Best pubs in Leeds
The best pubs in Leeds are hard to narrow down, but we’ve handpicked a selection that are tried, tested and loved.
Whether you’re looking for a pint of real ale or somewhere for a quick bar snack, Leeds has something for everyone. Proper boozers, indie pubs, and funky contemporary joints, there’s plenty to choose from.
The best pubs in Leeds city centre
Whitelock’s Ale House
Whitelock’s is Leeds’ oldest pub, having opened in 1715. They’ve been serving excellent ale ever since and are arguably home to the best Guinness in Leeds.
Tucked away on Briggate, there is a wide selection of craft beers and real ales, along with a menu featuring pub classics that focus on ingredients from God’s own county.
Where? Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
Best pubs in Leeds City Centre – The Brunswick
This trendy establishment is located on the outskirts of Leeds city centre, but it’s definitely worth the trip. It offers 9 keg lines and 6 cask lines, to be perfectly paired with oysters served 12 to 9, Tuesday to Sunday, making it an ideal spot for a post-work pint.
Their Sunday roast is quickly becoming the talk of the town, along with their excellent take-out coffee to enjoy in the park across the road. The Brunswick are a Jack of all trades, but have importantly mastered the art of being a really good pub.
Where? 82 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
The Tetley
The Iconic Tetley buildings is not just a bit of a landmark in Leeds, but former headquarters of Joshua Tetley and Son, and at one time the largest producer of cask beer in the world.
In 2011, it reimagined itself as an art gallery, but now Kirkstall Brewery have transformed this iconic building into an amazing space for food, drink, and events.
Where? The Tetley, Hunslet Rd, Leeds LS10 1JQ
Duck and Drake
Pie and peas, anyone? Proper boozer and one of the best pubs in Leeds, The Duck and Drake is tucked nicely behind the Corn Exchange.
It’s a lively music venue thought to have been there for almost 200 years, and with 200 years of practice, they seem like they’ve got it nailed. Rich in history, it was known for hosting American GIs during the war.
Where? 43 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DR
Nation of Shopkeepers
Nation of Shopkeepers is a trendy take on a distinctive British pub serving rotating craft beers and explorative cocktails.
It’s right by Leeds’ theatres, museums and music venues, so it makes the perfect pitstop on a jaunt around the city centre. Expect pub quizzes, live music and a self-proclaimed ‘right-fancy beer garden’.
Where? 26-27 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AG
Lamb and flag
Down by the Calls is The Lamb and Flag, a traditional and contemporary pub, boasting a great courtyard and beer garden. During the colder months, the snug is the perfect place to cosy up with a pint of something local.
Enjoy one of their freshly cooked, locally sourced dishes from their menu of pub classics and make the most of the cosy, homely atmosphere this pub oozes.
Where? 1 Church Row, Leeds LS2 7HD
Bridge End Social
Join resident pooches Rita and Rodney for a waterside pint at Bridge End Social. Head down on a Tuesday for a £3.50 beer and enjoy their two floors of pub games and laidback vibes.
Their food menu is also worth mentioning – innovative but has all the comforting favourites, think toasties and soup or their Yorkshire Stack version of a roast.
Where? 24-32 Bridge End, Leeds LS1 4DJ
The Banker’s Cat
This pub in Leeds is the ultimate after-work pint. Right in the heart of the city centre on Boar Lane, it’s the perfect pit stop and place to enjoy a selection of craft beers and soon a self-service wine dispense!
It’s dark and moody inside with a full mahogany bar and cosy Chesterfield sofas. It’s a classic but contemporary pub where bumping into a banker or even their cat might not be unheard of.
Where? 29 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 5DA
The Brew Society
The Brew Society has mastered the art of fine wines, coffee, and craft beer. By day, they serve North Star Coffee, the renowned beans of Leeds, and by night, 13 rotating lines of microbrewed beer.
