Best Bars for Craft Beer in Leeds

From classic pubs to trendy bars, Leeds is packed with fantastic venues offering craft beers from the world over. Whether your preference is Yorkshire’s own blend or Asia’s finest brew, there’s enough to keep even the most seasoned beer lover satisfied. 

Here are some of the best places for craft beer in Leeds:

Northern Monk Refectory

Beer doesn’t come much fresher than the Northern Monk Refectory. An extension of the company’s onsite brewery, the taproom boasts a wide selection of draught beers and bottles.

As well as offering their own brews and blends, the Refectory showcases a delicious collection of guest brewers and seasonal fare.

Marshall Street, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 9YP (northernmonkbrewco)

A post shared by Northern Monk Refectory 🍻 (@northernmonkrefectory) on Jan 3, 2018 at 3:53am PST

Bundobust

Having made its name as a trendy Indian street food restaurant, Bundobust has fast become one of Leeds’ most bustling bars.

Alongside the sumptuous selection of Indian tapas, Bundobust sports a mighty selection of craft beers and ales.

The spicy Okra Fries and a cool IPA make for the perfect match in this boisterous and busy little gem.

6 Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DQ (bundobustleeds)

A post shared by Bundobust (@bundobust) on Dec 24, 2017 at 5:03am PST

Tapped Leeds

Another of Leeds’ most popular spots, Tapped Brewery Co. is located right in the heart of the city’s central shopping district.

Tapped offer a wide variety of brews, all created onsite in the pumps that adorn the bar’s interior. Choices range from tropical beer to smoky stout, and back again.

Be sure to grab some of Tapped’s famous stone-baked pizza alongside your Friday pint.

Trinity Leeds, 51 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 5EL (tappedleeds)

A post shared by Tapped Leeds (@tappedleeds) on Nov 22, 2017 at 5:01am PST

Preston

A little out of the centre, the delightful Preston sits in the leafy suburb of Roundhay, in the north of the city.

An offshoot of the ever-popular inner-city North Bar, this cosy suburban spot has an assortment of taps and bottles on offer.

All of which are perfect for finishing off a Sunday stroll through the nearby Roundhay Park.

468 Roundhay Road, Oakwood, Leeds, LS8 2HU (prestonleeds)

A post shared by Preston Bar (@preston_bar) on Aug 10, 2017 at 6:56am PDT

Whitelock’s

Looking for craft beer in Leeds? With a history stretching back to 1715, Whitelock’s is an age-old veteran of the city beer scene.

A traditional pub in every sense, this classic watering hole sports a wide array of real ales and craft brews.

Hidden down an unassuming alleyway just off Briggate; Whitelock’s is a great spot for an after-work drink.

4 Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds, LS1 6HB (whitelocks)

A post shared by Katy Ratcliffe (@katyratcliffe_) on Dec 28, 2017 at 6:06am PST

Foley’s Tap House

If there was ever a pub built for beer enthusiasts then Mr Foley’s is it. Sitting opposite the Town Hall, in an impressive Grade II listed building, this Cask Ale House offers beverages from some of Yorkshire’s best breweries.

Alongside their selection of local favourites, you’ll also find an array of continental choices, and an enticing range of malt whiskies for those looking for something stronger.

159 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 5RG (mrfoleysleeds)

A post shared by Rob Oates (@craft_beers_and_burgers) on Sep 9, 2017 at 3:28am PDT

Friends of Ham

This rustic bar blends great tasting beers and wines with sumptuous cheese and meat boards.

With an impressive selection from across Europe, Friends of Ham is a popular spot for the Friday night crowd.

Be sure to have one of the staff recommend their favourite craft beers, and partner it with an action-packed charcuterie board to begin your weekend in style.

4 New Station Street, Leeds, LS1 5DL (friendsofhamleeds)

A post shared by Friends of Ham (@friendsofham) on Dec 2, 2017 at 3:21am PST

Whapentake

Heralded as a little piece of Yorkshire, this jaunty bar prides itself on celebrating God’s own county.

Blending artisanal baking and craft beer selection, this traditional bakery-meets-pub sports some of the county’s finest brews.

The menu is as fresh as it comes too, with most of the produce sourced daily from the nearby Kirkgate Market. Yorkshire at its finest.

92 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DJ (whapentake)

A post shared by Wapentake Leeds (@wapentakeleeds) on Dec 31, 2017 at 5:41am PST

Arcadia

Situated in the heart of Headingley, the city’s student district. The hip Arcadia boasts an array of tap and bottled favourites, making it a stellar choice for craft beer in Leeds.

Fitted out like a continental beer hall, this bustling joint is a popular spot for the University crowd.

With so many flavours to choose from, why not grab one of Arcadia’s iconic tasting paddles for a taster of a few classics?

34 Arndale Centre, Otley Road, Leeds, LS6 2UE (arcadialeeds)

A post shared by arcadialeeds (@arcadialeeds) on Jan 3, 2018 at 2:47am PST

The Head of Steam

Specialising in all things Belgian, Head of Steam is the place to go for the best beers from the Benelux.

There are plenty other options for those looking for something more, with a choice of over 180 beers from across the globe to pick from at this great stop for craft beer in Leeds.

1 Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DQ (headofsteamleeds)

A post shared by The Head of Steam Leeds (@hos_leeds) on Dec 15, 2017 at 4:30am PST