

It was around 5.30pm when I stepped off the train last week
- immediately greeted by Leeds usual charm – the platforms were busy as people
gathered whilst others piled off trains to head out for the evening. I walked
away from the crowds and the station and onto the building frenzy that is
becoming the newly developed South Bank. Its an exciting time for Leeds to see
this part of the city flourish with a buzz of things to come. Tonight I was
heading to the heart of this newly developing urban village where old meets
new. Industrial times are well remembered in these parts and buildings not
being built keep a firm grip on how Leeds once was. One such place and where I
was heading this evening was gastro pub and Leeds Brewery owned, the Midnight Bell. With a
contemporary feel set alongside traditional brickwork and wooden beams – Leeds
Brewery have done an excellent job in making the Midnight Bell a place to stop
by, have a pint and enjoy well cooked food. Guest ales, bitters and bottles are
all in good supply. The Midnight Bell was busy yet I was greeted with a generous welcome and found myself quickly being served. Tonight we enjoyed Indian pale and
hand pulled, Monsoon.


The team at Midnight Bell are serving up British classics
using the finest ingredients – we are talking hearty food that is freshly
prepared. The menu is made up of starters, mains and desserts and all typical
pub food is covered here – from Leeds Best battered haddock, with hand cut
chips and pea puree to a towering Yorkshire Dales steak burger, with smoked
streaky bacon, mature cheddar and relish. It was at this point, like many times
before it, that I was quickly spoilt for choice. After some deliberation I
settled on a chicken liver pâté, with pink peppercorn butter and sea salt served
with a rosemary focaccia toast. It tasted really good – this was
followed by main course of a traditional and proper steak and red wine pie,
with creamy mashed potato and buttered vegetables. It was a tough call to
squeeze anymore but it was impossible to turn down the sweet and decorated chocolate
and orange tart with vanilla ice cream and berries. The Midnight Bell also
offers a separate lunch and Sunday lunch menu and on top of this are hosting
events in their courtyard throughout the summer.


We finished up our meal and made our way downstairs. We
ordered another pint and headed to the decked seating outside. The courtyard space
here is an ideal sun trap for BBQ events and larger groups gathering in the Leeds sunshine. In fact, the sun was still out as we finished up this evening. We headed back inside, through to the bar area and said our goodbyes. The Midnight Bell had been an excellent visit. If it is
British classic gastro style food and drink you are after in traditional yet
contemporary surroundings, then the Midnight Bell will not disappoint.