The Bookseller's Arms, Leeds

A newish bar opposite the Adelphi, perhaps looking unpromising but it has 3 handpumps as well as 10 reasonable kegs apart from the two ciders. Cocktails are also available. The beers are largely from Kirkstall. Built on a curve the front area is obviously also curved with a long leg stretching back. The counter lies along here and further back is an open air riverside seating area. There’s a downstairs which I didn’t explore and on the left a doorway which could lead to toilets. The decor is partly books bought by the metre but includes old master type portraits which on closer inspection may be of stars of stage and screen, have fun guessing who they are. Fairly utilitarian furniture but not uncomfortable.

Close to the bridge over the Aire but no river views ,this bar runs around a road junction but does have a suntrap beer garden out the back.The interior is open plan with mainly traditional tables and chairs ,posters about music events and food which includes canine roast meals on a Sunday,it's dog friendly.There was a warm welcome from behind the bar ,and the soundtrack wasn't too loud,although I expect it attracts a younger crowd in the evenings,I was in on a quiet Wednesday lunchtime. The three handpumps were offering a Lilly's cider,Camerons Lions Pride and FAB Intruder (NBSS 3.5).The keg gantry showed a few indie beers but a lot of mainstream guff,so I wouldn't describe this bar as a beer mecca but it was a friendly stop on a crawl around town.However too few ale options to mark it down on any real ale crawl list around this fine city.