Garden Gate, Leeds

A magnificent heritage pub (CAMRA listed) hidden away off the main road and semi-subsumed into a grim 1970’s estate in run-down Hunslet (easily bussable from Leeds city centre, not sure I’d advise walking myself). OB describes in detail below, so I’ll limit myself to repeating the immediate stand-out features – multi-roomed, etched glasswork, cacophony of glazed tiling and intricate mosaic work, magnificent bar back, mirrors and fireplaces. Very little has changed in the intervening century. Incredible to think that this was slated for demolition in the 70s; you can imagine the travesty that would have been planted in its place simply by standing outside. This place used to be owned by Tetley’s but is now under the wing of Leeds Brewery, who are at least putting their money where their mouths are. There were three Leeds ales on my visit and my Midnight Bell was in good shape. If you have the time to spare it’s well-worth getting a trip in. Though I don’t think I’d want to chance it on my own after dark.