Goodtogo – Very merry at Veritas, Leeds city centre.

I have been reluctant to write this review because Veritas, Leeds is so good. Situated on Great George Street close to The Victoria Family Commercial Hotel it looks like a Deli or café from the outside which indeed it is but it also houses an extensive bar with several hand pulled real ales. These include Mary Jane, Wainwrights and a ginger beer ale alongside many other Northern brewery highlights.

To clarify then.As you enter Veritas, on the left is an area with a glass fronted deli counter and wooden tables. Then to the right is the larger pub area with bar. It all feels very continental. The large windows which are virtually floor to ceiling look out onto the original Leeds general Infirmary, a slightly gothic, Victorian structure, very atmospheric at night. The wooden tables continue throughout, complimented by original floorboards and there is a no music policy which ensures the air is filled with the buzz of conversation.

So, Veritas is now providing cask conditioned ales, great wine plus a fabulous brasserie style menu & deli style take away food to the folks of central Leeds. It is part of the Market Taverns group. Ten of which now operate in North and West Yorkshire, including Arcadia in Headingley and East of Arcadia, Meanwood. All these bars are ‘un-themed' but they share several common features:-

A unique and welcoming ambience
A wide range of real ales from independent brewers
A superb selection of bottled & draught Continental beers
An extensive wine list
Quality food prepared in-house
Daily and Sunday newspapers
Music free bar areas in most taverns

Most of the taverns have already featured as CAMRA local pubs of the year and all are listed in the 2008 CAMRA Good Beer Guide. All taverns have also achieved Cask Marque accreditation.

Having visited Cambridge quite a lot Veritas reminds me of one of the many splendid back street real ale pubs to be found there. It feels like walking in to the best kind of civilised party where you are bound to meet someone you know. The best kept secrets are never kept for long!

http://www.markettowntaverns.co.uk/veritas.asp?Tavern=Veritas&Section=Main

Thanks to Jennie Cole for the photos.