ReviewThe Beerhouse is yet another fine addition to the booming North Parade / Independent Quarter drinking scene. Opening in late March 2015, after an eight month refurb of a former furnishings shop, it’s the brainchild of the team behind The Boathouse, Saltaire, and promises ‘Craft beers, Yorkshire cask ales and home cooked food’. Internally, it has an open plan, industrial canteen like feel, with its exposed air con pipes, bare brick walls, parquet flooring and a plain white tiled bar back.
At the bar there were six hand pumps on the go, offering Black Sheep Bitter, Landlord, Old Peculier, Saltaire Blonde & Stateside IPA and Slightly Foxed ‘Howlin’ Fox’. On trying the latter two, both were in excellent nick, with slick service from the friendly, enthusiastic young bar staff. Considering the proclaimed commitment to ‘craft’ beer, one thing that did surprise me was the rather pedestrian choices on the keg pumps, namely Staropramen, Coors and San Miguel. However, as one of my beer buddies observed, they may well want to get punters through the door, before developing the range. Although, ‘build it and they will come’ is more my philosophy. Food is at the gastro end of the spectrum, with starters around £5-6 and mains £10-11, but as none of our party tried it, it’s difficult to give an indication of quality.
A lively atmosphere when we called mid-afternoon on a Saturday. To say it had been open less than two weeks, it felt very established and comfortable. I can see this one rapidly becoming a must visit when in the town. On first impressions - excellent.
