The Templar Hotel - Leeds - Pub Review

Nestled at the corner of Templar Street and Vicar Lane in Leeds city centre, the Templar Hotel is a traditional British pub with deep roots and a timeless charm. Housed in a handsome early 19th-century brick-and-faecade building (now Grade II-listed), it retains its original green-and-cream Burmantofts faience exterior and a classic wood-panelled interior. You’ll immediately notice the vintage details – etched glass windows, Tudor-arched doorways, and old wooden benches – all vestiges of its 1928 refit by architects Garside & Pennington. Today the pub is operated by Greene King, but it keeps a decidedly authentic local feel. It’s consistently well-reviewed (around 4.7/5 on travel sites) and open daily: 11 am–11 pm Monday–Thursday, 11 am–midnight Friday–Saturday, and noon–11 pm on Sunday. Customers praise its warm atmosphere and value-for-money approach – as one review notes, it guarantees “a great atmosphere with fantastic value for money”.

The Templar Hotel serves as a classic city-centre Leeds pub – unpretentious and friendly, yet steeped in history. Its central location (on Vicar Lane, opposite Leeds Playhouse/Grand Theatre) means you’ll often see theatre-goers, sports fans, and locals all mixing over pints. The building’s historical features (tiled vestibule, wood panelling, original bar fittings) lend it character, making it one of the most charming old pubs still going in Leeds. Regulars and visitors alike appreciate that it feels like an old-school boozer, complete with period décor and a relaxed vibe. In short, this is a place where history and hospitality meet – if you love a cosy pub with character, the Templar delivers.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Templar is a simple, community-focused pub with the amenities you’d expect in a friendly local spot. At its centre is a long wooden bar and a series of snug rooms lined with fixed bench seating and wood panelling (some original from the 1920s). Modern comforts are present too: free Wi-Fi, multiple TV screens showing live sports (Sky Sports and TNT Sports channels), and even the Greene King Sports app for fans. For pub games there’s a dartboard and enough room to chat or play darts, but no pool table or arcade machines. During football, rugby or F1 seasons you can catch the matches on the TVs – the pub actively promotes live sports viewing.

Outside, a small terrace of tables sits on the Vicar Lane sidewalk, effectively serving as the pub’s “beer garden” on fair-weather days. This spot is popular for a quick alfresco drink in summer. Inside, the cosy layout means conversation flows easily – there’s often a gentle hum of chatter as colleagues unwind after work or friends catch up over a pint. The pub also runs the usual pub quiz and music events: weekly trivia nights (e.g. Thursdays) and even a DJ night on Sundays. These special evenings (and occasional themed events around holidays) add buzz without ever feeling over the top. Notably, the Templar is wheelchair-friendly on the ground floor – it advertises disabled facilities and has step-free access inside.

Facilities at a glance:

• Cask Ale & Bar – A long wooden bar staffed by knowledgeable bartenders, serving hand-pulled real ales alongside lagers, wines, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. (Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale are often on tap.)

• Pub Games & Sports – Sky/TNT sports TV for live games, a dartboard, plus free Wi-Fi. (No pool or table football.)

• Outdoor Seating – A few tables on the pavement at the side (Vicar Lane) for sipping a pint outside in warmer weather.

• Quiz & Events – Regular quiz nights and music/DJ events (often Sunday evenings) keep the entertainment lively.

• Accessibility – Disabled ramp/entrance and restrooms on site. No on-site parking is provided (typical for central Leeds), but street parking and pay garages are a short walk away.

Food on Offer

The menu at the Templar Hotel is classic pub fare done well. You won’t find avant-garde cuisine here, but you will find hearty, comforting dishes that hit the spot. Think British pub classics – beer-battered fish and chips with mushy peas, a double-stacked beef cheeseburger in a seeded bun, and home-style steak-and-ale pie with creamy mashed potatoes. There’s usually a grilled chicken dish (e.g. succulent chicken katsu curry or a lemon-herb chicken breast) and a generous Cumberland sausage & mash or steak. A small salad or veg burger typically covers vegetarian tastes, and specials like creamy mac ‘n’ cheese or curry might appear regularly. Indeed, the pub’s own description invites patrons to “check out our menu of tasty pub classics”.

