Graziers Hotel, Belle Vue, Wakefield

Demolished around 2005-6 and re-developed as flats.

Popped in here whilst getting lost looking for O' Donoghues (which was literally just round the corner in the end) and wasn't expecting much, so was fairly happy to see three standard ales (Black Sheep, Landlord and Deuchars IPA, plus a real cider in Old Rosie) and even happier to find that Landlord was in good shape (£2.80p/p). The pub is a classic V shape as it sits on a tight junction corner. Whilst the outside looks scrubbed and snazzy (I assumed it'd be more like up-market winery) the interior is stuck in the 70's akin to the Black Rock, but a lot lighter inside - the old bar is quite lovely. It's clean and tidy, the solitary barmaid was busying herself polishing the brass and wood in between serving customers. There was a TV (SKY) along with the daily papers and a load of Rugby League paraphernalia - I assume this must be a Wakefield RFC hangout on match days. The toilets should be listed, they looked ancient. The old vs new contrast continues on the way to the traps, as the gents corridor walls are plastered in football clippings and Page 3 girls - very New Lad. Perhaps not exactly an essential experience but you could do worse.