The Chequers Inn, Leeds

Official site of The Chequers Inn - www.thechequersinn.com

Official site of The Chequers Inn - www.thechequersinn.com

A stone built village pub in a well looked - after settlement a few hundred yards from the A1. An L shaped building, the bar is reached from the car park by way of a paved area fitted out with tables and umbrellas and the paraphernalia of barbecue cookery. A central bar serves four rooms and snugs radiating from it: mainly set up for meals when we visited on a mild October Saturday lunchtime,though with a comfortable wet trade as well. As Ale and Hearty commented, the food was of high quality,though fairly expensive , even by southeast standards. Having said that, we were very impressed by both the meal and the service. A Good Beer Guide regular,both the beers that I tried-Ledsham Sessions and Green Piece, both from Brown Cow Brewery of Selby were in excellent condition.Alongside these were a couple of stalwarts from Yorkshire family brewers, and Yorkshire Gold from the nearby Leeds Brewery. We sat in the Top Snug, overlooking the village street, and overlooked by a print of famous Yorkshire men, both alive and dead. A visit to The Chequers had been on the cards for some time, but the policy of Sunday closing, (while welcome to a traditionalist such as I) , was a hindrance. However, the good people of the Big House have recently relented, and the pub now opens seven days a week. We certainly enjoyed our visit, and hope to return.

A superb example of a traditional, English village pub. There are four small rooms with exposed beams, wooden panelling and real fires. All of them are slightly dark and envelop you with a wonderful, almost conspiratorial cosiness. It’s quite unusual, in having a six-day licence. One hundred and seventy years ago the lady of the manor, who owned the pub, closed it on Sundays, as she was unhappy with her employees’ over indulgence on the Sabbath! The same family still own the pub and they have maintained the tradition down the years. Five real ales on our visit: Timothy Taylor’s ‘Landlord’, Leeds Best, John Smith’s Cask, Theakson’s Best and Brown Cow ‘Jubilee Bitter’ (which I suspect was a re-badge, although I believe the bar does have a permanent Brown Cow pump.) In the spirit of the celebrations, I opted for the latter, which I found to be in good nick, if a little cold for my palate. (A view shared by my wife, with her Leeds Best.) The Chequers is famous for its food and offers high-end bar snacks as well as a full restaurant service. Quality is good, but priced accordingly. My only niggle, is that on more than one occasion, the service has been a little cool. Our visit on this occasion coincided with a wedding party, so I’ll cut them a little slack there. However, even when visiting at quieter times, bar staff have been a little off-hand. Has a very comfortable outdoor drinking area, with seating on several levels. Although very rural in feel, it is actually only half a mile or so from the A1. It would make a great ‘pit stop’, if you were on a long journey. Handy for the RSPB reserve, at nearby Fairburn Ings. Overall, highly recommended.

A fine busy village pub with 3 rooms and a seperate restaurnt. Upto 4 Real ales available including 'Brown Cow'. Bar meals available (large portions)on our visit at lunchtime pub was heaving with dinners. Large terrace and garden for smoking and drinking. Large car park at the side. Regular in the GBG.