Another great stop off on our day trip to Leeds was The White Swan - very central, good quality…read morefood and the beers were great value, while offering loads of variety in the process! The Swan was sandwiched in between a few early pints in other bars to get us in the swing of things, while also keeping an eye on the clock to make sure we could get to a pub showing the Grand National later in the day - so in all honesty we didn't have more than an hour to hang around and smell the roses! What we did get from this warm and welcoming Leeds Brewery boozer was a flight of 3 thirds for £3.30 from any local breweries (6 to select from I think) and these were a great and good value way to enjoy a few beers and not get too tanked up! I also had a butchers sausage sandwich with home made chips which really hit the spot and was great value for sub-£5 A great suggestion from my friend and a place that although I probably wouldn't want to spend all afternoon in, was a great little find and somewhere I'll be hitting next time I'm in town!

Great little bar here in the city centre! Chilled out venue with friendly staff, and plenty of…read morechoice. Good place for an afternoon pint & a catch up with mates, but not a place to go if you're looking for a party as it's a bit too chilled for that...

Lovely atmospheric pub just down the road from the Tetleys brewery…read more An old pub which has retained it's charm with four rooms on the ground floor with an upstairs space as well. Decor is shabby chic but of the appealing variety. Well kept range ale on the hand pump with plenty to interest the larger or wine lover. Good quality pub grub is available all day and is likley to be required as this has the feel of a session pub. Punters are mixture of suits and students, indie kids and ageing bohemians - makes for a pleasant vibe complemented by a nice choice of tunes. 9/10. Definetly worth a visit if you are in the centre of Leeds and are looking for something a bit more authentic than what's on offer down the road.

I remain a huge fan of this delightful old pub. It's a fantastic space to hang out it in, with a…read morelarge group of friends, for a proper catch up. Not only is this a gorgeous space, being one of the older booze houses in town, but it's a friendly one to boot. Exquisite booths, with detailed glass windows, resplendent fireplaces, cosy rooms, and plushly carpeted floors make up just some of the wonderful features in this place. The lamp shades are something else, and I've often coveted one for myself. As for the drinks, as is often becoming the case, there's not much that I can add to the other reviews (and indeed my prior reviews) -essentially, if you're a fan of good beer you're in good hands. Plenty of rotating cask offerings sit alongside a solid lager selection, with all the usual suspects in spirits and suchlike being available to the non-hop-lot. The staff are always awesome, offering up a warm welcome and friendly smile, which always adds to the experience. No one likes a cold fish. I've not eaten here in such a long time so I couldn't comment on the edibles, but it remains an excellent spot in the centre for friendly and creative folk to grab a pint, often amongst the varied friendly locals. And long will it be a place that I shall patronise.

Popped in here as part of a CAMRA day trip. Enjoyed the ales and also the food. I had the…read moreLincolnshire sausage whirl (sausages are a speciality here) which was good and so was the mash and gravy. Can't remember the ale I had as by this time I was too "relaxed" to write it down. Also very impressive building with its ornate fixtures and fittings. Great resource for Leeds.

Pubs and bars in or around train stations are, generally speaking, a bit weird. I am not confident…read moreof the explanation as to why this is, but if I had to hazard a guess, I would look no further than the clientele they attract. There are usually a contingent of nervous passengers who are frightened of missing their train, and so continuously check various timepieces. Suited business types linger around, checking electronic diaries for details, and men of a certain age flock to these venues with their reasonable prices and comfortable seats. The Brewery Tap has managed to buck the trend. As one of three Leeds Brewery supported pubs, there are an impressive range of ales on show. The customary Leeds Best, Leeds Pale and Midnight Bell ales sit proudly on the bar, their dominance providing a welcome example of regional identity for visitors and residents alike. A couple of expertly sourced ciders also adorn the bar, namely West Croft's Janet's Jungle Juice and Broadoak's Premium Perry. Both originating from Somerset, these ciders are CAMRA awarded, and I personally wish to award them too. I may fashion a trophy out of tin foil, depending on how many premium strength ciders I have consumed. The most impressive aspect of The Brewery Tap, is that they brew their own tipple in a microbrewery in the pub. It is visible for punters to enjoy a close up, when journeying up to the toilets. Just to clarify, a glass wall does seal the pumping equipment from the general public - there could be no unfortunate accidents regarding the location of the toilets. I have only ever indulged in the bar snacks on offer at this pub, but the sticky chicken skewers I ordered were delightfully succulent. I have jealously envied other people's food at The Brewery Tap however, practically being floated through the air with my nostrils directing me on the visible aroma, similar to a cartoon. The menu boasts a wonderful selection of pies, fish and chips, burgers and other such classics; as well as some sharing platters, ideal for sociable grazing. The Brewery Tap hosts a quiz night every Monday evening, a pleasurable distraction to the beginning of the week. The bar shows major sporting events on a pull-down projector screen, which is generally a civilised affair with a section cordoned off to allow other customers to retain a peaceful atmosphere. The Brewery Tap is a brilliant venue to enjoy a drink or some food, whether you are catching a train or not. Any bar that provides me with interesting Oscar Wilde, Chuck Kilman and Albert Einstein quotes to read in the bathroom, is outstanding in my eyes.

