Kirkstall Taproom, Burley, Leeds

Very different to the last time I was in the brewery, a tap room in Victorian style has been constructed into the front of the building; basically a square room with a central dividing wall, counter and seating to the back and tables and chairs to the front. Finished with stone flags, lots of honey coloured old wood and etched glass, it is decorated with old enamel advertising signs from defunct breweries and a few pub signs. Everything appears to have been rescued from old pubs or shops. Only the ceiling lets it down, although the light fittings are superb and impressive, above the bar they mimic hop cones and in the front seating section there are six large chandeliers. Seven pulls on the counter with no hint of keg taps, there are eight of those on the back wall and two more probably not in use disguised as industrial boiler fittings. Obviously as a brewery tap the beer quality is excellent. There is a pleasant patio seating area at the front but far enough away from the adjacent very busy Kirkstall Road to be usable.