The Cardigan Arms is a real feast for the eys when you first enter, especially if a grand traditional Victorian interior that you hadn't expected, and a clientel that cannot be pigeonholed or defined by any certain agegroup, floats your boat.
Halfway down Kirkstall Road, The Cardigan Arms has created a reputation for itself as a live music venue, showcasing all sorts of musical tallent, though mostly in the way of up and coming rockbands and folk ensembles.. With a room upstairs dedicated to this, the rest of the pub is a mishmash of smaller and larger rooms, allowing groups to sit alone, encapsulated by the grand setting of their own room, or to mingle by the bar, with older pub-goers, who do not seem at all adverse to a younger crowd enjoying the venue.
Friendly, honest, and a lovely sense of tradition that breaks up the monotomy of Kirkstall Roads string of run down takeaways and DIY shops.
This place gets 5 stars from me because it's my all-time favorite place in Leeds. It was really one of my first experiences of a pub, and I've never found one like it since (disclaimer: I live in the States). I love you Cardigan Arms, especially on quiz night! Never change!
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A rare example of a pub that's managed to retain its character while simultaneously welcoming in the student market it needs to keep going, the Cardigan Arms is both a local's pub and a live music venue, with old boys and young indie kids mingling happily in its CAMRA-listed historic interior. I visited a few days ago having never been before, and was surprised that although I'm a fan of heritage pubs like the Adelphi and Whitelocks this one had somehow slipped me by. The well-preserved Victorian interior is similar to the Adelphi's, with small rooms, glass panels and wooden screens creating an intimate, warren-like feel, and there are even the ruins of the old on-site brewery for proper beer geeks like me to have a gawp at. That the Cardigan Arms manages to retain its sense of history while still being one of Leeds' most popular venues for up and coming bands, with live music most weekends in the upstairs room, is testament to the dedication and commitment of both its owners and its locals. My only gripe is that there wasn't any real ale on when I visited, although I failed to establish if this is the case all the time.
My favourite pub of all time, the best pub in Leeds. Gorgeous architecture inside and out, its traditional furnishings are remarkably original. A dynamic array of draught beers and ales that are regularly refreshed over the course of the year. The fact it's framed in my living room says it all.
I really like this Pub. it's a beautiful building with lots of rooms to find a nice spot to sit and drink. it's got a little outdoor space as well. They also do a great Sunday roast. It's run by kirkstall brewery same as the bridge in so you know the roasts are good and you stand a way better chance of actually being able to book for a Sunday roast on Saturday or even Sunday than you do at the bridge.
Beth Wilson (bethwils0n)
+5
Absolutely love this pub! It always has a warming atmosphere and I love that it's Kirkstall Brewery, the pints are always spot on. The decor is spot on, you feel like you're walking into a proper old boozer. The staff have always been friendly whenever I've visited too. I am yet to eat here but I have no doubt it'll be good! 👍
Great beers on tap, staff are always friendly, food is consistently ample, well above standard and delicious, and they've got a cracking fun alternative pub quiz.. everything you'd want in your local and special enough to warrant a journey.
Had Sunday lunch here, and it was excellent. Staff very friendly and polite. Old Victorian pub with a lot of original decor... A nice selection of real ales by Kirkstall Brewery... Two Vegan/Vegetarian options available as well as Roast Beef and Belly Pork... Pub is also dog friendly. The only con was the lack of a disabled toilet... This didn't stop me awarding 5 stars... Would definitely recommend/return
First time visit with family who come regularly.
We will certainly return and recommend to friends.
The Sunday Roast was excellent and the staff were very helpful and friendly. We truly had a great experience.
Well done chef and staff.
Lovely quiet pub on the outskirts of Leeds, with a vintage design and layout! The staff were friendly, seating is comfortable and I enjoyed half a pint of cider at a sensible price.
A beautiful pub with an interesting selection of beers and good food (with plenty of veg options). The rooms are furnished with vintage signs and original architectural features—easy to while away the time with a few pints just enjoying the atmosphere! Dog friendly too.
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I honestly cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a Sunday roast as much as I enjoyed the Sunday roast at Cardigan Arms in Kirkstall. This was exceptional. As I walked in there were 3 people in front of me they had a table booked, luckily, it wasn't overly busy and one of the very friendly staff asked the chef if he would allow a walk in, (me) to which very thankfully he said yes. I ordered the Lamb Sunday roast, was served very quickly by another friendly and helpful member of staff, food came quickly (about 10 minutes wait) and I couldn't believe how much flavour there was. Looking at it, it didn't look like the sort of thing you'd get at say a Toby Carvery, and that was a very good thing, presentation and flavour 10/10. This chef deserves a Michelin star if he doesn't already have one or two of them, which would surprise me if he didn't. I enjoyed it so much, I did something I've never done before, I bought the chef a drink. I would highly recommend visiting Cardigan Arms, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and it's a very nice atmosphere inside. Amazing! (Edit. Just for the record, I'd already started tucking into the food before remembering to take a picture. Presentation was better than it looks in the picture. My fault)
Excellent unspoilt pub with good range of Kirkstall Brewery beers. I used to go to this pub in the 80's when it was a Tetley's Heritage pub locally known as the Social Worker's Arms. It's largely unchanged. 4 small cosy bars downstairs and room for hire upstairs which I think is used for music. I haven't tried the food.
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