There should be some kind of punishment for bars and pubs being allowed in and around train…read morestations. Not because they are rubbish or anything, it's because I am. I've usually had a couple of cheeky vimtos and should really get on that train and head home but it'd be rude not to go for a swift half en route and the brewery Tap is that place. The Brewery Tap is a really nice bar just opposite the NCP cap park and literally two minutes away from the station. There isn't too much on New Station Street these days so it really stands out. Inside it's a cool little number. Really nicely finished off and a pleasant atmosphere. They've also got a good selection of drinks, especially as it's not the biggest venue on earth. What is really fantastic about it though is the fact it's independent and part of the Leeds brewery. So you can get proper Leeds beer lass, brewed in our fine city and complete with a large serving of Yorkshireness. Brilliant. You can also get a few tasty snacks to help wash down that tasty Leeds beverage but it's all about the drinkettes for me. It's fast becoming a regular stop off for me on my way home and if I can keep the wealth in our Yorkshire walls, I'll do it. Well done Leeds for a good pint and a good pub.

A cozy pub just across from Leeds City College. They've got excellent cask ale and keg lagers, and…read morea damn fine fish and chips. I was in Leeds for work, having come from across the pond, and they made me feel more than welcome. If you're in Leeds and you're looking for a proper (not some posh place) neighbored pub out from the city center, stop by here.

This is my local work pub and its perfect for such an establishment. Lovely staff, good selection…read moreof drinks, cheap prices and big enough to have room every night I want to go. A OK indeed

I once held a really find spot in my ale heart for this venue, but sadly, that's been broken and…read morewho knows how long it'll take to mend. It used to be a stalwart on the scene, with exciting ales, passionate staff, and even held the odd exclusive tasting. Now, given my last visit, it is somewhat of a sad place. We arrived on a snowy eve to see a small gathering of chaps, staring into the TV above the exit, and not much else. It's always been a chilly venue, but felt colder somehow with a lack of jolly punters. We approached the bar and I got excited to spot the four thirds for four pounds deal, meaning we could each try something and share. As soon as I asked about it the bar man let us know that there were in fact no third glasses available. I asked if there was any chance of putting a third in a half glass, and he immediately declined, with zero mirth on his face. My friend hadn't heard him turn us down, and so asked the same thing, to which the other bar man snapped, turned around, and barked at us, 'Look you're not getting them in half pints so stop asking for it.' Or similar. At this point I wish we'd have left, but I was stunned to meet someone so sour behind a bar, and so just tried to get past it and ordered our ale. We didn't drink faster all night, and basically downed them to get out of the place asap. I've never known such poor service! Do not expect banter when you sup here. The ale was top notch, which makes it all the more a shame. In summary, the staff are rude, and it'll take a lot to coax me back.

first time in Leeds a few months ago, bartender was awesome...lotta beers for every palate.read more

