Preston, Leeds: The Yorkshire pub which helped this suburb become a destination in its own right

One of the reasons for this is Preston, a short hop, skip, and a jump from the southern fringes of Roundhay Park.

Part of the excellent North Bar stable – which now has places in Harrogate, Otley and Manchester, as well as Leeds – Preston has become a popular haunt among locals since opening 13 years ago.

It’s named after Thomas Preston, a grocer from Chapel Allerton, who had the place built in 1898 – there’s a striking mosaic floor at the front door emblazoned with the name ‘Preston’ for good measure.

As is the North Bar style, regulars can hang their beer glasses or tankards on the back wall. It’s a nice touch that taps into our shared sense of nostalgia.

So does the jumble of wooden chairs and tables that remind me of those school desks with a grove running across them to an ink well – remember them?

But this isn’t a bar in aspic.

Places like Preston were at the forefront of the craft ale revolution that have changed the way pubs and bars look and feel in this country, combining tradition and modernity to create something that blends the best of both worlds.

There’s always an interesting, regularly changing, beer menu here – when I was in recently, they had Ilkley Brewery’s award-winning pale ale Mary Jane, as well as the likes of Vocation’s Hilltop lager, Full Circle’s Golden Ale and Beak’s fjords table beer, which at 3.4 per cent is a good session ale option.

You also might find a milk stout and some interesting and unusual ciders and fruit beers.

On top of all this, there’s an outside seating area which is a rather good place to install yourself on a sunny afternoon.

Welcome 5/5

Atmosphere 5/5

Drinks choice 4/5

Prices 4/5

Preston, 468 Roundhay Road, Leeds. LS8 2HU northbar.com/preston-1