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Symposium, Bradford
Idle
Postal town: Bradford
BD10 9PY
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Rob Hunter left this review about Symposium
This place has changed its name more times than some people change their socks. It is currently back as Symposium, which is the name it had a few years ago when I first visited. There are now only two hand pulls, and at the time of my visit one of these was not working but was hooked up to "Buckeye 3.4%" according to the hand written sign (later research determined this is probably by Roosters as the ABV matches their Buckeye pale ale). This left Ossett Yorkshire Blonde as the only real ale but despite its pleasant appearance it did not seem to be in great condition, with a sour/tart/vinegar edge. This set me back £2.15 for a half.
Service was pleasant and friendly but they didn't really seem to know what was going on with the ales, one thought the Buckeye was available, the other thought it was off, and it felt a bit chaotic. For the only remaining option to then turn out to be below par was obviously a disappointment. A shame, as I've had some excellent real ales here in its days as the Idle Beerhouse and the original Symposium.
Inside it is nicely kitted out with premium tables and seating. There is a small decked area to the rear with four tables.
On 3rd May 2024
- rating: 5
[User has posted 761 recommendations about 606 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about The Terrace
A single room on two levels, the counter is up a short flight of steps and is across most of the width of the building. The building looks to be an old chapel of some sort. A selection of European and British keg beers of the superior sort, eg Paulaner, Magic Rock etc. grey walls, suede banquettes at metal and wood tables. I kinda liked it for clean tasting beer, the greenery and the choice of music being played. There’s outside terraces presumably giving it the new name.
On 30th April 2022
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3276 recommendations about 2982 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about Idle Beerhouse
You enter this one roomed pub into a good sized front seating area, with the bar area on a raised section at the back. The majority of the drinkers were seated along the bar on our visit and a couple of the lads moved to let us look at the pumps and one helpful guy pointed us in the right direction, to peruse the beer board, positioned on the left hand side of the bar area. There was a choice of four cask and six craft keg on this visit. I found the beer choice to be interesting and ordered the Wild Child Brewery Rum and Raisin stout, which was superb.
On 17th May 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rob Hunter left this review about Idle Beerhouse
Further to my previous review, I visited yesterday and noticed the bottom half of the windows have been coated so you no longer have a clear view in from outside, which reduces the goldfish bowl effect. Quiet at the time of my early afternoon visit, probably towards the end of any lunch trade around 2pm.
On cask at the time were Tim Taylor Landlord, Wishbone Hazy Wheat, Ilkley Spring and Stod Fold Dark. Two pumps were unclipped. I had the Dark and the Hazy Wheat, both at £1.65 for half a pint. Both ales were pulled through before being dispensed, which is always good to see when you suspect yours may be the first serve of the day.
On 20th June 2018
- rating: 8
[User has posted 761 recommendations about 606 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rob Hunter left this review about Idle Beerhouse
Had been previously when it was Symposium, and pleased to have returned a few times since it has become the Idle Beerhouse and discover it still offers a great selection of real ale. There are 6 hand pumps plus 6 keg lines on the back of the bar, including one cider. The real ales were just over £3 a pint when I visited. The selection has been different on each visit. Would definitely recommend when in Idle. The only downside for me is that it can feel like a bit of a goldfish bowl.
On 4th January 2018
- rating: 8
[User has posted 761 recommendations about 606 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
aleand hearty left this review about Idle Beerhouse
In July, Market Town Taverns sold Symposium to the Beerhouses chain (WRLRR Dewsbury, Stalybridge Buffet Bar 'et al'). After a refurb, it re-opens today as the Idle Beerhouse.
On 25th August 2017
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 583 recommendations about 565 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alan Winfield left this review about Symposium Ale and Wine Bar
The Symposium Ale & Wine Bar is situated in Idle's small shopping area.
Once inside there is an oblong shaped room to the front which has bench seating and normal tables and chairs,the bar is up a few steps to the rear,this area is quite narrow,there is bench seating facing the bar.
There was a good choice of real ales on the bar,i failed to note all because it was very busy,i had a drink of Oakells MPA which went down very well,the other beers noted were Bradford Jasper,Thwaites Wainwright and one from Revolution.
The pub was packed on my late Saturday afternoon visit with drinkers and people having meals.
This is a very pleasant pub,the sort of place to take the wife to.
Pub visited 12/9/2015
On 12th September 2015
- rating: 8
[User has posted 6113 recommendations about 6113 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Symposium Ale and Wine Bar
Split-level alehouse in a converted shop, with further seating in a room to rear. Very busy on a Saturday evening with good numbers dining so limited space for those just looking for a pint (although the small area around the counter did clear after a while). Well-chosen selection of six beers on handpump, including a decent pint of Two Roses Locke Ale (curiously priced at £3.12). Certainly worth a visit if in the area.
On 22nd February 2015
- rating: 8
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
James Joines left this review about Symposium Ale and Wine Bar
A Market Town Tavern
Real Alea always available and a winelist.
Food offering
On 28th December 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 841 recommendations about 835 pubs]