Good Pub Guide 2021 names these 13 Leeds pubs as some of the best in the country

Despite the pandemic and the restrictions placed on pubs this year, pub-goers will hopefully be able to enjoy their favourite venues again in 2021, and this guide is here to help.

You can read about the best pubs in the UK in their book, which is out now.

Here are the 13 pubs listed:

Kirkstall Bridge

4044 Bridge Road, Headingley–Kirkstall; LS5 3BW

This pub offers reasonably priced food and drinks ranging from pizza to deli boards, with a flagstone bar downstairs.

The pub is traditionally renovated and is next to the River Aire, with a riverside garden for those summer nights.

Dogs are also welcome, so make sure to check out this pub in the New Year.

http://kirkstallbridge.co.uk/

The Scarbrough Hotel

Bishopgate Street, opposite station; LS1 5DY

A traditional pub with a lot of character, this pub is well known for its great service and drink choices. From eight well-kept ales, 22 whiskies, 21 gins and a good wine collection, there’s something for everyone here.

Speaking to Toby Flint, a worker at the pub, he said: “It’s very flattering to be included in such a well-known publication, let’s hope that everyone who reads it comes in for a pint post-covid lockdown.”

Post covid you can also enjoy a range of speciality pies and breakfasts, and a delicious Sunday menu.

https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/yorkshireandthehumber/thescarbroughhotelbishopsgatestreetleeds

Midnight Bell

Water Lane, Holbeck; LS11 5QN

With children and dogs welcome, take the whole family for a day out to the Midnight Bell in 2021.

Home-made food, friendly staff and a courtyard beer garden, it’s no wonder this pub was rated one of the best in the country.

Located in Holbeck’s Urban village - reputedly the oldest set of industrial buildings in the world - with light contemporary decor with original beams and stripped brickwork, this pub is a place that feels like home.

https://midnightbell.co.uk/

The Grove Inn

Back Row, Holbeck; LS11 5PL

With eight well kept regional ales including Daleside Blonde and Weston’s cider, this pub is not only rich in history but has an amazing and diverse menu.

A spokesperson for the pub said: “It’s great to continue to be included in the Good Pub Guide, the Grove’s been a fine pub since 1832 so it’s great to still be recognised. We can’t wait to reopen in 2021.”

The pub’s history is still felt in its decor, with marble flooring and the original fireplace from its opening, this is one of the best pubs in Leeds.

http://thegroveinnleeds.co.uk/

Whitelocks

Turks Head Yard, off Briggate; LS1 6HB

Built-in 1715 and with a famous interior dating back to the late 1800s, Whitelock’s is one of the oldest public houses in Leeds and another great example of what Leeds has to offer.

Soaked in history, this pub serves a wide range of real ales and craft beers - many from Yorkshire breweries - with enjoyable food and a courtyard for the warmer months.

Children are welcome, so bring the family for a day out in 2021 to this Victorian pub that’s full of character.

http://www.whitelocksleeds.com/

The Thornhill

Town Gate – Blackett Street; LS28 5NF

An updated 17th-century roadside pub that prides itself on serving travellers moving between Bradford and Leeds, this venue has something for everybody.

There’s a wide range of food, including sandwiches and pub favourites like burgers, and even a Sunday lunch menu, which can be washed down with the choice of five real ales and plenty of wine.

Owners Jamie and Sally Hanson said: “It’s great to be in the guide, we’re working hard right now even though we’re shut.

“We hope we can open with a bang and that 2021 is a lot better than 2020, so we can finally get back to serving some customers.”

https://thethornhillcalverley.co.uk/

Windmill

Off A661 W of Wetherby; LS22 4HT

At 460 years old, this 16th-century pub is another great example of the historic pubs Leeds has to offer.

There are traditional pub dishes including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menus, including pie night Wednesdays and Steak Thursdays, even the pickiest eater will find something they love.

Their four ales include Theakstons Best, with several wines and a selection of spirits, bring your dog and cuddle up to the fire in the winter months or enjoy the sun in the conservatory and garden, this is a must-visit in 2021.

https://www.thewindmillinnlinton.co.uk/

Fox and Hounds

Hall Park Road, off back road Wetherby– Tadcaster; LS23 7DQ

Reasonably priced food and drink, from sandwiches to specials to Sunday Lunch, Fox and Hounds is a classic pub.

Their ales include Black Sheep and Timothy Taylors; this is the perfect pub to enjoy some comfort food in the quiet burrows of West Yorkshire.

https://thefoxandhoundswalton.com/about-us/

Old Cock

Crossgate; LS21 1AA

A traditional pub featuring a traditional menu, with no cooked food but good pork pies and sandwiches.

While no under-18s are allowed, this is still a great day out for the parents in the family, who can enjoy nine mostly local ales, tasty ciders and foreign beers.

https://theoldcockotley.co.uk/

The Roebuck

Roebuck Terrace; LS21 2EY

With a building dating back to 1783, this is a perfect pub to sit and relax in.

Their food includes sandwiches, sharing plates and a range of hearty pies, as well as Black Sheep and three everchanging local beers and plenty of wine by the glass.

Mick, a chef at the pub, said: “We just want to say thank you for including us, we’re a local pub, we try and use local ingredients and serve good food. It’s what it says on the tin.”

http://www.roebuckpub.co.uk/about-the-roebuck-otley/

White Hart

Just off A658 S of Harrogate, A659 E of Otley; LS21 1LH

A premium pub that serves both pub food and restaurant-like dishes, there are 25 wines to choose from including champagne and cocktails, making this one of the fancier pubs in Leeds.

Children and dogs are welcome, with armchairs and sofas making this a cosy place to bring your family in 2021.

https://www.thewhitehartpool.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb

Bar t’at

Cunliffe Road; LS29 9DZ

With Black Sheep, Okells, Ilkley and Timothy Taylors, this is a pub perfect for anyone who wants to experience a range of drinks and ales.

With a heated canopy on the back terrace and friendly staff, it’s not hard to see why this made the Good Pub List.

http://www.markettowntaverns.co.uk/pub-and-bar-finder/yorkshire/bartat/

Flying Duck

Church Street; LS29 9DS

An old stone pub with nine well-kept beers, including Wharfedale ales, brewed in the barn, this pub has everything you could want, including friendly and knowledgeable staff that’ll help you pick the right drink for you.

With a range of good value food including a selection of lighter dishes, this pub has a lovely homey feel with its wood burner and large stone fireplace, making it the perfect place to visit next year.

https://theflyingduck.co.uk/