10 of the best pubs in Leeds according to CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2023

A series of popular Leeds bars feature in the 2023 CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

By Joseph Keith

Published 27th Oct 2022, 04:45 BST

Updated 27th Oct 2022, 10:04 BST

The annual guide, released by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and on sale today, offers an insight into pubs, bars and clubs. It highlights venues selected by its members "as places to savour good beers from small breweries as well as cask-conditioned lagers and world beers and some pubs are highlighted for serving real ciders too".Here are 10 of the Leeds bars that feature in the 50th edition of the guide and what CAMRA said about each of them.

CAMRA said: "Described by John Betjeman as the very heart of Leeds, Whitelock's dates from 1715 and occupies a medieval burgage plot. The interior is largely unchanged since 1895 and is a feast of mirrors, polished metal and woodwork, stained glass, iron pillars, and faience tiling."

1. Whitelock's Ale House

CAMRA said: "Described by John Betjeman as the very heart of Leeds, Whitelock's dates from 1715 and occupies a medieval burgage plot. The interior is largely unchanged since 1895 and is a feast of mirrors, polished metal and woodwork, stained glass, iron pillars, and faience tiling." Photo: James Hardisty

CAMRA said: "Modern bar and charcuterie which features a wide range of interesting beers for all tastes on its modern style scaffolded bar. A large blackboard provides information (brewery, ABV and price) on the both the cask and good range of keg beers that often includes foreign, sour, strong and dark offerings."

2. Friends of Ham, New Station Street

CAMRA said: "Modern bar and charcuterie which features a wide range of interesting beers for all tastes on its modern style scaffolded bar. A large blackboard provides information (brewery, ABV and price) on the both the cask and good range of keg beers that often includes foreign, sour, strong and dark offerings." Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

CAMRA said: "Beneath the arches of Leeds Station's platform 17, the Hop serves a range of cask ales from Ossett Brewery plus guest beers. There are also three ciders available including Weston's Old Rosie."

3. The Hop, Granary Wharf

CAMRA said: "Beneath the arches of Leeds Station's platform 17, the Hop serves a range of cask ales from Ossett Brewery plus guest beers. There are also three ciders available including Weston's Old Rosie." Photo: Simon Hulme

CAMRA said: "There is a long bar opposite the entrance with seating areas to either side and is a busy ale house that provides a convenient spot to wait for a train from Leeds Station across the road. One of the few places still serving Tetley Bitter in central Leeds, the selection of guest ales is sourced from around the country."

4. Scarbrough Hotel (Taps)

CAMRA said: "There is a long bar opposite the entrance with seating areas to either side and is a busy ale house that provides a convenient spot to wait for a train from Leeds Station across the road. One of the few places still serving Tetley Bitter in central Leeds, the selection of guest ales is sourced from around the country." Photo: Simon Hulme

CAMRA said: "As well as a wide variety and styles of beers and ciders on draught, there is a good list of bottled and canned beers and ciders. Normally a couple of the beers available are brewed on site or at the sister pub in Sheffield. Freshly baked pizzas are served until two hours before closing."

5. Tapped, Boar Lane

CAMRA said: "As well as a wide variety and styles of beers and ciders on draught, there is a good list of bottled and canned beers and ciders. Normally a couple of the beers available are brewed on site or at the sister pub in Sheffield. Freshly baked pizzas are served until two hours before closing." Photo: steve riding

CAMRA said: "Small traditional inter-war pub dating from 1926 with a range of Timothy Taylor beers and a good reputation for its food menu. The pub consists of a single room with open alcoves to the left and right of the door."

6. Town Hall Tavern

CAMRA said: "Small traditional inter-war pub dating from 1926 with a range of Timothy Taylor beers and a good reputation for its food menu. The pub consists of a single room with open alcoves to the left and right of the door." Photo: Dan Oxtoby