retiredmartin

May 2026. Leeds.

3 hours between train in Leeds, time for the Freedom breakfast in Spoons (Becketts Bank), the culture,

and a pint in a re-opened classic.

Oh, they’ve got rid of the “Family” in the title. Sign of the times.

Anyway, the Victoria, one of the Leeds gems, refurbished by the ubiquitous Kirkstall Brewery, and it’s one of the most stunning pubs I’ve ever been in.

Shame about the roadworks on Great George Street,

but inside it’s as big a “wow” moment as it ever was,

and (importantly) the beer is as good as the furnishings.

In 2018 the Vic had the weakest on our Proper Pub crawl, and in truth the Kirkstall beers have sometimes been a bit average in their flagship pubs like the Cardigan.

But first out the pumps at noon the Dissolution and the Five Points Porter were cool and chewy (4), immaculate in their own glassware.

Half an hour later, Mrs RM made as if to put on her jacket.

“Or we could stay for another one ?“. It wasn’t a question.

I guess having your own booth near the bar as a pub starts to fill up makes it psychologically harder to leave.

I had the Harvey’s where that spotless glass really adds to the presentation (NBSS 4, again).

As comfortable a pub as any since Atherstone, and if you can bear the soundtrack (an 80’s Bank Holiday special of “Turn to Stone”, “Uncertain Smile” and “The Safety Dance”) it might already be my favourite in Leeds. At least until the Duncan re-opens.