Peacock Bar, Bradford

Dreadful micro-pub sized operation with a small open kitchen, featuring a split-level layout having a few uncleared tables by the entrance and some stools around the raised bar area. However, on a Sunday afternoon, the locals were all crowded around the latter area, sharing some fries that somebody had cooked up, and when I got close enough to the counter, it wasn't really clear who (if anyone) was actually in charge. Did manage to get a reasonable pint of Citra (£4.40), one of three Saltaire beers on handpump, but - to be honest - I got out of the pace as quickly as I could finish my pint. What a disappointment.

The Peacock Bar is one of a number of venues on the lively North Parade. This Indian-owned bar is split-level with seating at the lower level to the front and the bar at a higher level at the rear. There are also a few tables on the pavement to the front. There were multiple TV screens, the largest of which was switched off. Others were showing rugby union and darts. Numerous signed sports shirts on the walls continued a sporting theme. Otherwise, there was a distinct Indian theme to the decor. At the bar, they only had a couple of cask ales on across 3 handpulls but they were Wishbone Guji & Bingley Goldylocks, neither of which I'd tried before. Lilley's Mango Cider was also on. Keg beers included Black Sheep Smooth & Camden Eazy. Music was playing quite loud and there was a lot of activity with various large Indian fellows (not sure whether they were owners, bouncers, customers or what) coming in and out and a few oversize vehicles pulling up outside. I couldn't quite work out what was going on but it didn't create a relaxing drinking environment.

Official site of Peacock Bar - www.peacockbar.co.uk

Official site of Peacock Bar - www.peacockbar.co.uk

Modern bar on the North Parade strip. Long and narrow with a small downstairs area, then up a couple of steps to a tight bar and then a couple more for further seating. Metallic green, blue and purple shades with sone stylised peacock prints and over-loud modern music. Three cask at the servery, 2x Bradfield and Saltaire. The Saltaire refused to clear and after a Mexican standoff I got a flat Farmer's Blonde as a replacement (NBSS 1.5) which I simply gave up on. Seemingly no idea what they're doing, don't waste your time. Its inclusion in the 2022 GBG is a mystery to this reviewer.

As far as I could tell all the pubs and bars along North Parade are shop conversions and this one is GBG 2020 listed. As noted before it's a long narrow room split into three levels with varied mainly low seating at the bottom, the bar area in the middle and a food ordering area at the top. There is also an upstairs room where the toilets are located. There is a large TV screen which was turned off. The food here is described as Indian Street Food but I didn't try it. The five hand pumps had a Mango cider, Thornbridge Jaipur, Saltaire Marmalade Sky, Bradfield Farmer's Blonde and Phoenix Struggling Monkey. I tried the Jaipur and the Marmalade Sky (£3.20). The Jaipur was OK but better the following day in the GBG listed Carlisle JDW. The Marmalade Sky was fine. I would return if only to try the Street Food.