This pub in the heart of Kirkstall is one of the most live-music friendly venues you're likely to…read morestumble on in Leeds. Which is great if a band's playing. When there isn't any live music on, and it's not full of younger, friendlier people, however, it can be a less pleasing affair. I went to support a friend of a friend's band who were playing upstairs, and the little room provides a good arena for a gig. The booze is cheap and honest too, so there's often students there just checking out the musicians, rather than going especially to see them. I also went on a Sunday afternoon, and found the downstairs bit a lot less friendly. It's a very old-man style pub, which I'm not averse to. But when these old men give you angry looks and stop you being served by chatting to the barman for ages, you just want to leave. Rather hit and miss.

The long-time Tetley's pub is owned by Punch Taverns, who also have offices upstairs, and is…read moremanaged by Lynne Booth, who moved up the M1 from Barnsley to take over at the Cardigan almost two years ago. "This is the type of pub that I always wanted," she said. "It's a listed building - so they can't do anything to it - and it has a lovely feel to it and a great atmosphere." It pulls in a broad spectrum of customers. "The price structure is designed to attract locals and students," said Lynne - pointing out that a pint of Tetley Bitter costs just 1.35 while Carlsberg lager is 1.45. This is fantastic value - and evidence of its attractiveness is all around, as locals, pensioners and office staff jostle for space at the bar on this midweek lunch-hour. As well as Tetley's, the Cardigan also stocks Bass bitter as well as a changing guest beer. Last week it was the wonderful Greene King Abbot ale, but by now it should have switched over to Keighley's favourite export - Timothy Taylor's Landlord. Lager drinkers can also choose from Carlsberg Export and Stella Artois - but suffice to say these are a tad dearer. The food is from the sturdy pub grub genre, with selections such as haddock and chips (3.95), chicken kiev (3.95), various filled Yorkshire puddings (2.85) and burgers from 2.85. I went for the chilli (3.95), a big bowl of steaming spicy beef and beans served with a hillock of fluffy rice and loads of salad. A pub lunch classic. My partner meanwhile was heartily tucking into a sizeable portion of steak pie with chips and vegetables, which was great value at 3.95. And it even came with a gravy boat - which was a slightly unexpected bonus and meant I could occasionally steal chips and dunk them when she wasn't looking. Sandwiches start at 1.85, baguettes at 2.45 and toasties at 1.85. We found the service friendly and obliging. And the staff even rustled up a sausage sandwich for one customer despite sausages not being on the menu. It might have been different if he had wanted pheasant. The pub has also become something of a local favourite for parties and functions. Upstairs is a good-sized function room, complete with its own bar, which is ideal for meetings as well as more lively events such as office parties, birthdays and leaving dos. I even went to a wedding here once, years ago. When I leave the Yorkshire Evening Post (It could be any day now - Ed) I'll be having my retirement at the Cardigan.

As Cardigan Fields' resident public house, the pun-heavy Aire of the Dog does a solid job of…read moreproviding a place to booze within what is basically a family entertainment park. My only experience here was when me and a gang on friends went here because the film we were going to see at the neighbouring cinema was sold out and we had to wait an hour for the next showing. So we ventured in here, not expecting to come, and not expecting such a well rounded pub experience in such a family orientated place. We were served quickly despite it being quite busy inside, and two of my mates decided to fill the hour's wait by ordering pub grub from the two for £10 offer. I expected their food to be of the poor quality that you often get in these pub meal deals, but when their plates came, the portions were huge, and while the food looked basic, it was gorgeous (I finished my mate's burger off, wimp). The atmosphere was friendly inside, and we all left feeling rather glad that our film-viewing had been delayed an hour.

There is something about cinema complexes that brings out the worst in food. I'm not sure why, it…read morejust does. You've probably guessed then that I'm not really a fan of chain tasteless joints or fast food outlets. That's why it's nice to actually have a pub near the Vue complex on Kirkstall Road . Don't get me wrong, when I first went past it I never ventured in. Why would it be any good? However, when trying to kill 30 minutes before meeting my friends I chanced it and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a decent pub, hoorah! Yes, it really is. Nice booze selection, helpful staff and nice inside. A perfect stop off point before a film. In summer, the beer garden claims to sit 50 people and inside you'll get all your live sport and usual mod con bonus'. The added bonus is the food looks tasty as well and with all the promotions they have on is a real goer on the old purse. Maybe mass entertainment factories such as Kirkstall won't be the death of good food, real pints and the like. Good form and a cheeky little name too.

We stopped here soon after they opened for lunch, having just finished visiting the abbey. The…read moreserver lady behind the bar was very hostile and rude while taking my order, unable to handle a simple clarifying question. It was the most disappointing experience we've had across all the many British isle cities we've visited. Disgusting. Ruined an otherwise perfect morning.

