The Myrtle Tavern - Leeds - Pub Review

The Myrtle Tavern is a delightful country-style pub on Parkside Road in the Meanwood area of Leeds, West Yorkshire. This family-friendly local pub has earned a reputation for its spacious outdoor beer garden, rustic lodge and marquee, and high-quality food and ales. Housed in a cosy building that was once part of a workers’ community in what is now the Meanwood Valley, the pub has been lovingly tended by owner Scott Westlake since he took over in 2011. Under his leadership the Myrtle Tavern has grown into an award-winning community hub known for “great beer, cracking food, unforgettable parties and one of the best beer gardens in Leeds”. Today it draws a broad crowd – local families, groups of friends, walkers from nearby parks, and beer lovers from across Leeds – all seeking a friendly atmosphere and well-kept pub fare and drinks. The Myrtle Tavern is easily found at Parkside Road, Meanwood, LS6 4NE, just a short stroll from the green spaces of Meanwood Park and a convenient spot for a meal or pint either before or after a walk in the valley.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Myrtle Tavern offers a range of spaces and amenities that suit both family visits and lively evenings out. The pub has a large outdoor beer garden complete with a children’s play area – in 2017, the pub invested heavily in refurbishing this space and adding a “very popular play area” alongside the well-tended beer garden. There’s also a rustic oak lodge and marquee for events, which can be booked for private parties, and a sunny front terrace for warm afternoons. All told, there’s seating for well over 100 guests across the indoor and outdoor areas. Inside, the bar area is open and welcoming, with plenty of wooden tables and chairs, classic pub décor, and a chalkboard menu behind the bar. Regular pub features are on hand too – you’ll find dartboards, a pool table, and an assortment of board games to play while you sip. For sports fans, the pub sometimes shows big matches on screens, especially for major events like the World Cup, when there are free football viewing sessions on big screens or a projector.

The Myrtle Tavern is self-contained with its own on-site parking (something many city pubs lack). This makes it convenient for groups arriving by car, though the lot can fill up on busy nights. The building has a single-storey layout for the main pub area, making it largely step-free from the front door. In fact, Discover Leeds notes that “on-site parking is available for customers” and that “The Myrtle Tavern is wheelchair accessible”, which is a bonus for visitors with mobility needs. Service is informal yet efficient: you order at the bar, and staff will deliver drinks and any food orders to your table. In short, the facilities centre around being a warm, welcoming country pub – there’s no pretension, just a well-serviced space for good times.

Food on Offer

The Myrtle Tavern prides itself on hearty gastro-pub-style food made with quality ingredients. The menu ranges from classic British pub favourites to some more eclectic sharing plates. You’ll see staples like beer-battered fish and chips, steak and ale pie, hearty burgers, and grills (for example, a double-stacked beef burger with bacon and cheese) alongside more adventurous small plates (paneer kebabs, fish tacos, sausage and mash). A local blogger sums it up: the Myrtle Tavern combines “all the charm of a traditional English pub with an amazing beer garden and marquee… The facilities are great, but the food is even better!" Indeed, dishes such as chicken schnitzel, sausages and mash, and paneer kebabs are described as “REALLY tasty” and “massive” in portion.

There are always options for vegetarians and even vegans – for instance, a tasty bean burger or a mushroom-based stew is often available – so most dietary needs are covered. Gluten-free side and veggie options are also noted on the menu. Price-wise, mains typically range from about £14 to £19 (for example, fish and chips cost £18 and roast pork costs £18.50). By Leeds standards, this falls into a mid-range category: you’re paying a fair price for quality. Customer reviews frequently remark on the generous portion sizes and value – as one local food writer noted, "There was absolutely nothing to fault with these Sunday Roasts… Everything was tasty, comforting, and cooked really well."

One dish that often draws locals is the Sunday roast, served all afternoon on Sundays. The Myrtle offers a choice of meats – roast lamb, beef, gammon, pork, or a vegetarian nut roast – each served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing and gravy. The lamb roast in particular is popular (and notably has no extra surcharge, which pleases carnivores), with patrons praising the generous portions and flavour. There’s also a children’s menu on weekends, making it a go-to spot for family Sunday lunches. In addition to the main menu, you’ll find tempting sharing plates and sides (like loaded fries, sticky onion bhajis or halloumi skewers) and a few sweet desserts (sticky toffee pudding, cheesecake, or a classic triple chocolate brownie with ice cream). Overall, the food at The Myrtle Tavern manages to balance familiar pub fare with a few standout extras – it’s no wonder regulars rave about both the Sunday lunches and the everyday pub classics.

Beers on Tap

The Myrtle Tavern lives up to its tagline as a “home of draught ales”. The pub is not tied to a single brewery; instead, it offers a wide selection of beers and ales. The taps typically feature a mix of well-known British cask ales and rotating guest beers. You might expect to find a crisp pale ale or amber ale from a Yorkshire brewery, a smooth bitter or golden ale, and perhaps an India pale ale or stout among the options. Bottled beers, lagers and a few ciders are also stocked. The pub also offers an interesting range of gins and spirits for cocktail fans – as one guide notes, “The Myrtle Tavern have a great range of refreshing beers and gins that are all ideal for a hot summer’s day. Or you can wind down indoors with one of their cask ales."

