According to Tripadvisor, The Beer House in Leeds train station is the worst bar in the city. Frustrated visitors have hit out at the “extortionate, sky high” prices, poor service and have said to “avoid” at all costs.
These reviews didn’t faze us and we decided to head down on a midweek evening, just after 5pm, to see if that's really the case.
Being in the city centre train station grounds, it's in a good location to attract commuters on their travels. When you walk in, it feels like a tranquil alternative to the Wetherspoons pub at the other side of the station. There were lots of young to middle-aged men sitting down, looking at their phones or quietly chatting in a calm manner when I arrived.
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The bar was pristine and the décor included muted neutral colours. I felt instantly relaxed compared to the hustle and bustle of the station outside. It has a plush modern design, the halogen light fixtures were quirky and there’s an ambient brickwork on the walls, which elevates it away from an utilitarian aesthetic.
Have you visited The Beer House? Leave your thoughts about the venue in the comments section below.
The venue almost had the feel of an airport business lounge in the sense that it was somewhere to relax between travels. There was music playing in the background at a sensible volume. It seemed to be Coldplay when I entered, which I thought was a tasteful choice of music; although I am aware this is somewhat of a controversial opinion among many.
But, like a business lounge, the privilege to drink there came at a high price. I ordered a pint of Maltsmiths IPA which came to a staggering £6.69. These prices are just ridiculous. I got no word of warning the pint would come to that much. If I hadn’t have been visiting to review the bar, I would have just told them ‘no, thank you’ and would have walked down to the ‘Spoons.
The staff were perfectly nice, don’t get me wrong. They were couple of young 20-somethings who were perfectly pleasant and welcoming. But a less scrupulous visitor could be in for a nasty shock.
I think there has been a certain amount of outrage levelled at The Beer House simply because of the staggering London-esque prices. When I was sitting down for my drink, a man told me: “The prices are outrageous. It’s not good enough.”
I agree and am baffled by the fact this bar is so expensive for drinks - utterly baffled and bemused. There’s nothing particularly special about the venue, which appears to be a part of a chain of bars across the country. And on that note, I vow to never return.
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