The Lamb & Flag, Leeds

Opening in July 2015, the Lamb & Flag is another fine venture from the Leeds Brewery, breathing new life into a battered Grade II listed, 19th century building, which had lain empty for many years. Its chequered history includes two previous incarnations as a pub (The Thirteen Bells and Royal Oak) as well as a sign writer’s and a debt recovery company. The unusual wedge shape of the building hides a surprisingly large interior, which although not cavernous, is certainly TARDIS like. The ground floor is one open plan space, leading out to a verandah and courtyard whilst upstairs there is additional seating, a balcony and second bar which comes into use when the area is used for functions. The interior, overall, is quite spartan with lots of exposed brickwork and stone flagged floors and maybe just needs some ephemera and breweriana to soften it a little. Although, I suspect this will happen over the coming months, as the place gradually beds in. At the bar there were eight hand pumps, with four offering Leeds’ own beers and four dispensing guest ales. There was also a decent selection of craft kegs. Opting for Collingham ‘Blonde’ and Thornbridge ‘Brother Rabbit’, both were in good nick, but annoyingly (and almost inevitably) served in dimpled jugs. However, service from the young barstaff was friendly and attentive. A good atmosphere when I called on a Thursday evening, with a lively buzz from the post work crowd. With it being a warm summer’s day, the courtyard proved very popular. I can see the Lamb & Flag taking off very quickly and I would certainly call again when in the area.

Leeds Brewery's newest pub opened next to Leeds Parish church. In decor a bit like the Duke of York in York with part stripped brick part plaster part tile part stone it's a really nice renovation of an old Leeds building. The counter has 4+4 pulls, Leeds Brewery on one set and local guests on the other four, strangely no sign of their trade mark shield shape anywhere unless my overtired and emotional eyes deceived me. There's seating area upstairs and at the back. A great mini-crawl with the Palace, Duck & Drake and, Leeds' other pub near the bus station, the Crowd of Favours.