Symposium, Bradford

Facebook page of Symposium - www.facebook.com

Official site of Symposium - symposiumidle.co.uk

Facebook page of Symposium - www.facebook.com

Official site of Symposium - symposiumidle.co.uk

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.

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.

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.

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.