Some pubs are more adept at providing an eating environment than a drinking environment, which is…read moreseemingly the case with the West End House in Kirkstall. The bar area gets sort of eclipsed by tables of people enjoying the food, which is unsurprising due to the quality of it. Unlike the frozen-microwaved fare that most pubs settle for nowadays, the food here is rustic, hearty and exactly what a pub should offer. It's slightly more expensive than most pub-grub but it's much, much better so this is unimportant. But, it is a pub after all, and perhaps it should be more accommodating to those who wish to drink, rather than those who want to eat. Unfortunately, the drinking area is small, and the beers, like the atmosphere, are often flat.

Great atmosphere! We were here between innings to watch the cricket and grab a 2 pint! They are…read moreknow for their 2 pints! Service was quick was we skipped the line inside and went to the outside beer bar. A few min walk from Headingley. We worth a visit over lunch with a pass out.

Staff super friendly and warm and the drinks aren't bad either. highly recommend if you are free…read moreone evening for drinks and yummy food with friends. .

What else can I say about this fabulous tiny bar of joy? I can say that I've been back several…read moretimes and consistently enjoyed it. I can say that every member of bar staff I've interacted with has been great, they give good banter and know their beer for sure. I can say that I've enjoyed every tipple, albeit as pricey as it can be. And I can say that I'm still a fan of the odd and random décor. I wish they'd open a little later, but hey, one can't have it all. Even so, if you're wandering Meanwood of a Sunday and want a paper and a pint, this should be on your list. Bringing nothing but more North Bar joy to the area, this is a great spot and I'm well chuffed they're a part of this area in town. But as Devlin mentioned, watch out and ask before you buy - there's a few that'll set you back more than a couple of quid.

Forever on the hunt for decent beer, called in for a few whilst passing with a m8, part of the…read morenorth bar, Schneider Weisse on tap is getting harder to find, it was spot on and cold, girls behind bar was very nice and as there was only us in, we had waitress service, also good to see where beer prices displayed, £14.90 for one of them may be a shock if you order willy nilly..

It pains me that if you're in Headingley and fancy a pint post 11pm that you've only a few options…read more-the majority of which aren't really my style of place. It's not to say they're not for everyone, but they're not really for me. Nonetheless, my friends and I wanted a drink and the Headingley Taps was the closest option. So, we wandered along, and chose beer over bed. The bouncers weren't particularly friendly, and whilst it remains a compliment to be asked for ID, I'd prefer it were done in a nicer way-sarcastic comments were made, and despite being (very likely) older than the chap who asked me, he was a touch on the rude and patronising side. Nonetheless, in we went, and the bar staff were much more approachable. I opted for a bottle of lager, and if you're in the business of something specialist, this isn't the place. You've a standard range of all the more widely known beverages, but keep an eye out for the drinks deals as you can save yourself a few pennies. There are sports screens throughout, so if there's something on you fancy watching, this is a likely spot in which to do so. As for the crowd within, expect a range of students (when in season) and other locals. There wasn't a bad atmosphere, but it wasn't per se welcoming either. Perhaps nonchalant at best. In any case, it's somewhere to get a late night drink, but it's not somewhere I can envisage frequenting -just not really for me.

Well I don't think you could get more of a mixed crowed in a pub if you tried, I have seen people…read morefrom all walks of life in here and the music is just the same which I think a few more pubs would benefit from doing my only disapointment is that when you look at the outside you get the impression that it is going to be much bigger than it really is. The atmosphere is good although not may favourite pub it is 1 that I may start off in on my way into town or meet up with a couple of friends that are regulars there, the staff are friendly and get to serve you pretty quick and have a good knowledge at who has been waiting to be served 1st instead of serving whoever they see 1st. There is an average amount of seating although but could benefit from more if there was enough space so I'm normally stood at the bar (probably more to the fact cause I'm used to being on the other side of bars working) the toilets are kept quite clean which could be the reason why the floor is always wet (I hope). Overall I would say this pub has so much potential which hasn't been spotted but is a good place to start off in Headingley and then move on to better surroundings.

