Pub review: The Roundhay, Leeds

We had envisioned (stupidly, it turned out), driving from Roundhay to Heckmondwike at about 5.30pm, in the hope we might arrive within an hour or so. However, at the bottom of Roundhay Road, we hit what ought henceforth to be described as the Bane of Leeds - a traffic jam.

We sat in said jam, our faith slowly evaporating, for about half an hour, until the Missus concluded we would not be able to get to our destination until at least 7.30pm and why don’t we go to the pub instead. A hearty idea if ever there was one.

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose we turned the car around and went off back the way we came and merely joined another queue of cars, albeit one which actually moved occasionally.

Eventually and after a lot of huffing and puffing and saying things like ‘Can’t believe it’ and ‘Traffic’s a nightmare’, we ended up at The Roundhay, a Hungry House pub on Roundhay Road, just down from the Oakwood Clock traffic lights.

I have to say, a chain pub has never looked so good. It’s a big old building, make no mistake and well patronised by the looks of the car park, which had just one space left as we entered.

In terms of drink and food, it’s a no-nonsense approach with slightly stereotypical pub grub (two meals for £8.49 through the week) but what’s not to like about that. There’s a bonus here, in that service is faster than fast, our food arriving piping hot within about 20 minutes of ordering.

We ordered a Double Daddy Burger (£10.69), which came with two pates, bacon, cheese, relish and fries and was more than worth the money and a beef and ale pie (£6.79), an ample portion with a lot more meat in it than we expected.

The children ordered home made chicken nuggets (£3.79 for six), which were far, far better than anything you’ll get from McDonalds and a cheese pizza, which had a decent crust and wasn’t at all undercooked.

All in all, then, not a bad end to our night. Together with a pint of Moretti (£3.95) and three lime cordials (£1.80 each), the bill came to £29.41.

They also have Greene King IPA, San Miguel and Strongbow Dark Fruit on draft, and craft beers including Old Golden Hen (4.1%), Goose Island IPA m(5.9%) and Brooklyn Lager (5.2%).

The interior is spacious, staff are friendly, services is quick and prices are more than reasonable. The Roundhay might be a chain pub but it’s more than keeping up with some independents.

The Roundhay, Roundhay Road, Leeds LS8 4AR

Score: 3/5