It’s been known as the Golden Lion for more than 100 years but after a £1m refurbishment and name change, one of the oldest hotels in Leeds been brought bang up to date.

The venue, on the corner of Lower Briggate, has been rebranded the Cosmopolitan and opened its new restaurant and bar in June attracting non-guests to its tables as well as overnight customers.

Peel Hotels, which owns the business, is hoping its new look and title will raise its profile and appeal among drinkers and diners in Leeds.

Robert Peel, chairman of Peel Hotels, said: “It looked a bit like a pub from the outside so we have given it a compete facelift.”

He added: “We had invested a lot of money over time in the Golden Lion and never really got any credit.

“Its public areas were a bit dated but now we have put a complete modern twist to it and taking advantage of a very good site to attract outsiders in.”

“I hope we are putting a new destination on the map in Leeds.”

The hotel has 89 rooms, which have recently been renovated, and employs around 40 staff. Mr Peel said Peel Hotels, which has nine hotels around the UK, spent around £250,000 on its sites every year but had spent more than £1m to bring the Golden Lion into the 21st century.

Mr Peel said: “We want to make it one of the most prestigious bar and restaurants in town”.