Review

Water Lane Boathouse is a spacious multi-level bar which is the current resident of the early 1800s warehouse that was originally a granary storehouse for the Leeds to Liverpool canal. It is situated at the prime location of Lock Number One on Canal Wharf and as such has some fantastic views by the water looking onto Granary Wharf, whether that be from the extensive part-covered beer garden or within the cavernous space of the main building.

The décor within is simple and celebrates the old industrial fabric of the building, wood and dark metal framed benches are spread throughout. Hefty steel pillars and aged timbers are prevalent and thanks to the second floor being part mezzanine there are impressive views of the timber beamed ceiling from the entrance. This also boasts a fully glazed wall letting natural light flood within. It's all punctuated with the lush green of house plants and the funky coloured tiles along the large bar.

The beer selection is a little more limited though, just two casks and a couple of Northern Monk and Kirkstall kegs that were worth a look. Nothing that's going to blow you away but at least there was some choice, as some bars like this don't always have that. It was a tad more expensive than some other pubs in the area but it was certainly a nice spot to stop off at if you want to admire the view and with plenty of seating there's always going to be somewhere to sit.

They also have their own dedicated pizza oven upstairs and a good range of the usual pub fayre on offer alongside a live DJ for some audio entertainment, which all adds to the relaxed but lively atmosphere. A decent enough bar, just not quite our usual type of haunt.