John Hillaby got it right when he said;

"Few things are more pleasant than a village graced with a good church, a good priest and a good pub."

Of course Leeds is hardly a village and being Jewish I have no idea how good the priests are but if anyone is looking for a good pub, then you have come to the right place.

1. The Lord Darcy

Alwoodley Leeds

'The Darcy' is a home from home for residents of Alwoodley. Popular and long standing the Darcy is the anchor of the local population, not out of tradition but out of quality. A family and friends pub, networking, socialising or just relaxing after a hard day's work in the city are all done within these mahogany panelled walls. The Darcy serves the kind of food you would expect to find in a traditional pub. Nothing spectacular and no gastro-pretentiousness - expect Betty's hotpot and chips instead. Quiet window seats tucked away in private corners of the pub let you sit to suit whatever atmosphere you want, the pub is as popular with the young and fashionable as it is with the old and traditional. On balmy summer evenings you will find the pub's front beer garden busy and lively and since Leeds dropped out of the first division, much less rowdy when the football is on.

2. Roundhay Fox

Roundhay Leeds

Situated opposite the tropical gardens, this pub made regular appearances in my life while I was growing up. An afternoons dog-walking in Roundhay Park, a pre-fireworks drink on bonfire night and the romantic setting of my first date after strolling round the butterfly gardens. The pub is as cosy on the outside as it is on the inside and the food is traditional fish and chips steak and ale pie fare. The menu is not huge but everything on it is done with care and attention to detail. The condiment plate is massive and holds everything from tomato ketchup to apple sauce. For lunch sandwiches and salads or vegetable lasagna the Roundhay Fox is an excellent place to take the family or meet friends after an afternoon at the park.

3. The Dexter

Slade Hill, Wigton Lane, Shadwell.

The Dexter enjoys a similar crown to that of The Lord Darcy. Relatively close in proximity to the Lord Darcy the Dexter is similar in feel but without the panelled mahogany. In summer the front beer garden is overflowing with 20 something's smoking, drinking and socialising in summer gives Slade Hill most of its buzz. A quieter suburb than Alwoodley, Shadwell enjoys more countryside and has a more 'village' feel. The Dexter serves lunch and dinner but food is not its speciality, beer however certainly is.

4. The Angel Inn

Leeds City Centre, The Headrow

A great city centre pub the Angel Inn is almost a well kept secret. Hidden down a ginnel the pub is sometimes walked past without a second glance, hence it's popularity with students and locals. The beer is notoriously cheap (hence the popularity with 'indie' students) and the staff friendly if often a little distracted in their own conversations. Decorated like an unashamed gentlemen's club you almost feel that you should be smoking a cigar when sitting down on one of the high backed leather chairs. The Angel serves food but don't expect Michelin stars, lasagne and wedges are typical offerings leaving no room at the Inn for fancy food fans.

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