
The Midnight Bell
101 Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5QN
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Review
The Midnight Bell stands as a beloved fixture among contemporary Leeds pubs, having been opened in 2008 as the flagship pub of Leeds Brewery it has gone from strength to strength over the years. Situated in the urban industrial landscape of Holbeck's Urban Village it has seen a wealth of investment and renovation in its surroundings over the years. The building the pub part occupies is even a section of the Round Foundry which was constructed between 1795 to 1797, said to be one of the earliest factories to be built in the world.
Inside its industrial heritage is laid bare on the characterful red brick walls and simple décor. There's a pleasant room to the left-hand side with atmospheric lighting and a small wood burner. A beamed ceiling atrium opens up the space around the entrance giving it a light and spacious feel. Upstairs is a large function/dining space and the toilets.
The bar occupies a simple yet cosy room to the rear, unsurprisingly offering a core range of Leeds Brewery beers, usually Pale, Best and of course the titular Midnight Bell stout. All really good beers but not quite as cheap as you might expect for a Brewery pub. There was also a good range of four more guest casks from local breweries to keep that interest piqued.
Another feather in the cap of The Midnight Bell is its vast beer garden which is accessed from the bar, it's a great courtyard space surrounded by old and modern buildings, sitting speciously alongside a little greenery which is certainly enticing for the warmer months. There are not many pubs around Leeds which have such a large and peaceful space for alfresco drinking away from the usual raucous crowds.
The Midnight Bell has been doing its thing very well for all this time, excelling in cask beer selection and quality food offerings. Its welcoming staff and relaxing ambience is a real draw to the area, even if the outlook is rather industrial the ever changing face of Leeds means it's certainly not rundown.