Archie's Bar & Kitchen Leeds review: I visited a quirky Granary Wharf boozer - and here's what I thought

As you walk in, there is a rather striking campervan parked to your right. The next thing you see is a sprawling bar featuring a stellar line-up of draught drink options.

It very quickly becomes apparent you have picked a slick and stylish venue in which you can grab a really good drink.

Archie’s made an excellent first impression, even if the same cannot be said for me (I tried entering through the exit door and initially though they were closed).

It was a snoozy and drizzly Sunday afternoon and I was after a quiet pint to decompress after inhaling some food around the corner.

Settling in with a pint of Ossett Brewery’s Hell Rat lager (£5.90), I slid myself into a comfortable booth near the exit door I had tried to pull off its hinges.

Sometimes, you want buzz, and I can imagine Archie’s provides one for post-work drinks and on Fridays and Saturdays. However, on this particular Sunday, I wanted tranquility. Archie’s provided.

The flow of customers was steady and there were a few families enjoying the bao buns on offer. Others were doing what I was doing - sipping a pint while watching the world go by in Granary Wharf.

Service from the member of staff behind the bar was incredibly friendly. He had the patience of a saint as I wrestled with the options laid out before me, eventually settling on a beer I had not tried before.

Hell Rat was a light and sessionable lager, easy-drinking and moreish. It did not blow my socks off but on a full stomach, I was more than happy to enjoy something light and refreshing.

Some city centre bars pack you in like sardines but Archie’s are prepared for customers influxes. The sprawling space extends around the corner and upstairs, meaning there is plenty of room for punters.

As much as I enjoyed slurping away as rain pelted the windows and I could pretend I was in a music video or a film, I could not help but feel I had not experienced Archie’s at its absolute best.

It felt like a dip in the toe of a big lake and I would very much like to return on a busier evening when there is a more vibrant atmosphere.

However, I cannot fault Archie’s for serving up a lovely space to have a lovely pint in. Sometimes, simplicity is beautiful.

Factfile

Address: Granary Wharf, Arches V & W, The Dark Arches Dark, Neville St, Leeds LS1 4BR

Telephone: 0113 243 1001

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 12pm-1am, Sunday: 12pm-9pm

Website: https://www.archiesleeds.co.uk/

Scores

Drinks: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Service: 8/10

Total: 7.75/10