Bar Review Aire Bar
Simon O'Hare enjoys a pint overlooking the river
Bar Review: Aire Bar
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It’s Friday afternoon and you’re stuck in the office, time slowing down as the sun blazes through the window. What you would give for an ice cold pint right now? But it needn’t be like this. What’s annual leave for, if not to treat yourself to the occasional Friday afternoon outdoors, drink in hand? And our recent visit to the Aire Bar reminded us that its riverside terrace makes a strong claim to being the best place in the city centre for enjoying a lazy afternoon in the sun.
City centre bars come and go, and drinkers can be a fickle lot. A trendy new venue can say the right things, flutter its eyelashes and, before you know it, it’s the place to be. But it’s been more of a long-term relationship for Leeds drinkers with this place, having been on the scene for a number of years now, and for good reason: a characterful bare-brick building; well chosen drinks selection; unpretentious pub-style atmosphere, complete with pool table; unfussy bar food; friendly service, and - above all else at this time of year - an outdoor drinking area in a prime position overlooking the river. It’s a top choice for all kinds of occasion, whether it’s a lively night out with the lads or lasses, or for a quiet pint with the Sunday papers for company. And speaking of drinks, beer lovers will always be able to find a couple of quality cask ales to tempt them here, as well as a number of refreshing lagers. On our visit, a pint each of Leeds Best and Speckled Hen went down very smoothly as the river calmly passed us by.
In fact, it’s so pleasant sitting out on the terrace that it makes you wonder why Leeds doesn’t make so much more of the river that runs through it. Gazing across the water, you can imagine an endless row of continental-style riverside cafes and restaurants lining the riverbank, coming alive with spotlights at night. Yes, the weather isn’t great all year round, but even from indoors, the view of water can add a certain special atmosphere. But as it stands, there’s no endless row of bars and eateries; the Aire Bar is one of just a handful of venues overlooking the river in these parts.
As we sit back and enjoy our drinks in the sun, we notice a family of ducks across the river gliding in single-file towards the Aire Bar. They’ve got the right idea.
Posted on Tuesday 28th July 2009
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