Driving along halfway between Bradford and Leeds, I noticed a large, beautiful building, and to my delight I saw the trusty pub sign hanging from a pole outside. I thought I'd stop by, feeling a little peckish. With a large outdoor seating area, with old picnic benches and ample parking, I noticed many elderly and middleaged folk ambing in and out of stone building, possibly just for lunch or, I'd imagine, after a round of golf at the nearby golf course. The weather was gloomy, so I thought I'd take refuge within.
Upon entry, I was engulfed by an air of calm, not to mention the welcome sight of an open fire to the left of the bar. The pub is very large and could hold hundreds of diners and drinkers if it chose to do so, or if, indeed, there were more passers by in it's location, which is it is fair to say, rather off the beaten track. The ambience was warm and serene, with a lit bar stocking a mixture of continental lager on tap, and real ale. It's not overally cheap, but just for the setting with a fabulous view over Aire Valley on the other side of the road and the wonderful interior, it is well worth a visit. The restaurant eating area is vast, with loads of rooms divided by old wooden beams and low wall, meeting in the middle. The walls are a mix of burgendy, with lilac and dim ceiling spot lighting. The menu is good, offing a mix od pies, pub classics and winter warmers, as well as lighter meals. the food is by no means more expensive than the drinks, and a meal and a pint averages at about £10 a head at lunchtime.
I thank The Calverley Arms for finally adding a bit of festive calm/cheer to my December. The fire really did it for me from the word go, the burning wood smell is something you don't get all that often in pubs aroud Leeds, but wow, I don't care if I left smelling faintly of a bonfire, I care about how warm and festive and well fed I was. Perfect for a winter weekend! read more