17 of the last ‘proper’ old-school pubs which are still open in Leeds

These photo memories raise a glass to those proper old school pubs which have been serving up a pint and warm welcome for decades.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 5th Mar 2023, 16:30 GMT

Updated 18th Mar 2024, 09:21 GMT

The pubs showcased all boast amazing history and heritage with many still boasting original features from low wooden beams to stained glass windows as well as fireplaces and priest holes. Some now have been granted Grade II listed status while others boast interesting claims to fame. An each has a story to tell. READ MORE: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

A focus on the last ‘proper’ old-school pubs which are still open in Leeds. PIC: Simon Hulme

1. 'Proper' old-school pubs

A focus on the last ‘proper’ old-school pubs which are still open in Leeds. PIC: Simon Hulme Photo: Simon Hulme

The Ship Inn on Briggate dates from Georgian times and it was once one of the haunts of actors, musicians and other people connected with the theatre due to the close proximity of the City Varieties, the Grand Theatre, and the now demolished Empire and Theatre Royal.

2. Ship Inn

The Ship Inn on Briggate dates from Georgian times and it was once one of the haunts of actors, musicians and other people connected with the theatre due to the close proximity of the City Varieties, the Grand Theatre, and the now demolished Empire and Theatre Royal. Photo: Graham Lindley

This pub on the corner of Dock Street with Hunslet Road on Leeds Bridge dates back to 1839 although the present inn dates from the turn of the 20th century. Launched as a Tetley Heritage pub by the Lord Mayor of Leeds in October of 1978, The Adelphi was made a Grade II listed building by the Department of National Heritage in April 1994.

3. The Adelphi

This pub on the corner of Dock Street with Hunslet Road on Leeds Bridge dates back to 1839 although the present inn dates from the turn of the 20th century. Launched as a Tetley Heritage pub by the Lord Mayor of Leeds in October of 1978, The Adelphi was made a Grade II listed building by the Department of National Heritage in April 1994. Photo: Steve Riding

Built as a home for a timber merchant in 1741, the Palace on Kirkgate was registered as an inn 100 years later in 1841. It is believed to have been names The Palace after one of the breweries whose ale it used to sell. From 1874, it was owned by the Castelow family who brewed their own beer, and are all buried in St. Peter’s graveyard next door. It was bought by Melbourne Breweries in 1926, then passed on to Tetley’s in the 1960s.

4. The Palace

Built as a home for a timber merchant in 1741, the Palace on Kirkgate was registered as an inn 100 years later in 1841. It is believed to have been names The Palace after one of the breweries whose ale it used to sell. From 1874, it was owned by the Castelow family who brewed their own beer, and are all buried in St. Peter’s graveyard next door. It was bought by Melbourne Breweries in 1926, then passed on to Tetley’s in the 1960s. Photo: James Hardisty

The Templar Hotel on Templar Street is believed to have originally been constructed in the early 19th century and was formerly known as the Templars' Inn.

5. The Templar Hotel

The Templar Hotel on Templar Street is believed to have originally been constructed in the early 19th century and was formerly known as the Templars' Inn. Photo: Tony Johnson

Whitelock's has been serving fine food and exemplary drinks to locals and to visitors to Leeds city centre for more than 300 years.

6. Whitelock's

Whitelock's has been serving fine food and exemplary drinks to locals and to visitors to Leeds city centre for more than 300 years. Photo: James Hardisty