The Roundhay Fox, Leeds

An old stone building beside the gates to Roundhay Park, under the Vintage Inns brand so very much an emphasis on food in traditional type surroundings. The entrance is at the far left, next to the car park, with the L shaped counter ahead and left as you enter down a short flight of steps. Five pulls but a disappointing choice of Doombar or Abbeydale Moonshine, a couple of Taylors clips were reversed, nowt of interest to report on the keg choice. Decor very much on brand, mostly a level dining area or two with a raised bit to the left by the door but all very smelly with food and set up for meals. Service as you would expect with multi-tasking staff.

The Roundhay Fox has a raised carpeted seating area at the front that is faced by a flagstone edged bar counter that supports standard and premium keg. I counted four hand pumps, two of which were unused leaving Sharps Doom Bar and TT landlord as the cask ale options. More seating runs down the right side of the bar and at the rear is a dining area that is split down the centre. This place is very food led, which was handy as the family went there to eat. I was very surprised when the waitress informed us that they had run out of tea… in Yorkshire… Couldn’t make it up! I enjoyed our meal, but I wouldn’t go here just for a beer.

Visited here yesterday (Tuesday) while in the area. Five hand pulls which isn't bad going for somewhere that presumably has a focus on dining. On the pumps were Doom Bar, Pheasantry Golden Turtle, Salopan Gold and Black Sheep Best Bitter. Hop Back Summer Lightning was badged as coming soon. A half of the Golden Turtle set me back £1.85. No issues with service. This pub is child and dog friendly and its proximity to Roundhay Park probably makes it popular with families. I overheard some dad trying to get his kid excited about a fishfinger sandwich. It is pleasant and modern inside with separate sections to make it feel a bit more cosy. It's probably not really a drinkers' pub and I probably wouldn't go out of my way to go back for a pint. The real ale selection is not particularly adventurous but probably better than average at food led pubs so at least you'd have something half decent to go at with your meal, which is more than can be said for some dining pubs. Being busy, it was good for a bit of people watching and passed a bit of time.