It’s a perfect mix of a café-come-pub that doesn’t overcomplicate things, just does beer and coffee exceptionally well.
Where? 26 Aire St, Leeds LS1 4HT
The Cross Keys
The Cross Keys offers a taste of a traditional country pub right in the centre of Leeds. Historically, the building was involved in manufacturing parts for the first steam train. Today, it serves beer and is one of the few authentic free houses in Leeds.
They’re rich with history and cosy country pub energy, and they also host the Leeds Blues Club, featuring some of the best musical talent once a month.
Where? 107 Water Ln, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5WD
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
Pizzas, pints and late-night vibes are not in short supply at Belgrave. This trendy watering hole has a stunning rooftop, vinyl DJs and a great selection of food and drink.
There’s always something going on, but the one consistent is exceptional beer, lovely food and great service.
Where? Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP
North Bar
Dotted across Leeds, North Bar are pioneers when it comes to craft beer. Their flagship pub on New Briggate was one of the first craft beer bars in Britain when it opened 27 years ago.
Take a seat, sit back and choose from their unparalleled selection of drinks, or maybe even a Bloody Mary?
Where? 24 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
The best pubs in the Leeds area
Myrtle Tavern
Meanwood is a trendy suburb filled with tap rooms and sandwich shops, making it a great spot just outside the city. If you have some free time, check out Myrtle Tavern.
It serves classic country pub food, has a lively community atmosphere, and hosts live music and events. Plus, it’s located on the Meanwood Valley Trail, perfect for a Sunday lunch followed by a walk.
Where? Myrtle Tavern, Parkside Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4NE
Terminus Tap Room and The Foundation
Meanwood Brewery‘s Terminus Taproom is another standout spot in Meanwood. They serve excellent food from local street vendors, with a rotating menu that offers something new and tasty to try, alongside their beer that’s brewed only a few meters away!
The atmosphere is lively with regular live music, comedy nights, and pub quizzes. It’s one of the best pubs in Leeds to relax and enjoy a very local pint.
Where? Stonegate Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4HY
Beck and Call
Chapel Allerton is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK, also home to some of the best pubs and restaurants in Leeds. Beck and Call is no exception. It’s vibrant, lively, has an excellent beer garden, and is a great spot to watch the football.
A fantastic spot for pub classics, including their famous Sunday roast, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers – all to be washed down with a local beer!
Where? Stainbeck Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 2NP
Best pubs in the Leeds area – The Mustard Pot
Another excellent pub in the up-and-coming Chapel Allerton is the Mustard Pot. It boasts a stunning beer garden, great tasting menu and exceptional hospitality. It’s the perfect dog-friendly neighbourhood watering hole.
Our favourite dish on their menu is the Best Pub Pie Ever, inspired by Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd’s winning main course on the Great British Menu.
Where? 20 Stainbeck Ln, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3QY
Kirkstall Bridge Inn
A Kirkstall Brewery classic is the Kirkstall Bridge Inn on the edge of the river Aire, with stunning views and a suntrap beer garden, it is the perfect pint on your way out of the city.
Brewery-owned and community-focused focused it’s a proper pub serving proper local beer. Enjoy the cosy atmosphere, join the pub quiz, or dig into their delicious Sunday roasts!
Where? 12 Bridge Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3BW
The Cardigan Arms
A landmark on Kirkstall Road, this Grade II-listed Victorian gem has been beautifully restored to one of the best pubs in Leeds by Kirkstall Brewery. Full of original features and history, their central bar has a real charm.
As a vibrant hub for the community, it hosts a variety of activities, including choir, book clubs, and arts and crafts events. It serves as a perfect gathering spot for creativity and connection.
Where? 364 Kirkstall Rd, Burley, Leeds LS4 2HQ
If you fancy travelling a little bit further out of town, there are also some amazing venues in Harrogate where you can enjoy a few beverages or even a Sunday Lunch! Take a look at our favourite bars in Harrogate.
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Written by
25/10/2025