22 of the Best Beer Gardens in Leeds

Lamb & Flag

Restored from a crumbling 19th-century building, the ‘Lamb’ mixes warm exposed brickwork with big open windows and one of the best beer gardens in Leeds.

Expect the full range of Leeds Brewery beers alongside an extensive range of draught lagers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and a menu of locally sourced, freshly cooked food. If you’re looking for lively courtyard vibes just a stone’s throw from the centre of town, this is it.

1 Church Row, Leeds LS2 7HD – 0113 243 1255

Headrow House

When it comes to alfresco dining and sunshine drinks, the team behind Headrow House, Belgrave, et al, have most definitely raised the bar, quite literally. Their rooftop ‘beer garden’ is one of the go-to destinations when the sun makes an appearance.

With a stellar selection of craft beers and cocktails together with their foodie revelation ‘Spitz Kebabs’ from Ox Club. Made using free-range Yorkshire meats, house-made sauces and salads + vegan kebabs from Doner Summer.

19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU – 0113 2459370

Northern Monk

One of the stars of Leeds South Bank, Northern Monk Old Flax Store brewery beer garden is the perfect place to soak up the rays and a few pints of their world Beer cup winning Eternal Session IPA. There’s an ever-changing selection of kitchen takeovers from the area’s best street food traders to soak up all the drinks, not to mention the train station is only minutes away.

Their current street food vendor is Jah Jyot Curry, serving up the best Punjabi food from Indian Sunday Roasts to Thali Trays packed full of flavour. One of our favourite spots on this side of town.

Marshalls Mill, The Old Flax Store, Marshall St, Leeds LS11 9YJ – 0113 2430003 

Whitelock’s Ale House

The oldest pub in the city has possibly one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. A favourite for anyone looking for an escape from the Saturday afternoon shoppers without straying too far from the centre, it’s literally down an alley off Briggate.

Enjoy a wide selection of real ale and craft beers – many from Yorkshire breweries – alongside a menu of fresh, home-cooked and locally sourced food available seven days a week.

Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB – 0113 2453950

LIVIN’Italy

Take a stroll down past Leeds train station, under the arches of Granary Wharf, and you will find LIVIN’Italy. This little slice of Italy serves probably the best Aperol Spritz in the city, fresh Italian pasta, pizza, deli treats and an incredible Italian Afternoon Tea.

Their outdoor area is small but charming, and if there are no seats available, there is an expanse of a grassed area with canal-side views just out the front, perfect for a little alfresco picnic with items from the deli counter.

Granary Wharf, Leeds LS1 4BR – 0113 2430090

Water Lane Boathouse

From the same team behind Headrow House comes Waterlane Boathouse. With canal-side views and a sprawling cobbled beer garden, there are few better places to catch the rays than this stunning spot. With a vast array of beers, wines and cocktails, and a menu of wood-fired pizzas and mouthwatering burgers.

Grab a pint and bed in for a long day of sunbathing and people-watching. They’re dog friendly too as if you needed any more of a reason to visit!

Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS – 0113 2460985

The Cross Keys

Nestled in the centre of Leeds industrial quarter sits gastropub The Cross Keys. Whilst its interior boasts exposed brick, plush leather booths and flagstone floors that scream cosiness, it’s the beer garden you’ll want to flock to come the warmer months.

Wooden decking and picnic tables adorn the rear of the pub, creating a blissful sun trap to enjoy the locally sourced food menu or one of the many regional craft ales.

107 Water Ln, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5WD – 0113 8313156

Belgrave Music Hall

Yet another hard hitter from the Headrow House family (these guys seriously have the monopoly of the best beer gardens in Leeds), is Belgrave. Touting itself as a music hall and canteen, the cavernous multi-storey venue hosts regular gigs, indoor food markets and events.

Head up to the astroturf and bright furniture-adorned roof bar to wet your whistle, and whilst you’re there, grab one of the in-house burgers from Patty Smiths or pizza slices from Dough Boys.

Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP – 0113 2346160

The Midnight Bell

Located in Holbeck’s atmospheric Urban Village lies The Midnight Bell. One of Leeds’s longest-loved pubs, with food served all day, and a dazzling array of local and craft beers, wines, and everything in between.

The courtyard beer garden to the rear is spacious and charming, surrounded by hanging baskets and picnic tables. Grab a spot early to avoid disappointment, this place fills up fast.

101 Water Ln, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5QN – 0113 2445044

Turk’s Head

This much-beloved watering hole is the sister bar to one of Leeds’ oldest pubs, Whitelocks. Whilst the former is the place to head for the more classic ales, Turks Head is the more modern choice, with a plethora of interesting craft ales, gins, and cocktails.

The beer garden which sits in the alleyway just off Briggate is lively and atmospheric all year round, with plenty of seating, and canopies with heaters for those unpredictable British summer days.

4 Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6AH – 0113 2453950

Roland’s

From the team behind one of Leeds’ best music venues-cum-bars The Domino Club, is Rolands. Located on the infamous drinking destination Call Lane, Rolands has a vintage, laid-back feel, and serves some of the best cocktails, and craft beers in Leeds.