One highlight is the Sunday roast. From midday onwards the kitchen serves up traditional roast dinners: tender roast beef (or a nut roast for vegetarians), giant Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, fluffy mash, seasonal vegetables and rich gravy. These Sunday roast plates are massive – easily enough for most people to find it a must-try. (Regulars often report that the Templar’s roast sells out quickly on Sundays.) In summary, the food menu is solidly traditional: no frills, but well-executed. We’re talking proper pub grub. Ingredients are fresh, portions are generous, and cooking is straightforward.

• Pub Classics: All-day beer-battered fish & chips; 6oz and 10oz burgers; chicken katsu curry; steak & ale pie; Cumberland sausages with mash; ploughman’s lunch; scampi and chips.

• Sunday Roast (weekends): Roast beef or nut roast, Yorkshire pudding, veg, roasties, cauliflower cheese, gravy.

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Veggie burger or halloumi wraps; plant-based “Quorn katsu” or nut roast; salads. (Gluten-free options are usually available, and the staff are happy to adapt meals if needed.)

• Sides & Starters: Onion rings, chips or cheesy chips, side salads, soup of the day, bread & butter. Perhaps a few daily specials (e.g. curry or pie of the day).

A few years back a reviewer even quipped it’s “not a food pub” – emphasizing that food is more of a supporting act to the ale – but any visitor will see they do serve a respectable menu. The consensus is that the value is excellent: pub meals in the £10–£15 range, which in Leeds city centre counts as fair. Overall, pair any meal with a pint or three and you’re getting solid quality at a modest price.

Beers on Tap

Beer is very much the star here. The Templar is proud of its cask ale selection. As a Greene King pub, you’ll often see house ales like GK IPA and Abbot Ale, but the focus is on variety. Typically there are about 3 regular handpumps pouring familiar brews and 3–5 rotating guest beers. For example, Tetley’s Bitter (3.7%) – a Leeds classic – is usually available on tap. So too is Kirkstall Three Swords golden ale (4.5%); regulars cite this Yorkshire brew as a favourite. Another steady presence is Bradfield Farmers Blonde (4.0%), a hoppy blond ale often listed on the pumps.

In addition to these staples, the pub rotates through a selection of local and national cask ales. Greene King’s marketing page hints at the usual lineup: IPA, Abbot, and even seasonal collabs like Thornbridge’s “Genevieve”, plus guest taps (older photos mention ales from Ossett, Rudgate, etc). Current real-ale fans report seeing Ossett White Rat (bitter) and Rudgate Ruby Mild on offer from time to time. In all, there might be around 5–8 cask beers over a few weeks, with a few always on permanent display. This is one of the few city-centre pubs where the ales are given proper care. It still uses the old Autovac dispense system for freshness, and it carries a Cask Marque accreditation, a quality mark for well-kept real ale.

Beer drinkers will be in good hands. Reviewers consistently praise the beer lineup: “excellent cask ale range” was one comment. Another noted that even during busy crowds, “the beer is kept well” and the prices remain low. You’ll find a range from easy-drinking bitters to something a bit more adventurous – on any visit you might see, say, a hoppy IPA, a smooth pale ale, and perhaps a seasonal winter ale. Of course, if ales aren’t your thing, the bar also stocks lagers (standard and craft), a selection of wines, spirits and cocktails, plus soft drinks. But the real enthusiasm here is for a properly poured real ale.

For the record, the pub has a Cask Ale Discount Scheme: CAMRA members get 10% off cask pints. (One reviewer happily notes that CAMRA members “enjoy a 10% discount” and that “the beer is first rate”.) In practice, expect the usual Greene King pints around £4–£5 (IPA is often the priciest) and maybe lower on cheap promos. One devoted visitor even commented that all casks go for just £2.30 on Mondays!. So if you’re chasing a bargain Guinness or pale ale, drop in early in the week.

The Templar’s taps showcase quality and variety. As one rail-thin review put it: “Cracking pub. Great selection of beers. On a Monday all cask beers only £2.30. […] The bar staff are great with the landlord Ian been here years… pulling a good pint”. Another sums it up as a “superb pub that serves an excellent cask ale range”. Between that, the brewing heritage decor, and knowledgeable staff behind the bar, you’re in for a reliable pint here.

