Leeds al fresco drinks: 11 of the best places to sit outside and enjoy a beverage as summer 2023 gets closer

With the summer sun getting ever closer, you may be thinking more and more about where best to enjoy a day out in the coming months.

By Charles Gray

Published 15th Apr 2023, 11:45 GMT

While there are plenty of parks and places for outdoor activities, Leeds is also not short on good options for pubs and venues where you can sit outside and enjoy a drink.

With plenty of choices both in the city centre and in and around the suburbs, we’ve picked out 11 of of our favourites:

Water Lane Boathouse is a bi-level pub by the water, offering seasonal fare in a relaxed environment with a roomy outdoor area. With DJs every weekend and Neapolitan-style pizza cooked on site, visitors can make the most out of the sunshine here.
Address: Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS

1. Water Lane Boathouse

Water Lane Boathouse is a bi-level pub by the water, offering seasonal fare in a relaxed environment with a roomy outdoor area. With DJs every weekend and Neapolitan-style pizza cooked on site, visitors can make the most out of the sunshine here. Address: Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS Photo: Gary Longbottom

Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2023, the Belgrave Music Hall's roof terrace has been a favourite for locals in the decade it has been open. Always offering great drinks and food, the Belgrave is well worth a visit.
Address: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP

2. Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen

Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2023, the Belgrave Music Hall's roof terrace has been a favourite for locals in the decade it has been open. Always offering great drinks and food, the Belgrave is well worth a visit. Address: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP Photo: James Hardisty

This riverside pub is part of Kirkstall Brewery, located on the Grade II Kirkstall bridge over the River Aire. The pub is rated 4.6 stars out of five, with visitors saying: "Good garden with a flowing amber river of beer." Seating in the beer garden operates on a first come, first served basis.
Address: 12 Bridge Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3BW

3. Kirkstall Bridge Inn

This riverside pub is part of Kirkstall Brewery, located on the Grade II Kirkstall bridge over the River Aire. The pub is rated 4.6 stars out of five, with visitors saying: "Good garden with a flowing amber river of beer." Seating in the beer garden operates on a first come, first served basis. Address: 12 Bridge Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3BW Photo: National World

This 21,000 square foot brewery has food stalls and plenty of beer to enjoy in their expansive outdoor seating area. DJs also perform vinyl sets at Springwell all weekend.
Address: Springwell Works, Buslingthorpe Ln, Leeds LS7 2DF

4. Springwell: North Brewing Company

This 21,000 square foot brewery has food stalls and plenty of beer to enjoy in their expansive outdoor seating area. DJs also perform vinyl sets at Springwell all weekend. Address: Springwell Works, Buslingthorpe Ln, Leeds LS7 2DF Photo: Springwell

Like a jumped up version of its older sibling venue the Belgrave's, Headrow House's beer garden is something to marvel at. With stunning views over the city and great drinks a plenty, there's a reason why this place is at the top of many people's list when the sun is shining.
Address: 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU

5. Headrow House

Like a jumped up version of its older sibling venue the Belgrave's, Headrow House's beer garden is something to marvel at. With stunning views over the city and great drinks a plenty, there's a reason why this place is at the top of many people's list when the sun is shining. Address: 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU Photo: National World

This much-loved drink and dining space has an amazing blend of food, drink, music and street art. Located a10 minute walk from Leeds train station, you can enjoy delicious grub from a selection of the finest street food stalls, all washed down with top tipples from local indies.

6. Chow Down

This much-loved drink and dining space has an amazing blend of food, drink, music and street art. Located a10 minute walk from Leeds train station, you can enjoy delicious grub from a selection of the finest street food stalls, all washed down with top tipples from local indies. Photo: Bruce Rollinson