As you step through the door of The Cross Keys, you are instantly transported from the hubbub of the city into a welcoming inn that could be miles away from anywhere, complete with gleaming beer pumps, cosy little alcoves and roaring fires. In the summer, our courtyard provides sun-drenched sanctuary from the city centre. Built in 1802, The Cross Keys was a watering hole for local foundry workers and houses a colourful history. Shortly after opening, industrial engineer and inventor of the modern steam engine James Watt hired a room within the pub from which he is said to have spent 3 months spying on local engineer Matthew Murray as well as stealing trade secrets from Murray’s workers who were drinking in the pub. In the 1980s The Cross Keys closed and was left to rot. A mere shell come the 21st century having been used by a local garage to store tyres, an extensive refit was required. We lovingly rebuilt it from within to breathe life back into an historical landmark from the peak of Leeds’ industrial past. Our upstairs function room is named after James Watt himself, whose portrait greets all visitors as they make their way up the beautiful fairy-lit spiral staircase.