Price Range & Value

By Leeds city-centre standards, the Templar’s prices are very reasonable. It’s generally rated as a “£” or “££” pub (moderate pricing). Main dishes tend to be around £10–£15 (for example, burgers, curries or pies), which is about average. Starters/sides (like soup, fries, or chips) are cheap extras. Drinks are also fairly priced: a standard pint of ale usually runs around £4–£5, depending on the beer. The true bargain is on promo nights: reviewers repeatedly mention incredibly low prices on certain days. For instance, a local wrote that the beer “is kept well and incredibly cheap considering it is a town centre pub – especially on a Monday”. Another noted you can get “a vodka & coke and a pint for under 7 quid” even during peak crowds. And as mentioned, cask ales drop to £2.30 on Monday nights.

Customers consistently praise the Templar for value. One group hailed it as “fantastic value for money”; others highlight the combination of fresh beer and fair prices. Food portions are generous – a burger or plate of fish and chips is notably filling – so you feel you’re getting your money’s worth. The pub is not stingy on anything: your plate will come piled up and your pint topped off properly. There are no hidden surcharges here (no automatic service charge for drinks; tipping is discretionary).

For reference, here’s a rough guide:

• Pints: ~£4.00–£5.00 for premium ales, slightly less for domestic lagers. (Mondays: real ales at ~£2.30–£3.)

• Meals: Most main courses £10–£15. Smaller plates or burgers ~£9–£12. Kids’ meals and sides under £6.

• Soft drinks/spirits: Standard pub prices.

• Specials/Deals: Watch out for pub deals (e.g. burger-and-beer offers) and seasonal promotions (Christmas/festive menus may bump prices slightly).

Budget travellers and locals alike note that the Templar feels honest and fair. You don’t feel nickeled and dimed here – instead there’s a sense of getting “proper pub grub” for the price. In one visitor’s words, “a pint for under 7 quid… friendly service” is exactly the kind of deal that makes people return. If you’re looking for cheap beer and wholesome food in the city centre without hidden costs, the Templar delivers.

Customer Service

Walk in and you’re likely to receive a genuine Yorkshire welcome. The staff at the Templar have a strong reputation for friendliness and efficiency. This has been a family-run pub for years, and you can tell by the relaxed, proud service style. Patrons repeatedly comment on the warmth of the team. One reviewer gushed that the “landlord and staff are very helpful” and added heart emojis to emphasize the love. Another praised the staff’s knowledge of beer, calling them “very friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks they serve”. Even Greene King’s own posts (which we saw in reviews) show them responding personally, so it’s clear the managers here care about making guests happy.

Service is generally prompt. During busy pre-theatre or sports evenings, expect a short wait to order at the bar or get your food, but in my experience the team handles the rush well. The pub is small, but glasses and plates are quickly cleared. Everyone – from the landlord to the newest bar-back – seems to know most regulars by name, which gives the place a real community feel. Yet they’re equally welcoming to newcomers and tourists. If you look unsure about a beer choice, they’ll often offer a taste or recommendation.

What about loyalty? Many reviews mention a stalwart landlord (one even by name, Ian) who’s been there “years”, which speaks to low staff turnover – always a good sign. The bartenders work at a rapid clip; even when the pub is rammed with football fans, the lines move briskly. Most orders are kitchen-run, meaning you often tell the bar what you want and they buzz it in. Any hiccups (occasionally a mix-up) are handled with a smile. In short, the service culture is earnest and down-to-earth. People come for a real pub vibe, and the staff definitely help set that tone with a friendly grin and quick pour.

If there’s a quibble, it’s only that on super-peak nights (like a sold-out show or major match) you might queue a bit longer for your pint or pie. But that’s true of most popular pubs. The prevailing impression is positive – “staff friendly and helpful” is a recurring refrain. By the end of the night, even first-time visitors often feel like locals.

Events & Special Nights

The Templar isn’t known for huge production events; instead it thrives on low-key gatherings and watching the city’s calendar. Sports are a big draw here. The pub screens all the major games – football (Premier League, internationals), rugby (Six Nations, Yorkshire derbies), darts tournaments, and motorsport. They actively advertise themselves as a place to catch “top sporting action” on Sky/TNT. For big matches or finals, the atmosphere builds as fans pack in. (On rare occasions, the staff might set up a larger projector screen or move tables aside so everyone can watch – that’s happened during World Cup or Champions League nights, according to locals.)