So, against my better judgement and against my preference my friends and I have on the odd occasion…read morenipped here for a drink or two since my last review. There's no mistaking it for what it is, from the signage and styling right down to the custom that frequent this raucous pub. Skyrack is a cheap, rowdy, student-cum-sports pub where costumed Otley runners and vocal footie fans alike can booze the night away as loudly as they please. I know that this picture can be taken as preferential or not, really depending on what sounds like your type of haunt, but all in all it's not really for me. So why three stars this time? The reasons are two-fold. The first reason is that I really do enjoy playing on their silly 'Buck Hunter' game. More hilarious if you have a friend who gets a tad too into it and poses heavily with the gun! The second reason is that if you have been thoroughly enjoying the partaking of a few ales and need somewhere to go post usual closing times in Headingley this place is almost always open as a last ditch option. I have also had some more reasonable experiences with their staff of late! Essentially, if you love dressing up and sports this is probably the place for you - it's a large space and so great for groups, and has some pretty cheap options when it comes to booze. If you've more of a quality palette, and enjoy a decent conversation with your poison, then this place is best left out of the options!

The Skyrack lies opposite the more popular Original Oak, and, despite being a fine establishment,…read moreit comes second to the Oak in every department. Firstly, the clientèle seem slightly more rowdy and less relaxed than those who are attracted to the Oak, creating a less easy atmosphere. Secondly, the Skyrack's tiny concrete beer garden simply cannot compete with the huge grassy expanse of the Oak, meaning that, even when the weather's good, you'll probably find yourself inside. The Skyrack also feels a little bit tacky, with half-old/half-new decor and pool tables randomly dotted about. There are a couple of saving graces, however: the Skyrack stays open later than the Oak, and serves very cheap beer. If you want a slightly scaled down, slightly less enjoyable version of the Oak, choose the Skyrack. If you want the real thing, go across the road.

Hands down my favourite pub in Leeds. Friendly staff and customers, good beer, fun events and -…read moremost importantly - dogs! I will always go out of my way to visit the Chemic if I fancy a relaxing evening. The entertainment they put on too is top notch - local acts and some from further away, including folk music and open mic nights where anyone can join in. It's also next door to the best chip shop in Leeds (which is veggie friendly!), and you can take your chips in to enjoy with a pint. If you're looking for a lovely place to have a nice evening, you couldn't go far wrong with the Chemic.

This is a tough review…read more Not because I'm unsure if I like the pub or not but simply because I fear that my review might attract people to the place and I love it just the way it is. The Chemic Tavern is in the Woodhouse area of Leeds. Woodhouse is not known for it's excellent pubs and neither is neighbouring Hyde Park. They both mainly consist of student pubs with no soul and flat Carlsberg. Not good. The good people at The Chemic Tavern have managed to remove themselves from these other kinds of pubs and have created something bloody lovely. First things first - the beer. They always have a great selection of ales on. Timothy Taylor's Landlord is always there and then usually two or three others. You then have a selection of decent lagers, wines and cocktails - all reasonably priced and well maintained. It's just nice to walk in to a pub, stroll over to the bar, look at the options and not think to yourself 'ahh bugger. .' but instead think 'ooh, what shall I have first?'. The staff are legendary. It seems all to often nowadays that being polite and having a friendly chat with your customers is a bit too difficult for a lot of places. Not with The Chemic. On every visit I have been made to feel like a returning friend and I love that. You instantly feel welcome and relaxed. It appears The Chemic only hire nice, chatty people. This is a very clever move - albeit a very obvious one. The music is always good too. There's no jukebox but you will often hear Motown, Blues and good Indie tunes. They have live music nights there as well, come to think of it. Ska nights, Irish nights and other things will go on in the back room that also features a darts board and an array of board games (if you fancy a geeky night down the pub, playing Trivial Pursuits). The other really nice thing about the place is that everyone who drinks in there appears to be very happy. I think this is because they're all aware that it's the best pub in miles. The Chemic appears to only attract people (and lots of them at the weekend) who are there to have a nice, enjoyable drink (or six) with their mates. I could go on and on but I fear it would just end up sounding like that I was considering proposing marriage to the pub. Which is obviously a ridiculous idea. . . isn't it? Yes, of course it is. How would I fit The Chemic in a church for a start? So I will end this review by adding that the pub has an amazing fish and chip shop (Arkwright's) next door and you're allowed to buy food from there and eat it inside the pub. Good stuff. So if you haven't been here before and you like proper pubs, I urge you to check this place out. Not too many of you, mind. .

Having been back once again to a warm reception, great beer selection and friendly locals I feel…read morethe need to reinstate my love for this fantastic pub. There's not much more to add to what's already been declared, except that even on a Saturday night this is the loveliest place you hope to grab a pint. No louts, no fancy dress Otley runners, no hassle - just a fabulous place in which to consume your favourite tipples. If you need advice on what to sup, these guys are expert in here, even the odd person propping up the bar might chime in. Love it. Yet again, props to the wonderful bar staff who always patiently allow me to finish my beer at almost 11.30pm - it's always appreciated. Got to check out their Monday quiz sometime, I'm sure it'll be one of the best around!

