Aire is a mixed bag. It has a good range of beers and some of the food is really good but the decor is disappointing and the atmosphere is often a let down.

The Venue
There is nothing wrong with Aire. This venue is at the same time a bar and a restaurant with incorporated grill. There are vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork everywhere and the architecture in itself has potential but the furniture just spoils the effect. Around the pub area there are wooden chairs and tables while the lounge has chunky couches in cream and black with low tables.

There are old photos of Leeds on the walls and high tables in heavy wood matched with stools right in front of the bar. The restaurant is the last of the adjacent rooms while the first is occupied by a single pool table. You can help noticing that stuff here just doesn't match. Chairs and tables in different areas clash not only with each other but with the style of the room and you can't help but think the place was furnished by an amateur interior designer. Outside things gets much better. There are benches looking towards the river and seats that allow you to keep the water constantly in view while having your beer. Just pray for good weather.

The People
The atmosphere reflects the design and Aire is truly a mixed bag of people who don't quite know what to make of the venue. Is this a nice bar? A pub? A plain restaurant? The clientele tends to be in their 20s and 30s and you'll see a wide array of outfits. There are regular live music nights playing jazz and other genres.

The Food and Drink
The beer selection is really good. You can get a Heineken, Grolsch, Staropramen, Leffe, Hoegaardern, Fruli and Amstel on draught. In bottles there's Tiger, Budvar, Corona, Peroni, Brothers pear and strawberry cider and the fashionable French Kasteel Cru. The prices are rather average at £3 to £3.70. Standard wines, liqueurs and spirits are also available.

The menu includes brunch (£2.50 to £4), sandwiches (£4 to £5.25), paninis (£4), classic pub favourites (£6), burgers and grills (£5.50), pies (£6.25) and sides. There is nothing particularly creative and standard meals include chicken and bacon melt, traditional fish and chips, gammon and pineapple and steak and ale pie.

The Last Word
Aire is not a bad place but you have to be flexible on the atmosphere and compromise a bit on looks. It's a good idea not to show up in flash gear. Keep it casual and see how the night goes.

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