They’re also known to serve one of the best espresso martini’s in the city! Head out back and upstairs for their quaint hidden sun trap of a roof terrace, for al fresco drinking at its best.

39 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT – 0113 318 2964

Green Room

Part rooftop bar part hip eatery, Green Room is Wellington Street’s newest addition. Located a stone’s throw away from Leeds City Station, there is a focus on sustainability, well-being, and plant-based dining.

The impressive south-facing rooftop terrace will be the ideal place to head in the warmer months, for al fresco dining, sunset cocktails, pop-up parties and summer BBQs. A lively terrace area with a great atmosphere makes the Green Room top of our list as one of the best beer gardens in Leeds.

36 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 2DE

Duck & Drake

One of Leeds’ most historic boozers, The Duck & Drake serves up well-kept cask ales, live music, friendly staff, and the relaxed and old-school décor of a proper pub. Head out the back to one of the prettiest beer gardens in Leeds, with flowers covering every wall, picnic benches, and the odd dog, if you’re lucky as they’re completely dog-friendly!

43 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DR – 0113 2455432

IF Rooftop

Leeds’ newest rooftop bar, IF Rooftop, opened for the summer season of 2023 and they’re certainly making their mark on the scene. This rooftop terrace offers delicious cocktails, panoramic views of Leeds’ beautiful skyline and plenty of space to dance with your friends. Grab the password from the bar’s Instagram, punch in the code and head up the stairs.

If this seems like a lot of work for a beer garden, trust us, it’s worth it. Fairy lights, comfy seating, and panoramic views of Leeds are the perfect setting to grab a beer, camp out all day and catch those rays. Just keep it on the down-low, yeah?

10-12 East Parade, Leeds, LS1 2BH – 0113 3606907

Best Beer Gardens in the Leeds Area

Beck & Call

Venture out to the leafy suburb of Meanwood, and you may just stumble upon one of the Best Beer Gardens in Leeds. One of the more child-friendly venues on this list, with a dedicated play area, The Beck & Call is the perfect place to bring the little ones to enjoy some time outdoors, whilst mum and dad grab a well-deserved beer from their expansive list.

The food on offer spans pub classics, burgers, salads and a cracking Sunday roast, with a separate kids menu to boot. What more could you need when the sun shines?

Stainbeck Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS7 2NP – 0113 2661192

Kirkstall Bridge Inn

Take a stroll along the Leeds Liverpool canal, and perched on the edge of the River Aire, you will find Kirkstall Bridge Inn. Easily one of the best beer gardens in Leeds, and adored by locals and visitors alike, the Inn has all the charm of a proper old-school boozer, with open fireplaces, flagstone floors, and embossed mirrors advertising ales from back in the day.

Head out back to the idyllic beer garden when the sun shines, and while away the hours riverside with a pint of Kirkstall pale, as this pub is one of Kirkstall Brewery’s.

12 Bridge Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3BW – 0113 2784044

The Mustard Pot

Equally, as inviting in the cold winter months – with its outdoor heaters and warm, cosy interior – as the summer ones, The Mustard Pot sits just back from Stainbeck Lane in the peaceful suburb of Chapel Allerton. The beer garden itself is surrounded by trees and greenery, with picnic benches and trellis-canopied seating.

It sits far enough back from the road that there is no traffic noise at all, and the garden’s sprawling size makes it perfect for children to play in too. The Mustard Pot is certainly one of the best beer gardens in Leeds.

20 Stainbeck Ln, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3QY – 0113 2695699

Original Oak, Headingley

Locals and students flock to this pub in the warmer months, and it’s easy to see why. Cheap booze, food served all day, and probably the biggest beer garden in Headingley ensures that when the sun shines, there’s rarely a table free for al fresco guzzling. Outdoor pool tables, and a huge screen that regularly shows sports just add to the appeal. On that note, we’ll see you there.

2 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2DG – 0113 2751322

The Boundary House

Located a short journey away from the city centre in Methley, is The Boundary House. The huge classic standalone exterior hides what is one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. A raised terrace, well-kept grassed area and cushioned rattan seating means this might just be the comfiest of the gardens on our list.

Full of families and groups of revellers on sunny days, The Boundary House boasts a wide range of local beers, and real ales, and serves fresh, local, seasonal food all day.

24 Church Side, Methley, Leeds LS26 9EE – 01977 551101

The Myrtle Tavern

In the trendy suburb of Meanwood lies this popular watering hole. The Myrtle Tavern easily boasts one of the best beer gardens just outside of Leeds all year round. With plenty of food and drink options and a great play area for the little ones, it’s the perfect beer garden for the whole family. There’s even a spacious marquee in the garden for those classic British summertime rainy days.

Myrtle Tavern, Parkside Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4NE – 0113 275 2101

DON’T MISS…

Save up to 38% this month on vouchers & experiences across Yorkshire