A Leeds family who swapped West Yorkshire for the warmth of Tenerife have built one of the most distinctive football pubs on the island - and it’s dedicated entirely to Leeds United.
Bremners Bar - named after legendary Whites skipper Billy Bremner - is run by Traci James and Kevin Ainsworth together with their 18-year-old daughter, Kira James.
What began as a small venture with just a handful of customers on their first match day has quickly grown into a major draw for holidaying Leeds fans.
Traci, Kira and Kevin opened Bremners Bar two years ago.placeholder image
Traci, Kira and Kevin opened Bremners Bar two years ago. | Handout
“The best we’ve ever done is 194 people,” Kira told the Yorkshire Evening Post. “Normally, we hit about 160 easy each match.”
Bremners Bar was opened two years ago in the town of Costa Adeje on the island’s south coast.
Kevin had been working in the UK while Traci and Kira settled on the island six years ago. After finishing work, he decided to “give the bar a chance”. The idea of a Leeds-themed pub came naturally.
“There’s a lot of Leeds and West Yorkshire people here,” he said. “And there aren’t many bars that are just focused on Leeds United.”
The bar itself sits under an archway, which helps amplify the noise on match days. Leeds shirts, flag and memorabilia line the walls, and the family make sure commentary is always on - something they say sets them apart from other sports bars.
“A lot of bars play football, but if there are multiple matches on, they don’t have commentary,” Kevin explained. “We’re Leeds-aimed, and everyone who comes in is here to watch Leeds.”
They also show rugby and other sports, but the focus is clear. “Leeds United take over the place,” Kira said.
The walls of Bremners Bar are full of memorabilia.placeholder image
The walls of Bremners Bar are full of memorabilia. | Iconic
Since opening, the bar has become a magnet for supporters from across the world.
“We get people from Germany, Norway, Russia, all over,” Traci said. “People love it. You’ve got cheap beer, and you’ve got the sunshine.”
Even when Leeds are losing, the atmosphere rarely dips. “No one really loses the faith,” Kira said. “They still sing along and create a banging atmosphere.”
When the Whites are winning, however, the noise often spills into the street. “We always get different bars down the road saying they can hear all the fans,” she added.
The bar is very much a family operation. “I’m the boss,” Traci jokes, though all three work behind the bar on busy days. Kira also runs the social media accounts, which have helped the business grow rapidly in recent months.
“In the past two months, the social media has really popped off,” she said.
Many customers return each time they visit the island, turning the bar into a community hub for holidaymakers.
“When people come in for the first time and then come back on holiday and come straight to see you, it gives you a warm feeling,” Kira said. “We’ve had loads of customers come in that are practically like family now.”
It's "Leeds, Leeds, Leeds" at Bremners Bar.placeholder image
It's "Leeds, Leeds, Leeds" at Bremners Bar. | Iconic
Several matches stand out for the family, including last season’s comeback win over Sunderland in the Championship.
“My neighbour runs a Sunderland bar,” Kevin said. “It’s good-natured banter. That was a good day - we were overtaking them in the table, and it felt like a turning point.”
For Kira, recent games against Chelsea in the Premier League were a highlight. But nothing compares to promotion.
“When Leeds won the league... that’s the proper memorable one,” she said.
With the bar now regularly at capacity, the family are focused on maintaining what they’ve built.
“It’s just going to keep getting better and better,” Kira said. “The feedback we get is amazing. People always say the atmosphere is brilliant, and that we’re really accommodating. And the beer prices - it’s cheap as chips!”
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