There is little as quintessentially British as an evening spent at the pub with family and friends, and Leeds boasts some excellent pub options to enjoy. From traditional pubs serving for over a century to trendy gastro pubs with classy cocktails, Leeds is known for having some of the best taverns in the UK. We've picked out the best pubs in Leeds for you to find an excellently poured pint.
Whitelock's Ale House
As the oldest pub in Leeds, the history of the Whitelock's Ale House makes it a must-visit. First opened in 1715 as the Turks Head, it was renamed Whitlock's when it was taken over by the Whitelock family in the 1880s. You’ll be transported back in time when you enter the traditional pub - the space is small and cosy and decorated with dark wood and stained glass. Sit and enjoy one of the reasonably priced ales, of which there is a vast selection, and order some pub grub from the traditional menu. If you’re lucky with the weather, the pub has a beer garden to catch some rays.
Getting to Whitelocks Ale House: From Leeds train station, Whitelocks Ale House is a speedy seven-minute walk through the city centre via New Station Street.
Kirkstall Bridge Inn
If you fancy some culture before your pint, it’s worth taking the trip to Kirkstall - in fact, it is one of our favourite free things to do in the city. Kirkstall Abbey is one of Leeds’s top historical sites, boasting historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery. After you’ve spent some time exploring the abbey, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Bridge Inn pub. Serving a brilliant beer selection brewed on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool canals and with fresh and reasonably priced food, the Bridge Inn is the perfect place to stop and spend a relaxing afternoon after wandering the ruins of the ancient abbey.
Getting to Kirkstall Bridge Inn: If you want to skip the abbey and go straight to the pub, you can get the bus from outside Leeds station. From Kirkstall Abbey, you can walk to the Bridge Inn via Abbey Road in 10 minutes.
The Cross Keys
Combining city standards with country appeal, you’d be forgiven for thinking this city centre pub was tucked away in the English countryside. In the winter months, the warming light invites you in from the cold, and gleaming beer pumps, cosy alcoves and a roaring fire keep you from leaving. In the summer, the courtyard provides a sun-drenched sanctuary from the city centre.
With an impressive range of craft and real ales and a wide selection of wines and spirits, you’ll easily spend hours in this city gem. And the food is great too! Amongst its award-winning Sunday roasts, The Cross Keys’ seasonal menu is one to explore.
Getting to The Cross Keys: From Leeds station, you can walk to The Cross Keys pub via Neville Lane in just under 10 minutes.
The Adelphi
You’ll think you’ve stepped back in time when you enter The Adelphi. With period décor similar to that of an original Victorian tavern, this is a popular Leeds local that has stood the test of time. For newcomers, The Adelphi’s layout can seem confusing as you navigate through the building. Four rooms with their own individual look may seem a bit misplaced, but it’s all part of the charm. The small bar offers local real ales alongside brews from further afield, and the kitchen serves traditional British pub grub as well as international dishes. They regularly rotate their beers on offer, so you're likely to try something new. The Adelphi is undoubtedly one of the best pubs in Leeds.
Getting to the Adelphi: From Leeds station, the Adelphi is a seven-minute walk via Bridge End.
The Dry Dock
For something a little bit different, head to The Dry Dock. A quirky bar on a docked boat on the river, this is one of the most versatile venues in Leeds. The Dry Dock’s relaxed atmosphere means it’s great to visit at all times of the day. Tasty and reasonably priced food is served from 11am until 10pm, while the unique nautical theme and extensive range of drinks means the bar buzzes until 2am. Watch sport, hire for a party, or simply chill out with your friends - the Dry Dock is a great option when you visit Leeds.
Getting to the Dry Dock: The Dry Dock is less than a 20-minutes' walk from Leeds station.
Brewery Tap
The Leeds Brewery Tap is one of the closest points to Leeds Train Station, this modern pub has become one of Leeds’s best-known watering holes. A recent refurb has jazzed up the pub’s small but funky roof terrace, but there’s plenty of room inside too. Serving a wide selection of craft beer, Yorkshire ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks, as well as fresh locally sourced food, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. Stay for ‘just one more’, then go to your platform to catch the train home.
Getting to the Brewery Tap: Travelling with CrossCountry will give you a door-to-door service to the Brewery Tap, as the pub is a two-minute walk from the station.
- Author:
- Abby
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- Food And Drink
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