Arcadia, Leeds

Will Larter left this review about Arcadia

My first visit here for over two years - I was coming here before Leeds Rhinos games until the Covid closures, and once in 2021. Then in February 2022 I was here before the first game of the season in February and they were still operating table service. The staff said it was because they found that it made things run more smoothly at the bar, which I understood at the time, because the bar counter is very awkwardly placed in a corner, making it difficult for customers to see what's on, and those queuing have to step aside to let people out with their beers. So, what has changed? Not much: the counter is still awkward, and the five hand pumps are split three to the left and two to the right, and when I turned around with my beer the person behind me had to step out of my way. There used to be a beer list on a blackboard, but it couldn't be seen until you were at the front of the queue; it's now got dates for forthcoming events and food offerings.

The beer selection on offer is a lot more mainstream than I remember, with two beers from Theakstons in the most prominent position on the left, accompanied by one from Brew York, plus Hawkshead Windermere Pale and Kirkstall Three Swords tucked away on the right. I just about had time for two halves before kick-off, so I went for the two pale ones on the right. They're becoming favourites of mine - the Hawkshead is very good for its strength, now 3.4%, and the Kirkstall is a terrific beer. Both were in very good condition (NBSS 4), but I'm not sure I'll be coming here all that often in future, if it'll mean drinking Theakston Best or Lightfoot when the other three are all hazy pales, NE IPAs or milk stouts. Time will tell.

On 20^th April 2024 - rating: 7
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