I tried lunch at this pub with one of the sunniest beer gardens in Leeds
Nation of Shopkeepers is a modern pub which sticks true to tradition 🍻
The beer garden is a classic part of British pub culture. There’s no better pleasure than gathering your friends and your family and soaking up the sunshine while taking an ice-cold sip of your favourite drink. That’s why as soon as I heard about Nation of Shopkeepers, a pub in Leeds which has one of the city’s best beer gardens, I knew I had to try it out.
Located on Cookridge Street in the heart of Leeds city centre, Nation of Shopkeepers entices you in with a neon sign which promises a ‘garden of earthly delights’. Follow it and you’ll find a glorious outdoor eating area, perfect for when you want to grab a bite while staying in the sunshine. The spacious tables make this pub ideal for large social gatherings, and I imagine that in World Cup season Nation of Shopkeepers will be full to the brim.
As QR codes lay on each table, it’s easy to look through the menu and order from your phone (although you can pop inside to order if you want a more traditional bar experience too). The options on offer are the pub favourites designed to be the ultimate indulgence. With plenty of meat dishes, pizzas, and small plates to choose from, it was difficult to pick just one dish.
Yet, as a stickler to tradition, I decided to try the beer-battered haddock and chips which was priced slightly higher than average at £18.50. Generously salted, the fish was warm, crispy, and comforting with every bite. The chips meanwhile were thickly cut, exactly how I like them, and they had a delightful fluffiness on the inside. Tartare sauce, mushy peas, and lemons, were served on the side as well and this offered a gentle kick of extra flavour. Nation of Shopkeepers sticks with the classic fish and chips style and it executes it wonderfully but for the portion size, I’m not sure the price is justified.
My plus one meanwhile opted for a different chip dish: the chicken schnitzel with rocket and cherry tomato salad for £17.50. The chicken schnitzel had a satisfying crunch to it with the breadcrumb coating with a light taste to the meat inside. The salad on the side was a great refreshing accompaniment to this. Their dish came with fries too which were thinly cut and had a satisfying starchy taste.
For drinks, we opted to try a pint of Asahi and a gin and tonic because hot weather calls for cool beverages. The Asahi was light and sweet which was great for lunchtime where I wasn’t seeking a heavy drink. The gin and tonic meanwhile, had a summery citrus feel that made it ideal for the emerging summer season. Together, they cost £14.10 which again felt slightly higher than we expected but prices are rising everywhere nowadays.
What stands out in Nation of Shopkeepers is the atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you can hear the buzz of conversation alongside music from the noughties on the speakers. It has a real community feel as any pub should, and this is what makes it such a brilliant space for the upcoming summer months.
Nation of Shopkeepers is a classic pub in the modern age. It was delightful to visit and I’m sure our midday trip this week won’t be our last. As a pub, I assumed the drinks would be great, but what surprised me was how fantastic the food was too. If you’re passing through Leeds city centre, Nation of Shopkeepers is well worth a visit.
Factfile
- Address: 26-27 Cookridge Street, Leeds, LS2 3AG
- Telephone: 0113 203 1831
- Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat, 12pm-12am, Sun, 12pm-10pm
- Website: https://www.anationofshopkeepers.com/#/
Scores
- Food: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
- Atmosphere: 9/10
- Service: 9/10