The Hop, Leeds

Situated by the canalside developments, this new bar offers a different dimension to Leeds’ burgeoning real ale scene. Taking the same approach to the concept as its older sister in Wakefield, Ossett brewery have mixed up music, ale and a younger vibe and, like the one in Wakefield, it appears to be just as successful a conversion given the speed at which is was filling up on my late afternoon visit. It is housed in two arches under a platform of Leeds station. There are 10 pumps, loaded with brews from Osset and a number of well-selected micros all priced by abv; alongside this is a real cider and some interesting bottled stuff along with higher-end keg. Due to being built into a couple of rail arches there is inevitably quite a dark interior but this has been neatly overcome by adding in plenty of interesting visuals (such as the large bottle collection ton the staircase), prints (a number of Sheffield band feature) and stained glass, which is then picked out by various coloured lights. A steel mezzanine level adds an elevated level for the bands to play on. There is a section on the ground floor that faces onto the canalside and offers a decent view. It’s enjoyably trendy in a way that perhaps the two new Leeds Brewery offerings in the city aren't; my sort of ‘modern’ perhaps. I’d happily pop back here at a quiet time or to catch a gig.

It is worth perusing the excellent photos from both Quinno and Jaqptiao to get an accurate picture for this bar beneath the arches.Around the front entrance there is a pub feel ,while the serving area at the back is more like a trendy bar.On my trip there were 10 handpumped ales and a real cider on the go,with among others four Ossett ales,a Goose Eye,Golden Rat and Fernandes Dustcatcher,representing a good range of local micros.Beer quality was good and justifies a visit if crawling around the City centre. There are tables outside where you can view the Granary Wharf canalside scene.If approaching The Hop from the station,take a walk down Dark Neville Street,great name, if you want to see and hear the atmospheric scene of the subterranian River Aire gushing through the gloomy arches at quite a pace below the narrow street crossing.If you are on your own,late at night with no one else around,this does entail a modicom of nerve.

Ossett Brewery outlet, housed under two railway arches at the west end of Leeds Central station on the Holbeck bank of the River Aire. 'U'-shaped layout at ground-floor level, with the bar to the rear (and thus somewhat hidden at first glance). Additional seating at mezzanine level. The furniture and decor is a mix of traditional and modern, and regular live music is advertised. Patio seating area out front. 11 handpumps, mostly own beers but supplemented by others from local microbreweries, all priced by ABV. My pint of Fugelstou Village Life (4.0%, £2.75) from the Fulstow Brewery was first rate. Overall, well worth seeking out.