The Head Of Steam Leeds - Mill Hill

Okay things didn’t go to plan last time I called in, but credit where it is due. My complaint was handled perfectly and the staff were fantastic in sorting things out. Not many bars in Leeds could be better at looking after their customers so we all learn to make things better. Please come in here, you will enjoy it!

It's always best to have an opening gambit on these reviews, and I think mine will be 'My Winchester of choice', but I'll come that in a moment. This is a cracking pub in easy striking distance of the station (slightly less so since they closed the stairs and blocked one of the routes to the station, but that's only temporary!) The selection of ales on never fails to please me; whether I'm wanting a good standard ale, or something a little more frisky (my last there was an imperial stout! Lovely!) But what they fail to to lack in beer selection, is made even more superior by warm pork scratchings!! OK, so that's not everyone's bag, but how about the seating? Lots of it, and much split up into booths and nooks and crannies so you can have a nice group chat. We usually drink in a group of four in Leeds, and the booths there are perfect. When very busy, this place seems to easily swallow many bodies without feeling too cramped. The windows are big enough and numerous enough to let in plenty of light if you prefer, but further into the building you can escape it. The staff are fab in here. Always seem to know a good deal about the beers and what they've got in; I seldom catch them snoozing. Anyway, back to the Winchester point, and I always like to consider defensibility in the Zombie apocalypse with these reviews. I reckon this place would be spot on. You've got two main entry points at the front, and the windows, whilst quite big, could be easily barricaded with the numerous tables. Whilst the power is on, you've got some warm hog lumps to keep you going, and the balcony would give you an avenue of retreat if overrun to give you chance to consider some daring feat of bravery to get out.

Great pub and excellent beer. Only problem is on recent visits staff seem more interested in standing around on their phones than serving customers. Worse, they see you, finish their conversation and then belatedly serve you as if you are an inconvenience to their conversation. This has happened on several occasions recently to our group and we sat and watched it happen to multiple other customers too. I do feel this pub has gone downhill somewhat since the second branch opened, presumably some staff/management moved to that one. Service is much slicker over the road at Moot Hall Arms, and they are cheaper and also have some decent beers on.