Regular entertainment includes pub quizzes and themed evenings. There’s typically a weekly quiz night (often midweek) with a small entry fee and a bar tab prize; this is very popular with local teams. On quieter weekday nights you might hear acoustic music or see a charity fundraiser, but nothing too boisterous. Sundays have their own vibe: after mid-day service, the pub sometimes hosts a friendly DJ session or plays classic rock tunes. These are informal – just background music and a bit of dancing for those so inclined.

Seasonal celebrations are taken in stride. For example, St. Patrick’s Day sees a lively Guinness crowd (the Irish-themed decorations and green beers come out). Christmas and New Year often bring special menus and festive cocktails (Greene King runs a standard Christmas pub program at all its sites). Even on national holidays or city events (like Leeds Light Night or bank holidays), the pub opens late and offers special deals to entice revelers.

That said, if you’re looking for non-stop programming (like daily live bands or a changing concert schedule), the Templar is more low-key. It’s not a themed “experience” pub – it’s simply a friendly place to gather. Most of the time, the main “event” is the company and conversation itself. As one reviewer put it, this pub really is about the beer and the crowd: it even celebrated its own history, calling itself “traditional” and encouraging you to watch sport there.

You’ll find quiz nights, sports broadcasts and the occasional DJ night on the calendar. There are no fixed dance parties or weekly comedy shows (the focus is squarely on drinks and chat), but keep an eye on the pub’s social media or in-house flyers – they do announce the odd local gig or special wine tasting. Most visitors come anticipating friendly banter and a well-pulled pint, not fireworks.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Step inside and you immediately feel the period pub atmosphere. The interior is rich with vintage character: high wood-beamed ceilings, dark wood panelling up to two-thirds height, and old framed pictures lining the walls. Stained glass panels (some in painted deep greens and reds) filter the light by day, and by evening the room glows from antique-style lamps and the warmth of the open fire in the corner during winter (yes, they do light the fireplace when it’s cold). The original bar back with its carved arches survives, and although much of the old dividing walls were knocked out in the 1980s, you still notice the Tudor-style cornices and dado tiles. One guest described it as having “a traditional pub look and feel with original fixtures”. Indeed, Yorkshire pride shows: the Tudor-arched doorways, historic tilt-glazed windows, and the faded green paint are all reminders of its inter-war heritage.

Despite the vintage décor, the vibe is anything but stodgy. The pub manages to feel lively and inclusive. During the day you’ll see lunchtime crowd (office workers, shoppers) popping in for a pint and a quick sandwich. In the evenings it fills with an energetic mix: post-work regulars nursing beers, groups of friends catching up, local CAMRA members sampling cask ales, and theatre-goers grabbing a drink before or after a show (the Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall are literally around the corner). Everyone blends together into a friendly din of conversation. It never gets so loud that you can’t hear each other – it’s loud with talking, not blaring music.

Because the building is quite old, the layout is a bit quirky. It’s a medium-small pub: tight enough to feel intimate, but rarely so packed that you can’t find a corner to settle in. There are a few separate sitting rooms off the main bar, and a couple of cushioned benches tucked away if you prefer a quieter spot. However, at peak times (for example, 5–7pm on a Friday, or right before an 8pm theatre curtain), it can become very busy. On those nights you might have to wait a few minutes for an empty table. The staff handle this well by wiping and rotating quickly, but if you want a guaranteed seat it’s wise to come early. Overall the buzz of a full house actually adds to the charm – it feels warm and lived-in, rather than vast and impersonal.

Accessibility-wise, the Templar does a decent job given its age. The main entrance on Vicar Lane has a short step (roughly 4 inches), but once inside the ground floor is level and has space for wheelchair maneuvering. A side entrance on Templar Street is step-free, too. There is a disabled restroom (not all pubs have one), as advertised. The one limitation is that the upstairs (formerly hotel rooms) is closed to customers, so all patron space is on the ground floor. If you have mobility needs, this means there are no further stairs to worry about – everything happens on the one level. The pub is happy to help accommodate (staff will move a heavy chair or pull a pint for you, for example). Dog-lovers should note that the Templar is dog-friendly (small, well-behaved pets on leads are welcome at most tables).

In terms of location comfort, the pub can sometimes be warm in winter (lots of bodies, fire lit) and a bit open in shoulder seasons (large front windows). But little details like wooden shutters and curtains can be drawn if needed. Lighting is mainly soft and golden – great for ambience but maybe not the best for picky tweeters about brightness. The general accessibility is better than many old city pubs – the 2019 Grade II refurbishment plans even aim to improve things further.

