I was blown away by the value for money

Following the news that The Smithfield was one of just three Leeds venues to feature in the Good Food Guide's 2026 list of the best local restaurants, a visit was firmly on my radar.

After swinging by the North Street gastropub for post-work drinks with a friend, I can now see exactly why it received the recognition.

And having had a look through the menu, getting back for a proper meal has shot straight to the top of my list.

Our reviewer tried The Smithfield in Leeds city centre | YEP

placeholder image — Our reviewer tried The Smithfield in Leeds city centre | YEP

The Smithfield has all the hallmarks of a proper pub, while the floor-to-ceiling windows keep the space bright and open, giving the place a wonderfully casual and unpretentious feel.

The drinks offering is impressive, with a great range of beers, wines and spirits. There is plenty of local representation too, including Leeds' own Crooked Brewing, including its Smithfield branded ale.

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We opted for the Smithfield ale and Crooked Brewing's hazy IPA, Brewjitsu, and found ourselves ordering both again as they were exceptionally tasty and perfectly served. At £10.80 for each round, the pricing felt fantastic for a city centre pub, particularly for the quality on offer.

Then came the difficult decision of whether to order a snack. That decision was made considerably easier when we spotted the words ‘pig’s head croquettes’ on the menu. There was simply no way we weren't trying them.

The Smithfield ale and Crooked Brewing's Brewjitsu, and pigs head croquettes | YEP

At £5.50, they were worth every penny. The crispy exterior gave way to a soft, tender filling, all sitting on an unbelievably delicious sauce that brought the whole dish together. If this is what the bar snacks are capable of, I cannot wait to see what the full menu can do.

What really stood out, though, was the people. The service was exceptional, with bright smiles and genuine warmth without ever becoming overbearing.

Around us, friends were catching up over wine, people were stopping for a pint after walking their dogs, and we were doing exactly what we'd come to do, enjoying a relaxed drink after work. That mixture of customers is exactly what I love about Leeds' hospitality scene. It feels like a genuine community space rather than somewhere designed for one particular crowd.

There is something remarkably difficult about combining high-quality food, great drinks, reasonable prices and a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere, but The Smithfield seems to manage it without even trying.

I will certainly be returning for food, but even before then, it's hard to imagine many better places in Leeds for a relaxed pint with friends.