Springwell North Brewing Co Leeds review - New taproom delivers despite the weather

It's been a Leeds success story ever since and in 2015, they opened a brewery, featuring a 200-person capacity tap room.

Now, Springwell, based in an old tannery, sees them double their capacity, with a brand new 500 person taproom - and the ability to brew 2.8 million pints per year.

It's nestled away in the bottom a valley between Woodhouse, Meanwood and Chapeltown in a little area called Buslingthorpe.

The area played key part of the area's past tanning and leatherwork industry, which was once Leeds' second largest industry.

The valley is already home to a small but thriving scene of artists, co-ops and creatives, and Springwell is sure to bring a massive boost to the area.

Some of the buildings nearby look a little worse for wear, but Springwell have done a magnificent job of renovating theirs.

Unfortunately, my visit took place before hospitality venues opened indoors, so my only glimpses of the inside of the building were on trips to the loo.

First up, me and my sisters ordered a Springwell Pils (£4.80) each, which was crisp, sweet and refreshing.

While they stayed on the Pilsner, I switched it up and went for one of North's signature beers, Sputnik (£5), a hazy but crisp and fruity American pale ale.

The service was fast and friendly, with staff happy to answers any questions we had.

No outside drinking area is complete without a food truck these days, and North have continued their association with Little Bao Boy by inviting them up to Springwell, which was just what we needed after a couple of pints.

Rain had been forecast and after 30 minutes watching dark clouds overhead, the heavens did open.

Some stretches of the outside area were covered but in such a big space, other areas were uncovered.

But most people have come wrapped up and happily carried on drinking, a murmur of camaraderie rippled around the tables as raindrops splashed into pint glasses.

The staff kept smiling and even brought a squeegee round to wipe excess water off the tables - a nice touch.

Me and my sisters were determined to enjoy our evening and the rain wasn't going to stop us - and the staff at Springwell proved the perfect hosts, despite the great British weather.

Factfile

Address: Buslingthorpe Lane, LS7 2DF

Telephone:0113 345 3290

Opening hours: Friday, 5pm - 12am; Saturday, 11am - 12am; Sunday, 11am - 5pm

Website: www.northbrewing.com/

Scores

Drinks: 8

Value: 7

Atmosphere: 9

Service: 8