Stonegate invests £1m into new concept
The UK’s largest pub company detailed it had injected £1m into day-to-night destination Rita’s Beerhall and Ballroom.
Set to welcome customers through the door at the beginning of December, the new venue, a former Walkabout site on Woodhouse Lane, has been “transformed into a beerhall for cocktail lovers”, Stonegate said.
Good opportunity
Stonegate CEO David McDowall commented: “We can’t wait to welcome this first-of-its-kind venue to Leeds, a city where Rita’s will really shine.
“The opportunity within the former Walkabout site was too good to miss, with plenty of space to do the Rita’s concept justice. Our team have had real fun with this one and can’t wait to welcome our first guests."
The concept, named after the Margarita cocktail, will feature a programme of live music, seven days a week alongside live sport and big event screenings with a range of cocktails, beer, pizzas and more also on offer.
McDowall continued: “In the past few years, the way in which guests socialise has rapidly changed.
New experiences
“Going out remains a real priority, but guests are going out at different times and searching for engaging, entertaining venues, and new types of experiences.
“Rita’s Beerhall and Ballroom brings all of that together with a day-to-night experience like no other. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, and anything can happen.”
Last week the pubco revealed it had increased its alcohol-free line-up with a deal to list alcohol-free beer brand Days in response to evolving social trends.
In addition, earlier this month Stonegate unveiled a new look for its Social Pub & Kitchen division, having invested more than £5m into refurbishing pubs across its 4,500 strong estate in the 2024 financial year and pledging more money to enhance its managed sites in 2025.
