From the dozens of local breweries on our doorsteps to traditional pubs and more modern bars, the city is home to pioneers of the industry.
Real ale, the term coined by CAMRA, has became associated with beer served from a pub’s cellar through tall, hand-pulled pumps on the bar. CAMRA has its own Good Beer Guide – but we wanted to find out Leeds locals’ go-to haunts for real ale.
We asked our readers to suggest their favourite real ale bars and pubs in Leeds. Here are 13 of their recommendations.
7. The Duncan
The city centre pub finally reopened its doors in May after two years of being closed, much to the delight of returning regulars. The pub is popular with Leeds United fans and visitors have previously found themselves rubbing shoulders with club directors. Photo: National World
8. Gaping Goose
This quaint and traditional Garforth pub serves a great range of cask beer and has become an integral part of the community. Landlady Jo and her team are widely praised for their warmth - and the pub is dog-friendly, too. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
9. Horse and Trumpet
The Horse and Trumpet is a down-to-earth local boozer on the Headrow, which is known for great-value beer. It's currently running special January offers with drinks starting at £2.29. Photo: Google
10. Tapped
Opened in December 2013, this American-style brew pub on Boar Lane offers a wide range of products including 13 cask lines, 14 keg lines, bottles and cans as well as fresh beer brewed on site. Photo: Google
11. The Assembly
The Assembly is an independent neighbourhood bar and bottle shop, owned by Stephanie and Matthew Cliffe, with two locations in Cross Gates and Garforth. They spotted a gap in the market in the suburbs, catering for people willing to spend a little more on quality ales. Photo: Tony Johnson
12. The Three Legs
Notorious for its music and karaoke sessions every day from 2pm, this historic city centre pub is housed in a listed building on The Headrow. It might divide opinion, but it's praised for its good-value beers. Photo: Google