The Deer Park, located in Street Lane, Leeds, is the sort of place that gives gastropubs a good name. With its welcoming and well presented exterior as an immediate invitation, inside it is a delight of carefully chosen colours that stroke the psyche of its customers and create the relaxation and pleasure that go with good taste and hands on management.

Plenty of wood and leather creates warmth and luxury, and nothing is neglected, be it tasteful menu holders or well balanced lighting. This is a gastropub that is created for the convenience and enjoyment of its guests as a primary objective.

With a menu that is predominantly modern British, a Mediterranean influence can also be detected , and all dishes are seasonally motivated. Choices are impressive and a large range carries the conviction that is not always a part of extensive menus.

The Deer Park is all about sociability and sharing plates are an indispensable aid in boosting this amiable quality; look for the Greek mezze, with taramasalata, stuffed chilli peppers, red pepper humus, drunken aubergines and flatbreads as you consider the menu, sip a cocktail or two and generally unwind.

Warm Mediterranean trends exert their presence with asparagus, Serrano ham and crispy poached egg, and Romagna style onion and parmesan crostini soup are superb. A Stilton and spiced pear tart with rocket, red wine and hazelnut vinaigrette, or twice baked pecorino soufflé, crab, ginger, apple and rocket salad are early indications of skills at work in the kitchen.

Fancy a stoned baked flatbread? No problem, choose from six options that includes chorizo, chilli, mozzarella, rocket and tomato, or crayfish, smoked salmon, garlic, parsley and crème fraîche. Nor are salads forgotten, there are choices and seared beef with beetroot, orange, fresh horseradish and watercress with shaved parmesan can be taken either as a starter or main course, as can many other pre-dishes.

A widespread selection form the pasta, rotisserie and stove options roams through fifteen or so none of which I would have the slightest difficult in taking a knife and fork to, starting with Scottish Highland venison steak, curried smoked haddock, a classic burger and roast lamb rack alongside a mini shepherd?s pie and cumin tossed carrots. Steaks are plentiful and clearly from a sound source, and the fillet medallions with wasabi spring onion mash, shitake mushrooms and yuzu sauce seem to be an irresistible dish for those not averse to a little luxury. An impressive harvest of side dishes, amongst which expect to find Belgian frites and mayo, make the most of field and garden.

A galaxy of puddings goes for the jugular with sticky toffee pudding, a spiced apple caramel crumble, or a plum and frangipane tart with lemon mascarpone; farmhouse cheeses abound and there's a Warre?s Optima 10 years old tawny port to go with it, if the spirit moves that way.

The Great British Roast makes an impressive appearance on Sundays, accompanied by log fires in season, Sunday newspapers, Bloody Marys and leather sofas. Just bliss. However the weekend starts early at The Deer Park - Thursday to be precise, when all day they offer crisp, fresh Prosecco and house champagne at unbelievably bargain prices. Not for nothing is it referred to as Sparkling Thursday.

On weekdays a great value prix fixe menu is available lunch and early evening until 7pm, Monday to Friday, with a choice of two or three courses.

The wine list has been selected to inspire and excites even the most experienced topers. Try the Claret, Caberenet Sauvignon/Merlot, Rothschild Bordeaux, or a rather striking Bodegas VQ Sauvignon Blanc/Verdejo. Many wines are by the glass as well as the bottle.

Should you not be convinced by now that we are impressed with The Deer Park, check on their Website for further information - but there's nothing like firsthand experience. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.