The Leopard, Doncaster

Despite the traditional green tiles outside, the Leopard looks like a fairly modern welcoming place that does food. There is a piano in the bar to the right and a TV showing Sky Sports News (muted). Music was playing, albeit intermittently so not sure if the barman was queuing up tracks manually. Unfortunately it does look a bit grubby in places - chipped paintwork on the toilet doors, dark fingerprints round the door push plates and general dirty patches on the doors and some of the walls. Otherwise a pleasant interior but could just do with a bit more attention to detail. The toilets (gents at least) were basic but functional, again not the cleanest but not disgusting either. They did smell a bit though. My beer was fine and in great condition, so the pub appears to be doing cask ales right. I had the Mai Tai by Ossett at £1.50 for a half, which was topped up without me having to ask. They also had Titanic Plum Porter, something by Exit 33 and a couple of others that I can't remember. This is definitely the least intimidating looking pub in the immediate vicinity and I would be happy to call back again.

This place still retains the old green tiles outside and the Warwick and Richardson brewery name. This Newark brewery was taken over by John Smiths in 1962 so you might expect it to be owned by Star Pubs via Courage. In fact it's now owned by Doncaster Council. It's been well described below but has been spruced up although much of the public bar has bookcase and wood panelling wallpaper! I didn't look into the lounge bar. There is a TV at the end of the public bar but it wasn't loud if there was any sound at all. The public bar has three hand pumps which had Cameron's Strongarm, Little Critters Blonde Bear and Sonnet 43 Raven. I went for the Raven (£3.10) which was in good nick. Despite the CAMRA discount being written on the entrance I only noticed it after I'd sat down! This is still a music venue so may be worth avoiding on Friday and Saturday night but on my Saturday afternoon visit it was fine. It's GBG 2018 listed.

Official site of The Leopard - www.leopard-doncaster.co.uk

Official site of The Leopard - www.leopard-doncaster.co.uk