Banner Jones advises on key Sheffield city centre deal for new £1m Fargate pub
Law firm Banner Jones has advised Fargate Tap Limited, part of the Pivovar Group, on the lease arrangements for the newly opened The Fargate Pub — a £1 million redevelopment of the former Clydesdale Bank building on Fargate in Sheffield city centre.
The new venue is a joint venture between the award-winning Thornbridge Brewery and York-based pub company and specialist beer importer Pivovar, combining two of the North’s best-known names in craft beer and hospitality.
The project represents a major investment in Sheffield’s leisure economy and a key milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Fargate, which is being transformed into a vibrant hub for food, drink, and retail operators as part of the city’s wider economic development plans.
The transaction involved a complex property structure, including the grant of an underlease, a reversionary lease, tenancy at will, licence to underlet, licence to alter, side letter, and schedule of condition, as well as a deed of variation between the landlord and superior tenant.
The intricacy of the deal stemmed from the site’s previous use as a bank, which required detailed negotiations to enable a full conversion to a high-specification pub fit-out, while ensuring compliance with the landlord’s obligations and the terms of the superior lease.
As part of the arrangement, Fargate Tap Limited has taken an underlease from Clydesdale Bank.
Ben Couch, Legal 500 Recommended Commercial Property Solicitor at Banner Jones, said: “We were delighted to work with Fargate Tap Limited on this exciting project. The transaction required careful coordination between multiple parties, but the end result is a fantastic new addition to Sheffield’s hospitality scene. It’s great to see continued investment in Fargate, which is fast becoming a vibrant part of the city once again.”
Jonathon Holdsworth, Director of the Pivovar Group, added: “The Fargate is a landmark project for us, and we’re incredibly proud to be working alongside Thornbridge Brewery to bring this building back to life.
“Sheffield has a rich beer heritage and a fast-evolving city centre, and we saw an opportunity to create something truly special here. Banner Jones’ expertise was invaluable in helping us navigate a complex lease and deliver the project smoothly.”
Founded in York in 2003, the Pivovar Group operates a collection of award-winning pubs, bars, and beer halls across the North of England, alongside a specialist beer import and distribution business.
Banner Jones’ award-winning Commercial Property team supports clients across the UK with acquisitions and disposals, leasing, development, plot sales, finance, and asset management and has been listed as a Legal 500 Recommended Firm for 2026.