The Head of Steam, Leeds

The Head of Steam is very close to Leeds train station. Once inside there is a decent sized room with an island bar,there is a slight raised area to the right,the seating is bench type and normal tables and chairs. There was a decent choice of real ales on the bar but the pub was packed on my early Saturday evening visit so i failed to note all beers,i had a drink of Leeds Yorkshire Pale which went down well,the only other beer i noted was Titanic Plum Porter. I would happily return to this pub but at a quieter time. Pub visited 4/4/2015

The pub consists of a central octagonal shaped bar, with high seating along the windows and seating areas over to the right-hand side of the bar and at the rear of the pub. The interior was painted in dark greys, with various photos of steam engines. The upper part of the pub is used for storage and a collection of empty boxes over on the left has become a colourful feature wall, also there is a collection of Belgian beer bottles. Nine handpumps including one cider on our visit, we went for the Great Heck Simcoe and Ilkley Olicana Pale, both were in good shape. The two punk barmaids were friendly and chatty and service was good.

I used to call in Spencers for a game of pinball years ago when I worked in Leeds. It was a keg only pub then and the only reason to go in was the pinball. Happily there have been major changes here recently. It's been bought by Head Of Steam and massively refurbished. It's now a split level pub with the rear area being raised with a couple of alcoves and comfy seating. There's still an island bar and some high tables and chairs at the front of the pub. Whatpub claims that they sell 10 guest beers, that's going to be difficult as there are "only" 7 handpumps. We called in here on both days of our latest visit to Leeds and I had several beers, all of which were in good nick. Allendale Wagtail & Brightside Aired Ale being very good. There's a limited food menu and loads of bottled beers. It's going to be a regular haunt for us as Ms CAMRA really liked the place.