The Cross Keys - Water Lane

Now this is more like it. The Cross Keys is a little gem, tucked away on Water Lane which borders on one of the rougher areas in Leeds. However, you certainly wouldn't be aware of the unpleasant surroundings once you were inside - the pub itself is a stunning example of how to do the simple things right. From the minute you walk in, you are greeted by friendly and chatty staff, who were quick to recommend from a wide choice of beers (some of which are brewed on-site). I ordered food as well, which was outstanding (home made fish goujons, with fresh chips, wrapped in newspaper - perfect) and reasonably priced.

Atmosphere in the bar was excellent - decent music was played at an audible level, whilst people openly chatted to others like they were long-lost friends.

I get the feeling that the Cross Keys is very much a home-from-home for some people - the pub offers additional services like a parcel collection point (get your shopping delivered there, and pick it up on your way home after a pint !!) and regular events.

This is definitely a real success, and more people should be aware of it - I think some people are unfairly put off by the location, which is a real shame when the staff have done so much hard work to turn this into a fantastic venue.

However, as I was leaving, I had to walk past two prostitutes who were standing on the street touting for business - still, you can't have everything....

Veritas - Great George Street

I was genuinely looking forward to this one, Veritas is a reasonably new installation in a site that tends to have some decent pubs - in the years i've lived in Leeds, it's been a Hogshead, Waterhole Wine Bar (twice) and the Portland bar. They have also been rewarded with a spot in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, which is always a good sign.

At first glance, the bar itself is welcoming enough - huge windows allow the patrons to get a great view of the passers-by near the law courts, and the place is clean and tidy. However, once you get inside, it is immediately obvious that Veritas suffers from a similar problem to many other city centre bars - they are trying too hard to establish an 'identity'. Fair enough - i'm all for bars attempting something different, especially when chains such as Yates & Harvester are opening identical venues across the country, but the core purpose still has to be focused on those who wish to drink, otherwise you're just a restaurant who sells beer.

To prove my point with Veritas, before you get to the drinks bar, you have to bypass an ice-cream counter (pictured above) and a nacho station. When I reached the bar, the staff member asked me what I wanted to eat, and seemed put out when I told her I only wanted a pint. Later on, whilst I was sat at a high table, the barmaid came back over to try and 'tempt me' into buying some olives & nachos.

It might just be me, but i'm beginning to feel like the regular drinker is being sidelined for the food customers, which is fine if that's the business model you're aiming for. However, it's not what is expected for a CAMRA-approved pub, and results in the customers feeling disappointed.