The Ship, Leeds

This is a decent pub ane well worth a look in. The service was good and the staff friendly. 6 ales on handpump, we went for the Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and Leeds Best.

The Ship is a cosy, two room alley pub in the heart of Leeds’ retail district. I would agree with the previous reviewer’s observation that the pub is relatively easily found from the Briggate end of the alley, but if you’re approaching from the other end, as I was, it’s far trickier and I was much indebted to an A-board placed out on the pedestrianised street which guided me in the right direction. The interior follows the direction of the alley, with both rooms being quite wide but rather shallow. The entrance takes you straight into the main bar which sees the servery run along part of the rear wall under a nice stained glass canopy with limited seating opposite, arranged into some partitioned mini booths under the front windows. There are some large lamps to provide much needed light and on the right hand wall there is a fireplace, which would make this area very appealing on a winter’s day, assuming it ever gets used. Above the fireplace, a TV screen was showing the early evening news with the volume turned down in favour of some quiet background music. Steps lead up through an archway into a lounge with one large button backed banquette running around the back of the room and lots of low stools elsewhere. There is a smart, dark wood bookcase on the back wall with a large model ship on one shelf and a few boards games scattered between the books. The walls have been decorated with various bits of brewerania, a few decorative mirrors and some photos of yachts, whilst an attractive tile dado runs around most of the room. There were four handpulls in action when I arrived, offering Wychwood Hobgoblin, Leeds Pale, Deuchars IPA and Copper Dragon Golden Pippen. Certainly not the most adventurous selection in the city, but the Golden Pippen was spot on and I believe the pub is in the latest edition of the Good Beer Guide. There is something very satisfying about sitting in a pub like this, isolated from the chaos of the surrounding shopping district, but this is more than just a convenient bolt-hole for reluctant shoppers. It’s a lovely spot for a decent, peaceful pint in a pleasant, traditional pub and is well worth investigating.

Official site of the Ship with menu, wine list and event details - theshipleeds.co.uk

Slightly more obvious than the other alley pubs due to the Briggate signage, but still quite easy to miss when walking past. Anyway, once found, you will find a cosy 'L'-shaped bar with a raised lounge up three steps. Traditional furniture and decor. Four of six handpumps were in operation, offering two Little Valley beers, Greene King IPA and Kirkstall Three Swords plus Excelsior and Cascade (£3.50) from Ridgeway Brewing available on gravity. Overall, it seemed a well-run place and is certainly worth a visit if in the area.

Official site of the Ship with menu, wine list and event details - theshipleeds.co.uk