The Best Craft Beer Bars in Leeds - From North Bar to the Newest Taprooms
Leeds has always been a city that knows how to do things proper, and our craft beer scene is no exception. Long before craft beer became trendy down south, we were already grafting away, perfecting the art of the perfect pint. From pioneering bars that put us on the map to cutting-edge taprooms that are redefining what great beer can be, Leeds offers something for every beer lover with discerning taste.
The Pioneers
North Bar on New Briggate deserves legendary status in Leeds beer circles. This compact gem opened back in 1997 when most people had never heard of craft beer, let alone tasted it. The narrow, atmospheric space with its distinctive blue frontage has been serving exceptional beer for over two decades. Their bottle selection is phenomenal, featuring rare finds alongside reliable favourites. Expect to pay £5-7 for a quality pint, and don't be surprised if you can't get a seat on Friday nights - that's just testament to how good this place is.
Friends of Ham transformed the old Corn Exchange into something truly special. This isn't just about beer (their charcuterie is outstanding), but their tap selection consistently showcases the best of British brewing alongside carefully chosen international options. The Victorian architecture provides a stunning backdrop for serious beer drinking. Book ahead for weekend visits - this place fills up faster than a Leeds United season ticket allocation.
The Calls: Where History Meets Hops
Down in The Calls, where Leeds' industrial heritage meets modern sophistication, you'll find some of our most exciting beer destinations. Belgrave Music Hall might be known for its rooftop terrace and live music, but don't overlook their carefully curated beer selection. The three-floor venue offers different vibes depending on your mood, from intimate basement gigs to that famous terrace overlooking the city.
The Reliance on North Street bridges the gap between exceptional food and serious beer appreciation. Their rotating taps feature Yorkshire breweries alongside innovative selections from further afield. The gastropub approach means you can settle in for the long haul - and with beer this good, why wouldn't you?
Headingley: Student Territory with Serious Beer
Don't let Headingley's student reputation fool you into thinking it's all about cheap pints and sticky floors. Arcadia Ale House on Otley Road has been quietly building a reputation as one of the finest beer destinations in north Leeds. Their bottle shop attached to the bar means you can take the best discoveries home with you. Prices are reasonable (£4-6 per pint), and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between welcoming locals and beer geeks.
Chapel Allerton's Hidden Gem
The Regent on Regent Street has transformed from a traditional boozer into a craft beer destination that still maintains its community pub feel. The beer garden is a sun trap in summer, and their Sunday roasts paired with quality ales make for the perfect weekend combination. It's the kind of place where you pop in for one and somehow find yourself still there three hours later, deep in conversation with strangers who feel like old mates.
City Centre Newcomers
The city centre continues to evolve, with new spots opening that understand what Leeds drinkers want. Bundobust on Mill Hill might be famous for their Indian street food, but their beer selection deserves equal praise. The combination of hoppy IPAs with spicy food is a match made in heaven, and the industrial-chic setting captures that Leeds spirit perfectly.
Over in Kirkgate, the area's regeneration has brought new opportunities for beer lovers. The independent spirit that defines Leeds is alive and well in the smaller bars tucked away down side streets, each offering their own take on what great beer service should be.
Beyond the Centre
Meanwood Brewery represents the new wave of Leeds brewing, with their taproom offering fresh beer straight from the source. There's something special about drinking beer where it's made, surrounded by the tanks and the smell of brewing hops. Weekend opening hours vary, so check their social media before making the journey.
In Roundhay, traditional pubs are evolving to meet modern tastes without losing their character. The area's proximity to the park makes it perfect for those long summer sessions that define Leeds social life.
The Taproom Revolution
Leeds Dock and the Holbeck area have become hotbeds of brewery innovation. These industrial spaces provide the perfect backdrop for taprooms that celebrate both the craft of brewing and the community spirit that makes Leeds special. Many operate on limited hours, typically Thursday to Sunday, so planning ahead is essential.
Northern Monk Refectory in Holbeck deserves special mention. This former mill building now houses one of Yorkshire's most respected breweries, with a taproom that showcases not just their own exceptional beers but collaborations with breweries from around the world. The space itself tells the story of Leeds' industrial past reimagined for the future.
Planning Your Beer Journey
Most of Leeds' best beer bars don't take bookings for drinking, so timing is everything. Weekday evenings offer the best chance of getting served quickly and finding somewhere to sit. Weekend afternoons can be glorious, especially in summer, but expect crowds. Budget £25-40 for a proper session, more if you're combining with food.
Remember, this is Leeds - we're friendly, we're passionate about quality, and we appreciate people who take their beer seriously. Whether you're starting at North Bar and working your way through the classics, or heading straight to the newest taproom in Holbeck, you're in for a treat. This city has always known how to do beer properly, and that tradition continues stronger than ever.
