Pub Of The Week: Delius Lived Next Door, Bradford

One of Bradford University’s boozers, this handsome triple-fronted building sits on Claremont, a street full of 18th-century townhouses in the Little Horton Lane conservation area.
Delius Lived Next Door.Delius Lived Next Door.
Delius Lived Next Door.

You may wonder why someone of my maturity is wandering into a student pub; well it’s not term-time so it wasn’t obvious. In fact there was an interesting mix of drinkers; a cycling club resplendent in pink lycra necking pints outside, office workers winding down in the spacious bar and a bunch of lawyers (I asked) lounging in leather Chesterfields.

It’s a live music venue and the walls are bristling with framed photos of everyone from Ian Brown to Jimi Hendrix via Blondie. There’s a pool table, a beer yard out back and the aforementioned seating.

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On tap, five real ales including Theakstons Bitter, Adnams of Southwold and a very good Caledonian Old Sea Dog which I tasted on your behalf (‘full-bodied and heavily hopped to give a zesty character. Malt flavour with caramel and roast’. Indeed.) There are an impressive 25 cocktails on offer plus they’ll rise to the challenge of making any one you can come up with. Later in the year there’ll be cask cider on tap too.

There’s no food other than crisps and nuts, but there are plans for a menu come September. One thing that makes this comfortable old pub stand out is the friendly service.

I’m sure it’s just as good when the students and tutors are around. Oh, and he did. Live next door. Delius. There’s a shamefully rusty plaque which you’ve got to hunt for but it exists. It bears the legend: “Frederick Delius, the composer, 1862-1934 was born here”. So there.

AMANDA WRAGG

Delius Lived Next Door, 8-10 Claremont, Bradford, BD7 1BQ. 01274 394439.

THE VERDICT

Welcome*****

Drinks selection*****

Atmosphere****

Prices****