Rodley Barge, Leeds

Two bar canal side pub reached from the roadside but sadly not the tow path. Another traditionally furnished pub in this area, not bad for a drink especially on a sunny day on the canalside patio. Four cask beers on offer, Yorkshire Heart JRT, Tetley’s (Black Country) Bitter, Leeds Pale and Bradfield Farmers Steel Cow.

Unfortunately for Mr Fastard, the Rodley Barge will probably have to be his first choice in Rodley now, as the Owl has sadly closed its doors, leaving this two bar canal side pub as the next best option. You enter into a corridor with the toilet block to the right and the main bar through the first door on the left. The room has a traditional feel to it, with some old carpet on the floor and banquette and pew seating running around three sides, supplemented by a few low stools. The walls are half panelled and the servery, tucked into the back corner, is all dark wood, as is the ceiling which has various pump clips grouped by brewery, running along the beams. A TV on the end wall, above a low brick fireplace, was switched off throughout my stay whilst some hits from the 50’s played to the one other customer. A few old pictures and certificates fill a bit of wall space, but otherwise there’s not too much in the way of visual distraction. The rear bar is similarly appointed and I noticed a fairly impressive display of trophies collected on the back wall. The canal side location allows for some attractive views, especially from the rear bar and the compact canal side garden. The welcome was fairly low key on arrival and I didn’t really get the impression the barman was that impressed with my presence. The Ossett brewery van was parked outside when I arrived, so I was at least hopeful of some decent beer. The options on handpull were Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Leeds Pale, Pennine Best Bitter, Moorhouse White Witch and Tetley’s Cask (this being a Tetley’s Heritage pub). I opted for a pint of the Best Bitter, which was in fairly good condition. I didn’t really warm to this place that much, although maybe the timing of my visit wasn’t the greatest. Certainly worth a look if you find yourself in Rodley, but those heading towards Leeds on the canal would do well to hold out for the Kirkstall Bridge Inn.