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Sunday, November 18, 2007

The Fox & Newt, Leeds



It was with great interest that I found myself returning to The Fox & Newt, the place I would hang out when I was a student at Park Lane College over the road. Of course, I knew nothing of beer back then. I didn’t know that in the eighties, The Fox & Newt brewed its own beer. But I did know that after years in the wilderness, it was brewing again.
The Fox (as I like to call it) is a traditional pub with traditional tastes. An unpretentious Yorkshire pub, if you will; no airs and graces. The beer reflects that style – I sampled two over the leisurely lunch I enjoyed there this week. First up, the Brewhouse Bitter – a dark, but not at all heavy bitter with a lovely biscuity finish, perfect to get things going. I then moved onto the Cunning Stunt, which at 4.0% abv, I would imagine to be their session ale – and how perfect for that it is. Light, refreshing, with a hoppier body than the bitter and a creamier head, I could really sink a few of these. Also on offer was Dark Side stout, which I didn’t sample but seemed popular. All brews are full mash, and I understand that plans are being laid to produce seasonal beers.


The new proprietors, Gerry and Patricia, have really got things right here; you can tell from the beer that care and passion goes into each barrel, and I sincerely hope things go well enough to ensure The Fox and Newt’s future. After all, we now have a pub brewing its own quality beers within walking distance from the city centre. And that is something to be excited about.

Bar food and snacks are available between 12-2pm, and the jukebox is good. I enjoyed a perfect, lazy day-off lunch - simple, some sports pages to pore over and some of nicest beer I have tasted in ages. You can’t really get higher praise than that. My drinking map of Leeds has got one new stop on it.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh this brought back memorys, I used to go to the F+N when I lived in leeds for a year or two in the early 80's, I'm not sure but I think I was there on it's 1st birthday, I remember an absolutely brain numbingly strong birthday ale. Over the moon to see it is still there and brewing again after all these years. I do seem to remember it was originaly one of a small chain of brewpubs owned by whitbread, I presume it is not so now. For the life of me I can't remember where it is, any chance of some directions or even a postcode.

Leigh said...

Now then - glad to be of service. I really can't stress how good the beer is here. You should drop by really soon. As for location, i thought i had put one on the bottom of the blog - but i had not! It's right at the top of Burley Road, as you go into leeds, directly opposite Park Lane college. should be LS1 or possibly LS2. if you need more, drop me an email at the address on my profile!
Let me know how you get on.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure I can find It again, It,s just been so long but the next time i'm down there i'll make a point of finding it.

Cheers John.

gin hall said...

I love this pub. I was in Leeds for most of 2002 and 2003, and this was just about my home away from home, away from home. Thanks for the story and pics! I had no idea they used to brew. cheers!

Leigh said...

cheers - after a short closure (yes, again), the F&N is back open with a new interior and under new management. I understand the brewery will be up and running again soon also so I will be keeping an eye out and reporting back very soon. Looks like this place has brought back a few memories for people!

Emma Barrow said...

Hi Leigh!!

It's Emma from the F&N here,

Just to let you know, the brewery is up and running again and our first new beer will be on the bar hopefully Friday 19th December, but definitely by Saturday 20th (assuming nothing goes drastically wrong!!)

Hope to see you again soon!!

x

Oh p.s. The postcode is LS3 1LD I saw someone asking :)

Ale Louse said...

Leigh have you a spare pic of this pub I could use? My intrepid ticker left his camera at home! We will of course credit you and link your review. Thanks. Will.

brylanty@gmail.com said...

Hi I was working there there in the summer 4 and 5 years ago. Who remembers Roy?

gin hall said...

I remember Roy! He was alot of fun- and always up for a few pints after work.