The Best Pubs in Leeds
Forget the generic chain pubs, Leeds is a city where you can stumble from a 300 year old hidden ale house with a crackling fire to a converted boat buzzing with retro gaming, or a Victorian masterpiece serving legendary roasts, all in one night. Whether you fancy a fiver pie and pint by the canal, a disco ball lit cocktail bar, or a proper locals' boozer with live music and massive portions, the city's pub scene is pure magic. Read on to discover the best pubs in Leeds.


1. Whitelocks Ale House
4 Turks Head Yard, Leeds, LS1 6HB
Step through an unassuming, almost hidden entrance off Briggate to discover this historic ale house, established in 1715 and hailed as the oldest pub in the city. It boasts a Grade II* listed 1800s interior with a real fire, a wide selection of real ales and craft beers, and fresh, home cooked, locally sourced food. The large beer garden provides outdoor seating, and the pub is dog friendly and welcomes children. Visitors rave about the brilliant staff, the fantastic Ploughman's sandwich, and the traditional, well maintained character that makes it a true hidden gem.
Photo by Ian S — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. The Brewery Tap
18 New Station St, Leeds, LS1 5DL
Welcome to The Brewery Tap, a well known watering hole offering a wide selection of craft beer, Yorkshire ales, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. The venue features a unique, stylish interior with a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, plus a private terrace. It also has one of the best locations for function room hire due to its proximity to the train station. Don't miss the wing savant, and be sure to check out the food, buffet, spritz, and wine menus.
Photo by Ian S — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. Cardigan Arms
364 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS4 2HQ
This Victorian gem, a Grade II listed pub, has been restored to its former glory with original ornate features and an iconic central bar. It boasts seventeen beer lines, magnificent food including roasts on Sunday, and a beautiful function room hosting regular events. The pub is much loved by the community and a truly special place with appeal far beyond its postcode.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. A Nation of Shopkeepers
27-37 Cookridge St, Leeds, LS2 3AG
Nation of Shopkeepers is a distinctive British pub offering irresistible food, rotating craft beers, and explorative cocktails alongside pub quizzes and live music. It features an eclectic interior and a right fancy beer garden, making it perfect for laid-back catch-ups or high-energy nights out. The venue is purveyor of good vibes with neon lights, disco balls, and iconic art for a memorable drinking and dining experience. It serves flavoursome food for lazy lunches or family dinners, with a homely atmosphere suited to all occasions.
Photo by Tim Green — CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. The Adelphi
1-5 Hunslet Rd, Leeds, LS10 1JQ
The Adelphi is a vibrant British pub that blends the hip and the wholesome, offering a warm welcome. It is a testament to late Victorian architecture, making it perfect for a laid-back yet memorable drinking and dining experience. The pub serves tempting and flavoursome food with an explorative drinks menu for a lazy lunch or family dinner.
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6. The Dry Dock Leeds
Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 3AX
Step into The Dry Dock, a converted boat on land that’s bursting with energy from breakfast until the early hours. This welcoming spot is a true hub for fun, offering everything from retro gaming and pub quizzes to live sports on TV. You can grab a bargain pint on Tuesdays, challenge a friend to pool on the outdoor deck, or simply relax with a great selection of beers and tasty street food inspired bites. It’s the perfect place to meet new friends, catch a game, and enjoy a lively, casual vibe that keeps people coming back again and again.
Photo by RichTea — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The Hop
Granary Wharf, Dark Neville St, Leeds, LS1 4BR
Step through the doors of The Hop and you’re instantly rewarded with brilliant beer from Ossett Brewery and the legendary pie and a pint combo for a fiver. This canal side spot is a true community hub, especially during the famously fun pub quiz where free peas and pie are handed out. It gets wonderfully busy, so arriving early to claim a table by the water is a must before catching your train from the nearby station. The outdoor seating is perfect for sunny sessions, and the friendly buzz makes it a fantastic choice for groups. Just bring cash for smaller purchases to avoid the card surcharge.
Photo by Mtaylor848 — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. Lamb and Flag
1 Church Row, Leeds, LS2 7HD
Welcome to the Lamb and Flag, a beautifully restored 19th century building featuring warm exposed brickwork, big open windows, and a superb courtyard beer garden. It boasts plenty of space for private bookings, including a separate upstairs bar and balcony, plus a downstairs snug with its own private terrace. Behind the bar, you will find the full range of Leeds brewery beers alongside an extensive selection of draught lagers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. The menu features locally sourced, freshly cooked food that is all homemade, with seasonal offerings, a monthly specials board, and highly recommended Sunday roasts. This pub is also dog friendly, making it a fantastic spot for the whole family.
Photo by Tim Green — CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. West End House
26 Abbey Rd, Leeds, LS5 3HS
This welcoming local pub is a true gem, offering a clean, comfortable, and homely spot to enjoy a pint. The friendly staff serve a fantastic selection of real ales, and the kitchen delivers delicious, massive portions that offer incredible value for money. With outdoor seating available and a menu that caters to brunch, lunch, and vegetarian diners, it’s the perfect place to refuel after a visit to nearby Kirkstall Abbey.
Photo by Ian S — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Duck & Drake
43 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DR
The Duck & Drake is an historic pub that serves the finest cask ales and tastiest live music, with fantastic performances several nights a week. It also offers delicious pie & peas, and its selection of real ales has earned it the Cask Marque award. Reviewers call it a wicked little boozer with a great choice of real ales, welcoming staff, and a proper pub feel where dogs are allowed.
Photo by Tim Green — CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