The atmosphere is consistently described as inviting. One reviewer perfectly captured it: “friendly staff and sociable regulars create a lively, welcoming atmosphere”. Another visitor raved that visiting the Templar was “a joy… it had everything we look for in a pub: friendly staff… well kept beers… [and] happy customers”. In plain terms, it feels like your local, even when you’re only stopping by for the first time.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Templar Hotel benefits enormously from its location right in the heart of Leeds. It sits on Vicar Lane just off City Square, so it’s a 2-minute walk from Leeds City Bus Station and only about 10 minutes from Leeds Train Station. Grand Theatre and Opera House (Parmar Theatre) are immediately next door, making it a prime spot for pre- or post-show drinks. In fact, one patron notes its “great location” for theatre – you can head over to the play or music hall just by crossing the road. Similarly, First Direct Arena (for concerts and big events) is an easy 5–10 minute stroll south (the Greene King site even boasts it’s only “eight minutes away”).

If you’re exploring Leeds’s cultural scene, the pub is also a stone’s throw from the West Yorkshire Playhouse and the Leeds City Museum. Shopping and dining are steps away: the famous Victoria Quarter (with its luxury shops and Royal Arcade) is just around the corner, and the modern Trinity Leeds mall is a 5-minute walk down Wellington Street. Upper sections of Boar Lane and Call Lane (a lively street with bars and eateries) are right across the road. Nearby are other attractions like Leeds Minster, City Varieties Music Hall, and the historic Kirkgate Market, all within a short walk.

For transport, virtually every city-centre bus route passes City Square, and bike racks are plentiful around the square. Parking is very limited on-site (there’s none for customers), but several NCP and short-stay car parks are in the vicinity, or one can park further out and hop on a city bus. Taxis and rideshares are easy to catch nearby as well.

The pub’s central Leeds location makes it an excellent meeting point or pitstop during a day out. Whether you’ve just caught a lunchtime show, finished a shopping trip, or arrived by train, the Templar is hard to miss and convenient to access. No wonder one reviewer mentioned it sits opposite a Travelodge and a major bus stop – it’s practically smack in the most central corner of the city.

Overall Impression

The Templar Hotel delivers the kind of pub experience that many consider quintessentially British. It’s warm, unpretentious, and rich in character. Over its nearly 200-year history, it has survived as Leeds’s classic locals’ pub – a welcome contrast to the slick new bars springing up elsewhere. Patrons love that you can enjoy a perfectly poured pint of real ale, tuck into honest pub food, and experience authentic atmosphere all under one roof. In fact, one admirer said quite simply that “the Templar Hotel encapsulates everything I like in a pub”and ranks it “one of the best pubs in Leeds”. That sentiment is echoed again and again: reviewers call it “superb,” “top class,” and “one of the best pubs” in town.

This praise is well-earned. The Templar stands out because it’s the real deal – not a themed gastropub or a nightclub, but a genuine 20th-century corner pub serving great beer and good food. It has flaws, of course: the building is compact, so it can feel crowded on a busy Friday or Friday-night, and there’s no space for big-screen entertainment. It also may not appeal if you only want craft cocktails or loud dancing. But those are minor quibbles. For its core offering – a mix of history, community and quality pints – it gets almost everything right.

In terms of value, quality, and warmth, the Templar consistently gets top marks. CAMRA devotees point out you can hardly find better cellaring or ale selection downtown. Families and office workers find it hearty and affordable. Visiting tourists enjoy the old-world charm. Even casual pub-hoppers note that after a visit here, “I’ll always visit when in Leeds”.

The Templar Hotel is highly recommended for anyone seeking a true Leeds pub experience. It offers a friendly ambience, well-kept ales, and a slice of living history. Whether you come for a quick after-work pint, a Sunday roast, or to soak up the atmosphere before a show, you’re likely to leave with a smile (and maybe a plan to return). It’s that rare city-centre pub that still feels like a homey neighbourhood “locals’ pub” – and indeed many patrons become locals as soon as they walk in. If your travels bring you to Leeds, or you’re a local exploring the city, The Templar Hotel is worth stopping by. Just be prepared to pull up a stool, raise a glass, and enjoy some genuine Yorkshire hospitality.