The Chemic has a rich history…
The Chemic Tavern on Woodhouse Street dates from around the 1800s.
It was noted as the Woodhouse Brewery in 1907 when Thomas Lengthorn was the licensee. He was one of the same family that had kept the pub since 1860. Others in the family had been landlords at the Croppers Arms in Marsh Lane and the Black Bear in East Lane off Kirkgate.
It was one of the last home-brew pubs in Leeds ceasing to brew in 1938 and it retained a beer-only licence until the 1960s. In early directories it was shown as being in Johnston Street; both street and pub took their names from the nearby Johnston’s Chemical Works.
– From Old Inns & Pubs of Leeds by Barrie Pepper
A second pub cat: Tabasco, is added to the fold.
First Annual Goodfest Community Festival in support of Rainbow Junktion
Megs and Cam take over as new managers. New pub cat Narla was introduced to the Pub.
Anna and Kit, take over at The Chemic Tavern, with pub cat: Captain.
The Chemic Tavern is saved by the amazing local community and is listed an Asset of Community Value.
DBBA ltd. Kate, Rob and Charlie take on the pub.
Dawn took over.
Last day of smoking in the pub
1st sighting of Biscuithead and the Biscuit Badgers
Dibbs 50th birthday Party.
CS Pubs Ltd. The Chemical Sisters, Dawn and Ruth, took over. Start of the Music scene.
Joan takes on the pub chemical works and Johnston Street from the owner. licensed to sell only beer. The owner is Mr Vause. known as ‘Arkwrights’ but for many decades famous as ‘Slingers’ Woodhouse Brewery, a.k.a. The Chemic Tavern.
Stuart takes on the pub
New pub landlords take on the pub.
The Pub features in a radio documentary about ht Leeds Dripping riots
Alan and Dennis take on the pub.
Maureen died. Her daughter Maureen “little Mo” and her husband Trevor take on the pub.
Maureen Ruane is the landlady 1980 The pub is once again known as “The Chemic Tavern”.
Melbourne Breweries is bought by Tetleys, the name of the pub is “The Chemic”
The Chemic Tavern is sold to Melbourne Breweries, George Asquith is the licensee. 1939 Mary Asquith is licensee, the pub is known as The Chemic Inn.
Thomas Lengthorn leases the Chemic Tavern to John Smiths breweries, he is still the licensee.
The Chemic Tavern is leased to Sam Smiths Brewery, Mary Benn is landlady1919 Thomas Lengthorn is again the licensee.
Licensee is Mary Ann Benn (Thomas Lengthorn is still the owner)
Wine license acquired.
Woodhouse Chemical Works demolished.
Census lists Thomas Lengthorn as a brewer. He sells “Lengthorns light bitter beer”, brewed at woodhouse brewery (a.k.a The Chemic Tavern)
Henry Lengthorn dies and The Chemic Tavern is inherited by his son, Thomas Lengthorn.
First mention (in a street directory) of a “fried fish dealer” next door to the Chemic Tavern
Henry Lengthorn is licensee and from 1882 is the owner, having bought the pub from John Ward.
John Ward is owner and licensee.
Sarah Wainwright is licensee.
James Lapish is licensee.
Earliest mention (to date) of The Chemic Tavern (an advert in the Leeds Times) it is a beerhouse.
Woodhouse Chemical Works opened by George Johnston Crowther. Which the Chemic takes its’ name from.
Know some history we don’t?
We’d love to hear it!
Anything you know, any images you have, we’d love to add to our wall of rich Chemic history! Please get in touch below and share what you know.