Moot Hall Arms, Leeds

A traditional two-roomed city pub, tucked away in a side street at the feet of Leeds station. It’s been a good couple of years since I last visited, partly due to a period of closure, and in that time it’s obviously had a refurb, going down the heavier, darker route with a slightly more modern, pared back feel. In the main wedge-shaped room, walls are coffee coloured, with dark brown railing, the dark wallpaper has shades of grey and black and the carpet also has a black pattern. If I said the high backed leather effect benches were also black, you probably get the idea. There are a couple of high tables and stools, but also more traditional round tables and captains chairs. It’s good to see that the long wall bench has been maintained on the right hand side. (The smaller rear room was occupied by a group meeting, on this visit; so it was very difficult assess the changes.) The bar, in the right hand corner looks largely unchanged and still features four hand pumps. On this visit the beers were Landlord, Hobgoblin and Copper Dragon ‘Golden Pippin’. (The Leeds ‘Pale’ had just gone off). Opting for the Golden Pippin, it was a decent temperature but maybe lacking a little freshness? Certainly not of the quality of my last visit. Service from the friendly young barman was fine. Atmosphere wise, it was fairly dead at 9p.m. on the Wednesday evening I called. There were only half a dozen of us in the place. However, a large mixed crowd of thirty something’s did arrive just as I was leaving. Regarding ‘oldboots’ experience with the ‘shaven heads’, I suspect whether United are playing at home, or not, has an influence. Known for many years as a watering hole for some of the club’s more notorious ‘crews’, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few fans were winding down there, after the game, that day. Overall, I thought it had lost a little of its appeal from my last visit, but I would certainly consider calling again if in the area. It’s still a decent reserve if the nearby Scarbrough is rammed, as it often is. Worth a punt.

A very quick visit one Saturday night, the pub's not bad, the beer better but the clientele are a bit different, shaved heads appear obligatory unless you can claim to be eccentric in some visible way. Four pulls but three, Landlord, Leeds Pale and one other, were with clips reversed, Hobgoblin on the remaining pump and in absolutely cracking condition. I'll pop back some time when it's quieter, hairier, and hopefully there's more choice of beer.

recently refurbished to a high quality, but unspoilt from origin......great city centre pub..definately worth a visit