The Adelphi

Despite Leeds having undergone something of a foodie/craft beer revolution in the past couple of years, the Adelphi pub near Brewery Wharf has remained consistently popular. It falls squarely into the ‘proper pub with proper beer’ category, with its cosy Victorian architecture and interior, and many snug rooms with seating branching off from its narrow atrium.

Slightly more modern decor on the top floor, replete with sofas and low tables, gives it a house party ambience, and, as such, it’s able to attract a diverse clientele of students, young professionals and stag parties. Its range of beers is upmarket enough to appeal to the trendy set, but isn’t so pricey that it puts off those who aren’t too particular about their drinks. As well as the normal range of lagers, there are an eyebrow-raising 17 speciality draught beers and ciders available at any one time, as well as six real ales.

Food wise, the Adelphi specialises in traditional pub meals, where the focus is very much on getting the basics right: you won’t need to look much further if you’re hankering for no frills pub food. Sunday lunches are to die for, with the burgers not far behind, and both are pretty cheap. In addition to the traditional pub grub and real ale, it also hosts a monthly cupcake-baking competition and has a smart continental-style set-up in its small beer garden. The only downside is a lack of space when it gets busy – which is basically every Friday and Saturday evening – meaning you often have to loiter awkwardly in the atrium if you turn up at peak times. But, despite that, there are few more enjoyable pure pub experiences in Leeds.