Leeds Brewery

What a lovely brewery. They got casks, and lots of metal baking jars. And a bloody forklift.
Also, it’s not really open to the public. You have to be special.

This brewery has been supplying me with excellent pints for quite some time. Since I moved to Leeds, in fact, back in 2005. I’ve always been a fan, and as was discussed on the brewery tour, they’re absolutely a ‘second pint brewery’. As in, you’ll almost always go for a second pint, rather than try one outrageous beer, and never do it again.
I must admit, I’m taken by the hop-​fad. It’s a bit like spice — the more you get into it, the more you want it on your tongue. However, I’m not so into it that I don’t want a solid beer, and whilst the brews here mightn’t be ‘experimental’, they are well made, lovingly crafted, and consistently pleasing. A favourite has always been the Leeds Pale, but I’m keen to try the Gathering Storm — a seasonal trad stout. Love a stout.
The tour we had showed how impressive this place is. There’s no name for the size of brewery they are, being too large to class as craft, but too small to class within the ranks of Tetleys and the like. However, given the physical size of the place versus the volume of output, it’s no mean feat — brews are brewing all the day long. It’s incredible to think about the amount of pints being made in such a small space. I adore the aroma of the place.
I did not get a turn on the forklift, although I didn’t ask, but that’s mainly as I fear the answer would have been ‘no’. I did, however, get to learn more about one of my favourite liquids, see inside a Leeds institution, and appreciate the hard work that goes into something many might take for granted. (I certainly do, when I’m in the pub.)
Here’s to many more pints to come. Cheers!

Excellent event,
Met at the door and presented with a beer, always a good start.
Had a very informative hour on the brewing process whilst wandering around the equipment used at each part of the brew, always accompanied by a fresh bottle of Hellfire.
Very informative, very relaxed and friendly.
A damn fine small brewery doing things right.
Cheers!