The Lamb and Flag is a secret haven gastro pub in the historic calls. Standing on a corner in the shadow of Leeds Minister it has peace and tranquillity like no other as it overlooks the private paths of the church and its garden.

A listed 19^th century building it has been lovingly restored. It boasts a large courtyard beer garden, which is semi tented in the winter, with comfortable seating, blankets and wall heaters. You can eat out here but be warned in the summer it gets very busy.

Enter the pub and you will be amazed by the welcoming and warm atmosphere. The polished wood fits into the ambience of this listed building with a mixed decor of exposed brickwork and large windows.

The upstairs is reached by a heavy wood staircase and has its own bar. The tables upstairs are so expertly placed with large round ones and smaller ones all with comfortable chairs – you are guaranteed privacy and your own space at times. There are several breakout areas that all have their own character of interior design with lamps and bookcases.

The upstairs has its own private balcony that overlooks the Minster and the beer garden a great place to raise a glass as the sun sets over the Minsters.

The Lamb and Flag is one of the finest gastro pubs in the city. It’s menu is varied and caters for every taste and it took us a while to eventually decide on what we were going to have to eat.

I chose the perfect winter warmer Leek and Potato Soup with Thyme Croutons . If you’ve never tried soup at this establishment then its time you did.  My bowl of soup came piping hot. It was thick and creamy and the thyme croutons added a new dimensional flavour to the dish.

My colleague chose the Garlic and Paprika King Prawns which came with olives and capers on a crisp locally baked toasted focaccia with tomato salad. The dish was beautifully presented  with the prawns resting on a bed of olives, salad and capers . The prawns were well cooked as they should be and tender. The garlic taste was just right and complimented the dish very well.

When it came to mains there was a great choice of locally produced dishes which reflected the taste of Yorkshire.

I chose the Yorkshire Dales 8oz Sirloin Steak. The meat was succulent and tender and cooked exactly as I requested. The dish came with parmesan skin on chips and roasted tomatoes. I loved the chips they were fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside and the fresh tomatoes were a delight to savour.

My colleague chose the Leeds Best Beer Battered Haddock. The fish was moist and the batter crispy. Accompanying the large portion of fish were hand-cut chips and a smooth pea puree.  The best fish and chips I have tasted for a long time and so well cooked my colleague declared.

The dessert evoked childhood memories for my colleague. Her choice of Treacle Tart with Northern Bloc Ginger Caramel Ice Cream was a definite hit. The pastry had a melt in the mouth texture and the filling was not too sweet with the ginger ice cream the perfect accompaniment.

My heaven on a plate was the Chocolate and Orange Tart again served with Northern Bloc Ice Cream. It was just like eating a chocolate orange and the selection of red and blue berries diffused the sweetness and were the perfect partners to this dish.

The Lamb and Flag has a great atmosphere and can be exactly what you want it to be. It’s great for a family meal, a business lunch or somewhere to relax after a spot of retail therapy. It affords a great deal of privacy and so is the perfect spot for a romantic meal or special occasion.

The Lamb and Flag 1 Church Row, Leeds LS2 7HD

Tel: 0113 243 1255  – website lambandflagleeds.co.uk

Open: Mon/Tues/Wed 12 noon – 11.00pm; Thurs/Fri/Sat 12 noon to 12pm Sunday 12 noon – 10pm. For food serving times consult the website.