Key facts
- The Old Red Lion pub in Whinmoor, operating since the 1760s, is now derelict.
- The pub has been targeted by arsonists nine times between August 16 and September 1.
- Residents have reported daily antisocial behavior at the site.
- The pub's owner, Dorby Inns Limited, has been placed into liquidation.
- The site is now for sale and has attracted significant interest.
- Previous planning applications by McDonald's were rejected due to road safety and public health concerns.
The Old Red Lion, a pub in Whinmoor that has stood for 260 years, is set for a potential new beginning after being put up for sale. The property has fallen into disrepair since closing in 2021 and has become a focal point for antisocial behavior, including nine deliberate fires in just 16 days this summer, according to the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Residents living nearby have expressed frustration with the site's condition, describing it as a "disgrace" and an "eyesore." They report instances of trespassing, with young people entering the building through a smashed window, and objects being thrown onto the adjacent A64 road. Local police acknowledge the impact on residents and state they are conducting regular patrols, but emphasize that the site's security and condition are the owner's responsibility.
According to Companies House, the pub's owner, Dorby Inns Limited, has been placed into liquidation. The marketing agent for the privately owned site reports considerable interest, suggesting an alternative use for the former public house is likely. Previous attempts to redevelop the site by fast-food chain McDonald's were unsuccessful due to road safety and public health concerns.
SAVE Britain's Heritage, an organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings, has listed The Old Red Lion as a building at risk. While heritage advocates see the sale as an opportunity to rescue a historic local landmark, some nearby residents are indifferent to its historical significance, with one stating, "As long as it's not another pub because that wasn't a good thing." The pub lost its license shortly before closing due to a stabbing incident and ongoing antisocial behavior.