The Pack Horse, Leeds

One of the 4 alley pubs off Briggate and just to confuse things, one of 3 pubs in Leeds called the Pack Horse. For my money this is the least interesting of the alley pubs and, given the lack of any information concerning the pub on various web sites, it would appear that it is the least well known. Accessed via a narrow passageway bearing the pub’s name, there is a small courtyard with some cover at the front where the smokers congregate. The pub interior is a single room with a slight raised area towards the rear. There is little in the décor or the building itself (despite apparently dating back to 1615) that stands out other than a selection of musician portraits (Beatles, Cobain; Lennon) dotted about the walls. On our Friday evening visit the place was quite vibrant with a younger crowd but everything seemed good natured and I didn’t feel out of place or note anything that anyone would find intimidating. The ale selection was a bit standard for the area - Black Sheep Best, Greene King IPA and Landlord, the last of which was unavailable. On the whole it’s OK but not really a place that warrants a specific visit other than for completists doing the 3 other alley pubs - do this one first and the others will come across as far more interesting.