Importantly, the staff here take their beer seriously. In the words of local ale fans, the cask ales at The Myrtle are “well looked after” – they’re always fresh and properly poured. The bartenders know the beer list well and can suggest a tipple if you’re unsure what to choose. For example, they might recommend a fruity session ale on a warm day or a more robust porter if you like dark malts. Even if you’re not a beer drinker, there are plenty of other options behind the bar – wines, spirits, soft drinks and even nonalcoholic beers are all available. But it’s the quality and variety of real ales that truly stand out, reinforcing the pub’s reputation as a locals’ favourite for a great pint.

Price Range & Value

Patrons find The Myrtle Tavern to be very good value for money given the quality. It’s definitely not the cheapest pub in Leeds, but prices are fair for what you get. To give a sense of cost: as of mid-2025, most main dishes run in the mid-teens to high teens (for example, a fish and chips or stuffed chicken dish is around £18–£19). The burgers and grills are around £15–£18, and starters/share plates are typically £4–£9. A pint of beer is generally around £4–£5, similar to other independent pubs in Leeds. (Prices rose somewhat after the post-pandemic kitchen investment, but customers feel the portions and taste justify it.) On Sundays the roast dinners are about £15–£21 depending on how many meats you pile on, which is competitive for Leeds with generous sides.

Most regulars agree that you get what you pay for. The ingredients are fresh, the meals are filling, and the beer is well-poured – so the consensus is that dining or drinking here feels fair. Discovery guides echo this, noting that hearty pub food and generous portions are the norm. There are no gimmicks or hidden fees (for example, a service charge isn’t automatically added unless you’re on a large booking), so it’s honest pricing. In brief, The Myrtle Tavern offers a mid-range price point (££) with a clear emphasis on quality, making it excellent value for both a casual lunch and a full evening meal.

Customer Service

Step into The Myrtle Tavern and you’ll be greeted by warm, down-to-earth staff who embody the pub’s community spirit. Scott and his team have cultivated a friendly atmosphere – many of the staff have been there a long time, and locals say it feels like being “among friends” when you visit. In fact, a local food reviewer observed that “the staff were really friendly and helpful” and that “the food [was] perfect”. This matches with the pub’s family-run ethos: Scott grew up in the pub (starting work at 14), and he still leads by example, making sure regulars and newcomers alike get attentive service. Bartenders are known to take a moment to chat or recommend a favourite ale, and they often remember returning customers’ names or drink preferences.

Service is generally efficient even during busy periods (the timing is well-oiled from years of handling crowds on quiz nights and before live events). If you pop in on a quiet Tuesday or Friday, you’ll have time for a chat with the team behind the bar. On bustling weekend nights or just before a big game on their screen, orders can take a few minutes longer simply due to volume, but staff keep lines moving and make sure orders are delivered promptly. Customer feedback highlights that staff quickly collect empty glasses and keep tables tidy even when the pub is packed. Overall, attentive yet laid-back service is part of the Myrtle Tavern’s charm – it’s the sort of pub where people feel welcomed rather than rushed.

Events & Special Nights

Community events are a big part of The Myrtle Tavern’s character. There’s a weekly quiz night on Mondays at 7pm (with cash prizes), which has been running for years and attracts trivia buffs and pub-goers looking for fun. Alternate Thursdays are often reserved for the pub’s popular Rock & Roll Bingo (a music quiz/game night), karaoke sessions, or charity quiz specials. Live music is common too – local bands and solo performers frequently play in the pub’s lodge or garden, especially on weekends and for special occasions. In the past year, for example, the pub has hosted tribute bands (St Patrick’s Day Irish gigs sold out), soul nights, and tribute act evenings.

The Myrtle is also known to roll out themed events around holidays. Seasonal offerings include a spooky Halloween party in the lodge, a festive Christmas menu and drinks specials, and even outdoor summer gatherings like a July Pimms party in the garden. During big sports tournaments, the pub goes on – the Garden Marquee is equipped with a large screen, so England and other big match screenings become communal events (as seen for the recent World Cup matches). Every month on the 15th there’s currently a special promotion or event (part of the pub’s 15th-anniversary celebrations), ranging from free drinks to music nights. In short, if you check the pub’s noticeboard or social media, you’ll usually find something to join in with – from low-key themed quiz challenges to all-out party nights. This lively events schedule gives The Myrtle a festive buzz that keeps locals coming back (and ensures there’s always something new to experience).

