Whitelock's legend celebrates 40 years behind the bar at historic Leeds city centre pub
She’s the familiar face who has served up a warm welcome for generations of drinkers at a historic Leeds pub for decades..
Kim Shires has now clocked up 40 years of service behind the bar at Whitelocks in the city centre.
And the milestone was marked a special event attended by the Lord Mayor of Leeds Al Garthwaite who herself got behind the bar and pulled a pint alongside Kim.
Kim said: “I have loved every minute of working at Whitelock’s and I can’t believe it has been 40 years. I still enjoy coming in and serving customers now as much as I did when I pulled my first pint. The team here is amazing. I am honoured that the Lord Mayor has attended this event for me, I am looking forward to being behind the bar for many more years to come.
The event was organised by Kim’s friends and Whitelock’s regulars Chris Toft & Neil Watson together with the Whitelock’s team.
She was presented with a special certificate by the Lord Mayor in recognition of her incredible achievement.
Whitelock’s owner Ed Mason said: "Kim is an absolute Whitelock’s legend, and such a role model for the staff who work here. Kim is brilliant at what she does ,with a winning smile - and a gang of loyal regulars who come in just to see her. Kim had worked at Whitelock’s for 28 years already when we took over back in 2012 - and to see her celebrate 40 years in hospitality is humbling. I hope that when I celebrate 40 years in hospitality I will still be as passionate, youthful and energetic as Kim is!"
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Whitelock's has been serving fine food and exemplary drinks to locals and to visitors to Leeds city centre for more than 300 years. Located in Turk's Head Yard, through a ginnel off Briggate in the heart of Leeds, it is one of the oldest inns in the city.