The Vesper Gate, Leeds Review
The Vesper Gate
Kirkstall, Leeds
Reviewed by Emma Lydon
We went to the Vesper Gate Pub, part of the Sizzling Pubs chain, early afternoon on a Sunday. We had never been to this pub before but it has a really prominent location opposite Kirkstall Abbey so it was easy to find. The pub has plenty of car parking and a small outside seating area. There are plenty of tables indoors but, despite being quite a big pub, every table was taken so we were lucky to have had a table reserved for us. Given that it was early afternoon on a Sunday and it was full was a good indication that we would be in for a good feed! There was also live football in the adult’s only area of the bar, which would be a bonus if you just wanted to pop in for a drink or two and some peace and quiet.
We were told on arriving that as it was so busy there would be a 45 minute wait on the food which wasn’t a problem and it was nice to be told this as we came in so we were prepared for the delay. There is plenty of choice for the kids, with the option to pick between choices allowing the kids to create their favourite meals. They also offer a really good value kids meal deal of a main, pudding and drink for only £4.50. There is something for all kids here, from the fussy eaters to the vegetarians, and there are crayons and activity sheets available to keep them entertained while you wait for your food.
It took a while for me to choose what to have as the main menu is vast. There are the pub classics, such as sausage and mash, fish and chips and chicken tikka masala, then there are sizzling plates, burgers, chicken, ribs, steaks, fajitas and a few ‘Unfinishables’ to tempt you. Having a sister who is a fussy vegetarian, I also noticed that there is a good selection of vegetarian dishes available – probably more than you would expect to see in a pub chain menu. I plumped for the ‘Number 1 Bestseller’ Triple Decker Deluxe Burger and my husband the 10oz rib-eye steak. Once we’d ordered, we were told that the wait for food might be an extra 5 minutes or so. Again, it was great to have such good communication from the staff, who were all incredibly helpful and polite.
The food arrived no later than expected and looked mouth-watering. The Triple Decker Burger was huge so I had to do some deconstructing! The steak arrived on a sizzling platter and the kids meals were plenty big enough for the bigger appetites of older children. I literally cannot fault the food. It was all delicious. The pulled pork on the burger was particularly good, and the steak melted in the mouth. The portions are big but thankfully my husband has a big appetite so could help me finish mine! Everything was cooked well, it arrived hot and at the same time.
It was also good to see how reasonably priced everything was – the steak cost only £9.99 and the burger £8.49. For the amount of food you get, it is such good value for money. They also have different meal deals every day of the week, along with lunch deals and smaller plates for the lighter appetite. I had no room left after my main to sample a dessert but the girls went for a Buzzy Bee ice cream and a Build-it-yourself Sundae and my other half the Lemon Meringue Pie. Again, great size portions, such good value and delicious to top it off.
The Vesper Gate was clean and tidy, the staff especially friendly and polite, the food fantastic and the price very reasonable. All in all, we had a lovely meal and will definitely be making the trip back there again. Superb.
I would highly recommend The Vesper Gate.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information, to view menus and special offers visit www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk/thevespergatekirkstall.
The Vesper Gate. Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3NG | 0113 2200961