How have I not review BrewDog yet?! Wowsers. Sometimes they slip under the cracks, right?…read more So, if you know me at all, you know I love beer. And beer for punks is right up my street. And when I heard the noise about BrewDog coming to Leeds I was incredibly excited. I have to admit, I had a bit of northern-city-rivalry in my head when Manchester got there first, but that's old news now we've been graced by the Scottish beer rebels. The venue itself is pretty pokey, but that's not to say that you can't all pack in and share the love. The downstairs is rustic, almost industrial, and makes great use of the cool features of the space - a winding metal staircase, a long table to sit at together, some bar stools, and a few cosy chairs in the corners of the room. The theme is continued upstairs, with cool little booths, rustic décor, and a nautical style door to the loos. (Which are unisex.) The venue is so small their 'cellar' is actually stored in the rafters above the upper floor, so every now and then a member of staff has to climb up there, which is always amusing! It has to be said, I was already a BrewDog beer fan, but having it on tap is pretty fantastic. They manage to keep the draught exciting, and have changing guest beers if you're after something different, alongside a host of their own interesting brews. I'm a hardcore Punk IPA fan for the hoppy goodness, but if you're after something a little stronger, there's plenty to ask the staff about. Most of the staff are fantastic too, and mega friendly when it comes to chat. As standard, they know their stuff. The soundtrack is often on the punk and alternative side, which of course fits the theme - I'm pretty sure I got to listen to some CKY last time I was there. (Or maybe I imagined that?!) I've yet to indulge in their meat and cheese boards, but they look pretty delicious, and round off the experience of good beer, good food, and good times. I've yet to have a sub-par experience here - the staff, beer, and atmosphere make it yet another solid spot for awesome drinking times in Leeds. Just what this area of Call Lane needed! Of course, it does hit the wallet a little more than other spots, but if I'm honest I reckon it's in-line with most of the bars I frequent. You get what you pay for, and you pay for good brews here. In my humblest opinion! Basically, if you've been under a rock and haven't had a pint in this place yet, get there stat and lemme know what you think.

For ale lovers and it's great that staff know their beers. When we first stumbled on this place we…read morecouldn't decide what to have so it was great that staff were helpful and knew their ales. Its a small but friendly and relaxed place even on a Saturday night the crowds seemed far far away. There's an upstairs bit with more seating and games.

It was getting a little late, but my pal and I fancied a nightcap before we bid adieu. He said,…read more"hey what about that new place Lamb & Flag?" I blanked, "What new place?" He strode on. "Let me show you." I've always been a fan of Leeds Brewery pubs, so to discover they have a new one, tucked away just off The Calls, was a happy time. I love the fact they've refurbished another of Leeds' old buildings and breathed new life into an unused space. It's a classic LB fit out -- the character of the building is in tact, yet it's clean and simply anew, and retains the quirky personality of the original space. Firstly, they've some coveted outdoor space: a small patio out back and cute little balcony that overlooks said patio. It's really private, being ensconced between the church and another building, so it feels like a secret haven. The inside has plenty of little nooks and larger tables, so small or large, your party's going to be happy. There's a menu, including some classic British bites, and a fairly interesting bar. Besides your ales and a few craft beers, they also offer up some interesting ports and such. Very cosy, very classy. The gin selection is fine, but don't expect Monkey 47. Since my visit was literally a nightcap, lasting 30 minutes before close, I can't comment much on the atmosphere but I can say that the chap running the bar couldn't do enough to help us. Despite teething problems with glassware, limited booze from what will be their standard selection, and lack of fruit, he made us feel so welcome. Props to him -- he's be a fabulous manager/landlord. I'm a fan, and I hope to spend many more evenings in the Lamb & Flag!

It's really no surprise that North Bar was voted by the Observer Food Monthly as the 'Best place to…read moredrink in the UK'. They're not wrong. North Bar covers every single base. If you like your beer, well they've had over a 1000 on tap since opening twelve years ago. Not forgetting the 100000 various bottled beers. Got beer then, have they? Check. Don't like beer? Well how about one of cider, rum, whisky, bourbon, brandy, wine. They've got them all. And not only have they got them all, they've got the best of them all. Teetotal? Well, then, how about a coffee in the one of the funkiest interiors the Leeds bar scene has to offer? There's new art installed seeminly every month, with exhibitions from different local talent. Music? If it's good, it gets played. NOT BEEN HERE? GO. NOW.

