REVIEW: WEST END HOUSE, KIRKSTALL
The West End House sits on the corner of the busy A65 linking Kirkstall to Horsforth and is only minutes away from the beautiful Kirkstall Abbey. Built of Yorkshire stone the frontage is that of a pub that has stood for many years and long been the focal point for the people of Kirkstall. Walking in through the front door up some fairly steep steps you are almost immediately in front of the well fashioned wooden and brass bar which is well stocked with everyday lagers including Stella Artois and Carling to Fruit ciders and on cask a usual line up of four cask ales and 2 hand pulled ciders. The Ales are usually locally sourced and on my last visit they included the very good Leeds Brewery Yorkshire Gold, Sun Chaser from Golden Pippin (which was new to me) and previous to this they had Leeds Pale, Saltaire Blonde by Saltaire Brewery and Guzzler by York Brewery. The choice is rarely better than good and the beer is well looked after by the knowledgeable and friendly staff, Indeed the pub was the proud recipient of the Leeds CAMRA Winter pub of the season in 2012. The staff are never more than friendly and chatty and on occasion the Landlord will walk his two massive wolf like dogs through the bar who are also very friendly.
The bar is split with seating in the entrance side of the bar sprawling from the left windows with tables and stools and a couple of tall tables to stand around while watching the big TV for the sport (They regularly show Football and Rugby League) With the seating on the right hand side is wooden chairs and tables often made up for the customer who have come to eat and the pub seems to do a good trade off this. Then up a couple of stairs that lead behind the bar there is more seating. There are slightly less windows up this end but it is still finely lit. Music plays in the background and there is a jukebox for tunes of your own choice but the music is never intrusive.There is an outside area to the right of the pub. It is narrow and holds around 8 tables and is fenced in but never feels cramped and is a very comfortable garden but due to the space and the concrete floor it is not ideal for children.
The pub hosts quizzes on Tuesdays and Thursdays They are fun and well attended and rounds can include music quiz, general knowledge and Play your Cards Right.
Whether you are looking for a casual drink, Fun quiz night or looking to the watch the sport West End House can provide all of these and I am very happy to have it as my local and the beer has never failed to deliver.
Website: www.westendleeds.co.uk/
Twitter: @westendleeds
