Town Hall Tavern, Leeds

This Timothy Taylor pub, situated opposite the city's law courts, was built back in 1926, as evidenced by the etched front windows which bear this date, and was given an extensive refurbishment in 2011, taking it more into 'gastro-pub' territory. I visited fairly late on a Saturday night, so the food orders had pretty much dried up and I was able to enjoy the place as a pub rather than as a restaurant. It's a single room set up, with the bar over on the left hand side underneath an old beam covered in black and white photos of Leeds. Some very comfortable padded banquettes run around the front section of the pub underneath some Hogarth style paintings and Taylors posters. To the rear is a coffee bar style space with tiled walls and an ancient looking 'Smeg' fridge. A large Christmas tree dominated the centre of the room on my visit, with plenty of seating available through the rest of the room. The place was fairly busy when I visited, although I suspect it would have been even more so if I'd arrived an hour or so earlier and caught the majority of diners. Music played quietly in the background throughout my stay but I didn't spot any TV screens. Apparently there used to be a fire station situated opposite, and the pub had a bell inside to alert any fireman present that he was needed. Five Taylors beers were available on my visit - Best Bitter, Landlord, Boltmaker, Dark Mild and an excellent drop of Ram Tam. Prices don't seem to have changed much since ROB's review two and a half years ago, with the Ram Tam setting me back £3.40. The barman who served me was very friendly and I got the impression that this is a pretty welcoming, customer-focused place. Whilst I might have felt very differently had I arrived in the middle of their dinner service, I thought this was a very pleasant pub in which I was able to settle down and enjoy an excellent pint at my leisure. The slightly non-descript décor means that it doesn't quite cut it as one of the city's best, but it's certainly worth a look if you find yourself in this part of town.

A Timothy Taylor owned pub, housed in a non-too-attractive building opposite the more resplendent town hall, this place has a cosy refitted interior with a hint of 1970’s plushness – red carpeting and veneered pine wood panelling. There ere also a number of interesting framed photos of old Leeds on display as well as some old collections of cigarette cards. Four Timothy Taylor ales available, plus Tetley Bitter and a real cider in Old Rosie. My TT Golden Best and Ram Tam were a wallet-happy £2.40 a pint, though condition was decent rather than tip-top. A TV in the corner showed the cricket, which most of the punters were also keeping an eye on. Fabulous-sounding pies served though sadly at lunchtime only and I had just missed my chance. A good solid pub I’d be happy to visit again, hopefully in time for a pie.