The Griffin Leeds review: What I made of my visit to a city centre chain pub with heart
On the surface, The Griffin is not a pub I would generally be drawn to.
Firstly, it is located bang in the middle of Leeds city centre. I am not situated particularly close to the hustle and bustle, therefore tend to stay out towards the sticks.
Secondly, it is a chain pub. I have absolutely nothing against Greene King boozers, although I have often found they tend to be quite similar.
The Griffin, however, is a city centre chain pub with heart. Somehow managing to be sprawling yet cosy, it is a something of a local away from your local.
I visited on one of those bizarre nights after the Christmas period in which it is difficult to know where it is Tuesday or Norway. With my head scrambled like an egg and my belly bursting at the seams with Celebrations, I opted for a relaxing spot to start the evening out.
Cards on the table, the plan was to meet at The Griffin and eventually move on. Hours later, we were still sat in the same comfy nook. To put it plainly, there was no reason to leave.
There was an atmosphere without it being crowded, the staff were superb and the drink selection catered to everyone’s needs.
As far as draught line-ups go, it was stellar (not Stella). I was delighted to see Estrella Galicia - quite possibly my favourite lager - available. There was also Guinness, Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti, Jubel Peach, Inch’s cider and a decent selection of real ales and IPAs. The cocktail and spirits menus were extensive too.
The Estrella Galicia set me back £6.70, a price that is not even too bad for a city centre pub in the current climate. A light and fruity pint of Jubel Peach was 10p more at £6.80.
My first pint of the night was flat and presumably from the bottom of the barrel, although it was merely a blip and the drinks were great for the rest of the night. In fact, they were so good our planned hop around the centre ended up being an evening sat around one table in The Griffin.
There are aspects of a city centre pub you just have to accept. You do not tend to get the familiarity of a local, nor do you pay as little as you would like to.
However, as far as central watering holes go, I am not sure there are many more dependable than The Griffin.
Factfile
Address: 31 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 5DA
Telephone: 0113 245 2803
Opening hours: (eg Mon-Thurs, noon-11pm; Fri-Sat, noon-2am; Sun, noon-10pm.)
Scores
Drinks: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Total: 7.5/10