OK, so it may be a bit bizarre to update over a non-alcoholic drink, but North Bar wins again. With…read moreBottomless Coffee. Oh yes, that's the good stuff right there. It mightn't be a specialist brew, but for two pounds you can refill to your hearts content, pop out and back in again and still get more coffee, all the while enjoying the usage of their free wifi. There's even a table next to some power points in which you can plug your laptop in. Amazing. Whilst the likes of Brooklyn lager will cost you practically a fiver, which is a little more than I like to pay, they still offer a fantastic selection of drinks and the space itself is both large and inviting. The art on the walls is regularly renewed, offering the best in local artistry, and the staff are always full of cheer and chat. I can only hope that the newly opened Meanwood sister bar offers such delights as these! Want to escape the noise of the city? Check in for a coffee. You'll be warmly welcomed. In all, there's not much more can be said that hasn't already been penned, but if you're into your beers, music and banter you must give this place a visit.

YELP supper club! I like it here…read more I didn't get to see the upstairs as there was a function on. We had initially opted to go to Reds for our supper but we couldn't get a table until 9:45. James and myself would have been perfectly willing to wait as we really wanted to dine at Reds, but Roweena was making hungry, growling noises and sprinkling passing children with seasoning and mumbling "that one would taste lovely with some bar-b-q relish on it!". So before there was an "incident" we decided to head down to Brooklyn Bar so Row could get her freak-on and tear into some red meat. The bar staff couldn't have been more pleasant, attentive and helpful. I opted for the rum burger and a pint of Blue Moon beer. I have never had Blue Moon before and it is a spot-on refreshing drink. When my burger came it was stacked with fresh salad and perfectly cooked onion rings. The meat was lovely and juicy and deceptively big. The fries where cooked just right. James had a rack of ribs and they looked spectacular. Definitely trying them next time. I will be checking in here again.

Let's not be throwing stars around like shurikens, if I could review the bar separately to the…read morefood, I would indeed. And that review would likely be less favourable as a matter taste. However, there are some things you can't fault, and that would be the service and the food. I'll, of course, go into some detail. The bad news: The bar really isn't to my tastes. Not in terms of décor, but in terms of style. The music is (and I can already hear what you're going to say) too loud and too pop for my tastes. (Whatever, I'm old.) When it's a Wednesday night and no one is in your bar, why must you ear bleed me with Rhianna and that awful awful Blurred Lines song? No one wants it. Or, at least, no one I know. I am also not a fan of TV screens, but I realise some folks do like to watch a bit of footie. People often enjoy it when a leggy man does a goal, I understand that. It's rustic looking and attractive, and has a gorgeously decked out little beer garden (big umbrellas please, for when it rains) so it could be much more - but alas, it's a little like a replica of vodka rev or brb in terms of personality. It needn't be - everyone else was in the aforementioned bars for their Wednesday shooter and R'n'B. My wish would be that it lives up to the NY name more, and actually takes that vibe on a little more. Underground and interesting music on the Spotify, to link into their (I'm assuming, haven't tried) NY cocktail menus and food. Just my opinion, like. ANYWAY! The food. My word, the food. If you come here for just one thing, let it be the burgers. Let it be the California burger, with skin on fries, and delicious crispy SFC strips. It does the same as most, and bungs them in a placcy basket to look all authentic, but when you bite down on that mother of a beef patty, and let the guac, onion rings, melty beef, jack cheese, and the rest assemble in your gob, you know you've made it. You've made it. Welcome to flavour country. I am a fan. As ever, and as will almost always be in Leeds, I wished the burger had been a touch more pink. But - my folly - I didn't ask it to be so. And those SFC strips - yes. Yes yes yes. I liked them immensely. As for the service, not a single encounter was unpleasant, and everyone who interacted with us was fantastic. Top notch service, banter, the extra mile, and all that jazz. Props to the two girls and chap who made the night more of a four star experience than a three star one. So, I shan't ramble on for much longer. The place has potential. I like the subway train by the loos. The actual building is lovely, and the garden is grand. The NY menu is fabulous, and the staff are brill. I just wish they'd ditch the crap music and punk it up a bit. I would definitely then be a regular.