please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The Chemic Tavern is quite possibly my favourite pub in the whole world, excellent choice of beer and spirits, friendly staff and punters, a wide variety of entertainment (organised and impromptu), a good cocktail can be had upon request and they even sell that most underrated of mixers, dandelion and burdock.
There's little in the way of food on offer (crisps and chocolate mostly), but they're happy to let people take food in from other places, with a sign to tell you that in the chippy next door and takeaway menus available by the bar - you can even get crockery and cutlery if you ask the staff nicely!
Entertainment includes a variety of musical events, some of which are impromptu, an excellent weekly quiz, community events and an occasional leg waxing for money.
If you like a pub with a widescreen telly, sports-based pub quizzes and fruit machines it's really not for you, but if you enjoy good booze and friendly, entertaining company (or a quiet pint and the photocopied daily crossword) I'd definitely recommend it.
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Another chance to visit this excellent pub was taken this week when my daughter and I were treated to Weston's scrumpy and excellent Taylor's Landlord respectively. We were regaled with some surprisingly good prog-folk music in a fan-cooled oasis of calm during a 30c hot spell. The first pint barely touched the sides!
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Leeds Stew,
Probably some of the reasons why this pub is so loved is precisely because it has none of what you mention. However, I am willing to concede on item 1. (providing she can pull a decent pint!)
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Does a nice pint but I do like some entertainment when I am in a boozer. So the lack of i) fit barmaids ii) fruit machines iii) tv iv) test your strength punchbox does seem to be a slight negative.
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Great pub, with good beer (3/4 ales), nice original interior. Frequented by locals and 'alternative' students (i.e. the ones who aren't in the Oak). Occasional live music. Bags of character and definately recommended.
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A classic. A diamond in the rough. Good ale. Fish and chips next door. Seven spices curry house up the road. What more could you want?
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Unabashed I am happy to declare that I love this place. Small but not cramped and with two rooms, the rear-most of which often sees small groups of musicians put on impromptu performances. As noted previously this pub isn't on the warpath of students either Otley Running or out to cause a rumpus, indeed the only students likely to be found in there are of the quieter variety that are looking for a decent pint, or looking for a place to create some music. Beers are kept well and prices are reasonable, the Tim Taylors comes highly recomemded; and as an extra bonus you can buy the odd Twix, if you're into that kind of thing.
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Visited for the first time last Tuesday and was impressed with the seemingly unaltered "proper pub" interior, the friendliness of the locals and the excellence of the Tim Taylor's "Landlord"! Highly recommended.
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A lovely pub well off the beaten path of any rowdy students, good mix of locals, old, young and students. Friendly staff and decent beer with a few good single malts too.
anonymous - 14 Mar 2007 20:34 |
Good atmostphere with friendly staff and a friendly cat. Avoids the Otley Rd mayhem. Attracts locals and students.
anonymous - 15 Jan 2006 17:12 |
A good mix of clientele ranging from students to pensioners. Very much a come as you are pub. Excellent quiz on Mondays though prize not much. Some music evenings on an ad hoc basis. If you can play an instrument bring it along
Michael Edwards - 10 Jul 2004 14:24 |
A great pub, friendly and a retreat from the hectic bars of headlingley. Always involved in community events and ventures.
anonymous - 1 Jul 2004 13:19 |
A little gem of a pub. Just far enough of the Otley Road to avoid the crowds, but very popular with those 'in the know.'
Johnno - 20 May 2004 09:11 |
