* Click here to sign up to free news and sport email alerts from Middleton Today.

The Garden Gate pub in Hunslet gained grade II listed building status from English Heritage in 1972.

Now the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is lobbying to see it moved up a notch, which would safeguard it from future demolition or even significant alteration.

What do you think? * Click here to have your say on this story and other issues in Middleton, Belle Isle and Hunslet.

Coveted grade II* status is only given to iconic buildings, including the Cunard building in Liverpool, Middlesbrough transporter bridge and Battersea power station.

Designed by W. Mason Coggill of Stourton, the Garden Gate dates from 1902 and has a rare surviving brown ceramic frontage.

Inside, the central main door leads to a corridor with four rooms leading off. It is divided by fine wood and etched glass screens.

The rooms have original mahogany woodwork and seating and the Vaults bar is thought especially beautiful, being fully tiled.
The tiling is thought to be the work of the famous Burmantofts Pottery of Leeds.

Leeds CAMRA pub preservation officer John Thornton said: "The Garden Gate is probably the jewel in the crown of heritage pubs in Leeds. We feel it is of national importance and ought to be recognised as such.
It was listed such a long time ago and we think that maybe it is time for that to be reviewed.

"We feel it is definitely worthy of II* status and will be making an
application to English Heritage."

The Garden Gate is lucky to be still standing.

In the early 1970s a huge swathe of Hunslet was earmarked for a clearance programme – the Garden Gate included.

Locals fought a campaign which saw it secure its listed building status saving it from demolition.

A spokeswoman for English Heritage said it would consider any application sent to its officers.

It would then make a recommendation to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.