Before I was of drinking age, I barely noticed Arcadia, and any notice I did pay to the place left…read moreme thinking it was a cafe for some reason. To be fair, on first glance, it does look to be more of a cafe than a classy wine bar, with its simple exterior and location amongst run-of-the-mill shops such as Wilkinsons and Sainsbury's. Once you realise it's actually a watering hole and go in, however, you are rewarded - music plays quietly, old connoisseurs and occasionally wealthy students alike sample the various continental beers (the best of which is Erdinger) and wines, a few lone readers and writers sit about with papers or notebooks, and a couple play one of the many free board games on offer. Arcadia is different from anywhere else in Headingley in terms of it's atmosphere, it's booze, and what it offers. However, it's rates are similar to some places in Headingley - the pricey ones.

I'm all about sauntering out into the sticks, making discoveries, and seeking out the secret…read moreoff-the-beaten-path havens. Of course, places like Musiquarium might take that little bit extra effort to unearth, but wayfaring across and along the canal in Kirkstall late at night, under moonlight and darkness, is a journey worth taking. Perhaps, bring a friend to keep you company on your quest. It's not too difficult to spot once you're on the right road, since they've a tree adorned with blue fairy lights, which flash out into the night as a beacon -a sign that you've found your way to some hidden spot, in the depths, where pints and playful music awaits. Upon arrival, my cohorts and I were greeted by a friendly bouncer, and an even friendlier chap who also works for the bar. It seems as though, if you're out for one of their gig nights, there will be an entrance donation - which we were informed goes toward the musicians and sound engineers. I've no issue with that, and in fact think that more gigs should have an entrance fee, really. (I'm not saying I enjoy spending money, as such, but musicians are an underpaid bunch.) Once the fees were sorted, we gained access to a large outdoor space, where glistening like the universe above us was a solar system of fairy lights, and then the iron door closed behind us. The main room with the bar is cosy, with rustic tables over which twee floral table cloths lay, and graffiti images across the brick walls. It was low lit, and had a seriously cool vibe. It's mid-way between a basement room with a bar, built in your house, and a rehearsal-space-turned-speakeasy. Not somewhere that you should expect a posh bottle of Champagne, but not somewhere that you couldn't make an effort for. It's unpretentious, it's down to earth, it's charming and has a distinct character similar to that of Rock And Roll Circus, only tidier and less cluttered. I was there for a friend's birthday do, and there was a programme of bands on for the evening. I managed to catch The Loups, and I sincerely recommend you check them out, if you have a chance. They're a two-piece electric guitar and drums duo, with haunting songs; songs that are atmospheric enough to melt into, but beat driven enough to force movement from head to toe. I said they were everything you want The XX to be, but I don't know if that's accurate, or insulting. In any case, I'm enamoured, and will be looking for their future gigs. The band space is fabulous, an intimate square of dance floor, a stage, a DJ/sound booth, and padded walls. Not because insanity might ensue, although depending on the future line ups who knows, but presumably to keep the sound from leaking out. You're in a private, secret, hidden, awesome gig in this place. When you're in Musiquarium, no one but Musiquarium can hear you shout encore. As for the bar, they sell a few different lagers on tap, including their own branded lager - Musiquarium. (Obv.) I didn't get to try it, since it was off, and opted for a different pint that happened to be a little flat. I'm guessing they don't get through many pints, so I'd advise going for the bottles at this stage. Drinks are within the £3-4 mark, but that's a standard I've come to expect in Leeds, and certainly I don't mind paying if I'm at a fantastic gig. They had a drink offer on for White Russians, but sadly no coffee liqueur, so that was out. My only slight nag about the venue was the confusion I experienced with a chap at the bar over cash back. I was told by the other guy, on arrival, we could get cash back at the bar, so asked for some when paying for a round. Initially, I thought there was a problem with the card I'd used, but was then told there was no chance of me getting cash back - I asked if it would work by simply adding on a tenner to the card bill, and then he could give me a tenner from the till, but he said he cashed the till up differently to normal bars, so I couldn't. What was even more confusing was that my friend, who bought a pint after me, was offered cash back with his purchase. Go figure. Perhaps he was having a bad night, or perhaps took a dislike to my face... In any case, here's hoping my next outing will be a little more hassle free. Or a better idea might be to save myself the trouble and make sure I've plenty of pounds in hand. Thankfully, it's not left a bitter taste in my mouth -everyone's human and has a bad day, and I'm a fan of the bar. The policy seems set for good folk, great music, and I can see it becoming a premier venue for some of Leeds' best live acts. Get involved, get down and check out the line-up. There are even some mystery stairs leading up, which I didn't check out, so who knows what lies above. Another cool room to sup in? A secondary gig space? Regardless, I'm keen to find out.