Timothy Taylor pub reopens after devastating Boxing Day floods

Tenants Jo and Matt Hogg were forced to close after the River Aire burst its banks over the Christmas period, causing filthy floodwater to rise as high as 5ft 2ins inside the pub.  

The company said the news had been particularly difficult to swallow because it had recently carried out a £100,000 refurbishment at the Brown Cow. Due to its location, the pub was also uninsured for flood damage, meaning the company has had to invest a further £133,000 to repair the damage.

On Facebook the pub said: “Thanks to everyone who showed us masses of support and came to see us last night. It’s been a bumpy, long road, but we got there and restarted with a bang. A huge thanks as well to all the guys who have worked so hard to get the place looking even better than during its former glories.”

A number of pubs and bars were damaged in the floods, including Mitchell’s and Butler’s lease the Aire Bar in Leeds city centre. Licensee Chris Howard hit out against Leeds City Council, arguing he hadn’t been issued with sandbags and struggled to reach council staff for advice before the floods hit.

A spokesperson for the council said all available resources had been used to deal with the floods but protecting life and restoring roads had taken top priority.