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Inside, The Myrtle Tavern strikes a cosy, country pub note. The décor features light-painted walls offset by wooden floors and furniture, giving it a relaxed, airy feel. The bar itself is welcoming, and you’ll often spot a few decorative touches like seasonal bunting or local art on the walls. On a cool day the lodge comes alive with chatter and maybe a crackling fire in winter, creating a homely vibe. In summer, the atmosphere is very much that of an outdoorsy pub – the beer garden is framed by greenery, planters and pergolas, with big tables and festoon lights for evening al fresco drinking. Dogs and families with children are a common sight; the pub is officially dog-friendly (it’s not unusual to see a friendly pup snoozing at its owner’s feet), and the play area keeps little ones entertained, reinforcing the family-friendly feel.

The clientele is diverse, which adds to the welcoming mood. Weekday evenings tend to draw local professionals unwinding after work, quiz teams and retired regulars, while weekends see families and young couples enjoying meals together. Because the pub appeals to all ages (“a true community pub for all ages,” as the owners say), you might find a table with grandparents and kids eating Sunday roast, while nearby younger groups enjoy craft beers or cocktails. The general conversation level is warm and convivial – even when the place is busy, it seldom gets rowdy.

From an accessibility standpoint, the ground-floor pub is quite easy to navigate. The front entrance has just a shallow step, and once inside most of the pub is on one level, so wheelchair access to the bar and main seating is workable. The on-site parking lot helps for visitors who drive. (Discover Leeds notes specifically that “The Myrtle Tavern is wheelchair accessible.") The only restriction is that the spacious oak lodge/event space is reached by a set of wooden steps – there’s currently no lift, so stairs would be a barrier for some. The restrooms (one of which is on the ground floor) are modest in size. For outdoor seating, most tables are standard height, but the pub has at least one large picnic bench in the beer garden, which some wheelchair users might appreciate. The presence of children and dogs means a few small things to navigate, like a playset or a friendly pup underfoot, but overall people of all ages tend to feel at home.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Myrtle Tavern is conveniently located on Parkside Road in Meanwood, a leafy suburban area of Leeds about 3 miles north of the city centre. It sits at the foot of Meanwood Park (an expansive green space with woodland, a stream and the Three Cottages Cafe) and near the start of the picturesque Meanwood Valley Trail. In fact, the pub itself promotes this – encouraging walkers to “check out the Meanwood Valley Trail Circular Walk… with The Myrtle Tavern waiting at the end” of the route. This makes the pub a popular stop for hikers and cyclists looking to refuel after fresh-air exercise.

While Meanwood is more residential than touristy, there’s still plenty to do nearby. Meanwood Park (a 5-minute walk) offers tranquil paths and a small playground. The Three Cottages Cafe in the park is linked to the pub (one of its founders helped launch the Myrtle’s food service) and is a nice alternative spot for tea or a quick bite. Heading south from the pub, you’ll reach lively suburbs like Headingley (home of the cricket ground) and Chapel Allerton, both within a few miles by road. The nearest bus stops on Queenswood Drive or Servia Hill connect Meanwood to Leeds city centre in under 20 minutes by bus. For drivers, parking right outside the pub is limited to its own lot, but there is plenty of on-street parking on nearby residential streets (though remember pay-and-display restrictions in the evening).

The location combines a peaceful suburban charm with easy access. It’s just a short trip from bustling central Leeds but still feels like a relaxing “escape the city” spot. If you finish a pint in the garden and then wander through Meanwood Park, it’s easy to forget you’re technically still in a major city. And when guests arrive from afar, the pub’s postcode (LS6 4NE) takes them right to its door – the quiet neighbourhood makes it easy to hear the convivial sounds of clinking glasses and laughter as soon as you step inside.

Overall Impression

The Myrtle Tavern is a gem of a local pub that manages to tick almost every box. It delivers a warm, friendly atmosphere, quality pub food, and an outstanding outdoor space that few city pubs can match. In many ways it feels like the quintessential community pub – well-polished but unpretentious, where staff greet you by name, where kids and dogs are welcome, and where you can enjoy anything from a quick pint on your own to a full-on family dinner out. The beer garden truly stands out – on a sunny day it is widely regarded as one of the best in Leeds, complete with greenery, comfortable seating and even its own marquee for rainy days.

Naturally, no place is perfect. The pub can get quite busy at peak times (Friday and Saturday nights, quiz nights and during international football games), so finding a table can sometimes require patience or a prior booking. A few patrons have noted that the menu, while very tasty, is still very much pub fare – if you’re expecting gourmet fine dining, you might find it a bit straightforward. The lodge upstairs is lovely but up a flight of stairs, which could be limiting for some. However, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme. By and large, customer feedback emphasises the strengths: many say they leave feeling like they’ve had a rewarding evening of hearty food, good ale, and genuine hospitality.

The Myrtle Tavern offers an authentic and engaging Leeds pub experience. It’s popular not by accident, but because it gets the basics right – great pours of beer, well-cooked food, and a social calendar that keeps things interesting. Locals consider it the heart of the Meanwood community, and many city visitors add it to their must-visit list for the brewery-worthy ales and the homey vibe. For anyone looking to enjoy a taste of Yorkshire hospitality – especially in an enviable setting by the park – The Myrtle Tavern is well worth a visit.