The Commercial pub on Sweet Street in Holbeck was the scene of a substantial fire last night (2 January 2021).
The fire damaged both floors of the derelict two storey building. West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service were called at 7:10pm and seven appliances from across Leeds attended the incident including one aerial unit.
More recently famous for being owned by Leeds United legend Peter Lorimer, the pub has a long history, but is not a listed building. The Commercial Hotel accommodated the first national office of the train drivers’ union ASLEF from 1881, being close the Holbeck Engine Depot. The blue plaque commemorating this fact was removed for safe keeping by Leeds Civic Trust some years ago when the pub was closed, it is currently in the care of Middleton Railway.
“Seen” you ignorant twat.
Well spotted Graham, thanks for the heads up!
Have Middleton railway got the ASLEF blue plaque?
It’s been in a disused run down abandoned state for years, screams insurance job to me…….
Ariel unit! What sort of spelling is this? Good grief. The word’s “aerial”!
Or is it a washing unit?
Whoops, that’s two howlers in one article, it must be too many years reading The Grauniad
My mum worked in that pub since Anne an les noon had it. Well over 25 years or more.
My mum worked there at least 30 years of more
Sad to read this. I went in there regularly vwhen I worked at Kay’s fronm 1984 to 2004. Just read that the old Kay’s building is being renovated next door. Hope the pub becones part of the regeneration.
RIP Peter
Les Moon previous landlord, had 8 grest yrs at the commy.