Joelle's reviews
Review of North Bar
07 Dec 07, 11:21
Actually my all time favourite bar, anywhere, ever 
North Bar, North Bar, how do I count the reasons why I love you?
1. It's the place that educated me, and much of Leeds, to learn about the world beyond bland lager. They stock all sorts of interesting beers sourced from small breweries in Belgium, Germany, the US and elsewhere and are always able to recommend things.
2. On one of my last visits, a Morris dance troupe came in for a drink, each with their own special tankard that they had filled up with ale. Truly a mixed crowd in here from young arty types to hearty ale drinkers.
3. It's one of the few bars as opposed to pubs that wins CAMRA awards, with regularly changing and well kept guest ales from independent breweries always available.
4. The staff are dead friendly.
5. The annual joy of the Christmas beer Gluhkriek - spiced cherry beer served warm!
6. Non-beer drinkers will also find that the bar knows its spirits too - all the booze is well chosen.
7. Meat, bread and cheese on the side, like in Holland.
8. It deservedly won the Observer Food Monthly annual award for best place to drink in the whole country last year.
9. Charming paraphernalia is dotted around the bar, especially if you like Belgian cycling souvenirs and hit and miss art exhibitions.
10. It's relaxed, unpretentious, cosy and cool. Are rare combination.
Really, aside from seeing my parents, this is the main attraction for me in heading back to my home county of Yorkshire, and it makes me feel homesick. It's frequently the first place my husband and I head to as soon as we're off the train. I heartily recommend it to anyone who prefers their boozers not to be bland or pretentious.
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