Fox and Newt

If you’re all about the beer take a short walk out of the city and sample the delights of Leeds’ only brew pub.

The Venue
The Fox and Newt is a little off the beaten track, roughly 10 minutes walk from the city centre, over the road from Park Lane College. Offering a 10 per cent discount for NUS card carriers, Park Lane staff, and CAMRA members, this is a recommended diversion for beer lovers.

The bar area is light and airy, making good use of the space with several tables, along with some comfy chairs, but without becoming crowded. The Fox and Newt often plays host to live bands who take up residence in this area and you may be required to move from your seats during gigs.

There is a smaller area, separated by a few stairs to the right of the bar, which is more warmly decorated than the main bar area, with a deep red wall and a lovely tiled fireplace. This is a perfect little nook to settle down and sample the wide range of beers on offer.

There is also a small beer garden to the side of the pub, but this is hardly in the most idyllic of locations, right on a busy stretch of Burley Road. Good for smokers, but maybe not so much for sun-seekers. If you're after a bit of sun and peace and quiet, head round the back of the pub where you'll find a few tables which catch the sun nicely.

The People
This is a friendly and relaxed pub attracting a range of customers, from seasoned beer lovers, to post work drinkers. As you'd expect from its location directly opposite the college, it often plays host to groups of Park Lane College staff, along with other office workers from just outside of the city centre.

All groups co-exist harmoniously with the ‘locals’ and the staff are welcoming and friendly, as well as knowledgeable about their beers. There is a great atmosphere here, with a wide range of drinkers attracted by the excellent choice of beer on offer.

The Food
The Fox and Newt does have a menu on offer, but their food operation runs on a small scale. The small, simple menu is on offer at lunchtimes with bar food and snacks from noon to 2pm.

On a Wednesday evening you can get a meal and a pint for £4.95. The meal on offer changes on a weekly basis, it could be burger and chips, sausage and mash, or something completely different, you just have to take your chances! The kitchen is small, so diners can expect a simple home-cooked style dinner.

The Drink
The beer is what this pub is all about. Advertising itself as Leeds’ only authentic brew pub, The Fox and Newt brews its own beer under the Fox Brewery label. Coming in at around £2.60 a pint (although this changes), these beers are changed regularly and as you’d expect from a pub that brews them itself, are kept with love and care.

There is something on offer for all beer lovers here, from an excellent IPA, to the smooth Clarendon Dark Mild. As the beers are changed so regularly, it is worth asking for advice from the friendly staff if you’re not really sure what you’re after.

This pub takes its beer seriously and although there is choice for those who don’t like ale this choice is less extensive. There are two lagers on tap, some bottled beers and ciders (around £2.50 a bottle), a selection of spirits, and a few different wines to choose from, with a large glass at just under £4.

The Last Word
Brew pubs are an endangered species, but with any luck this brilliant pub will continue to thrive on its excellent selection of beer and its friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

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