Pint Of Ale

When I was a student in Sheffield, I came to Leeds for some reason and I was carrying a cheque that needed paying into my bank account. I came across a branch of Barclays - a grand, open, ornate affair, like banks from American films. That grand branch of Barclays is now a Wetherspoons pub, a big, open affair with a balcony and fancy toilets.

When the pub first opened, my student days were not far behind me, so a modern pub with exposed air conditioning ducts, fancy toilets and a bar back-lit with green neon was an attractive place to visit, especially with the Wetherspoon attitude to cheap drinks prices and two meals for a fiver. Back then, I drank lager but occcasionaly would opt for a “bitter” if I was feeling adventurous. I think that Becketts Bank is the first place where “bitter” meant a choice, I had to choose from several colourful pump clips so full of promise. I think therefore that Becketts Bank is the birth place of my interest in and love of real ales.

The years have passed and the pub is no longer all new and shiny. It’s a little worn around the edges. It’s a typical Wetherspoons affair but not as shabby as some. There were only two ales available on my last visit which was very odd for a Wetherspoon, and especially this Wetherspoon. I opted for Okells Smoked Celtic Porter, a dark, warming brew. I took it upstairs to the balcony of small tables and comfy leather sofas. I sat by a window and killed time watching people passing on the street below before meeting for a meal in town.

It is a large place with really high ceilings crossed by exposed aluminium air conditioning ducts. There is a side area for dining only, although food can be eaten at any of the tables. There is always an eclectic mix of people in the pub and as usual in Wetherspoons, there is no music.

In all, Becketts Bank is an average affair, but it’s the spiritual home of ale for me and will always have a little place in my memory!