garden in the summer months.

"We are keen to partner with an operator who is focused on delivering a brilliant food offer, who can exploit the catering and seating facilities available, who is next to none in terms of their customer service and who can exploit a variety of marketing methods to build this site up to be a go-to destination food pub.”

The next licensee will have to cover £50,000 a year in rental fees, around £36,000 in going costs and more than £7,000 in further costs, the website stated.

Star Pubs and Bars - owned by Heineken - will consider a rolling tenancy of five years on the pub for any new owners.

The pub currently has 60 food covers and 30 parking spaces.

Many local residents took to social media to discuss the closure and express their dissapointment.

The pub is popular with walkers in the Fulneck area and for family meals.

The former owner of the pub has been contacted for comment by the Yorkshire Evening Post.