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Leeds pub owners toast landmark anniversary

A couple from Leeds are celebrating after a successful 25 years at the helm of one of the city’s best-known pubs.

The Queen, on the outskirts of the city in Wortley, has a strong following of regulars and is known for its homely atmosphere and beer selection.

Dawn and Steve Hazelgrave started running The Queen in September 1988 having successfully managed another popular Leeds pub, the Royal Park in Headingley.

Dawn said: “I was born and grew up around pubs and before taking on The Queen, Steve and I ran the Royal Park in Headingley for seven years. We jumped at the opportunity to take on The Queen as the pub had always been a local favourite and we could see its potential as a pub for the whole community to enjoy.

“For us, The Queen is our home and the customers are like our family, we know their names and we have followers as far as Australia and Canada who visit us whenever they are back in the UK.

“We have really enjoyed running the pub, but the biggest challenge has been running the pub on my own since Steve suffered a stroke three years ago. For me though, it’s like walking into my front room every day.”

Andy Brady, from Punch Taverns who own the pub, said: “Dawn and Steve are fantastic operators. They have put her heart and soul into the pub and I want to congratulate them on their hard work over the last 25 years. I look forward to working in partnership with Dawn and Steve for years to come.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison .