I tried Leeds' 'new' City Taproom - and it’s more familiar than you'd expect
The City Taproom might not reinvent the wheel - but it doesn’t need to
Leeds’ latest pub addition isn’t particularly new - but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The City Taproom is the updated version of North Taproom on Sovereign Street, borrowing its name from historic city centre pub The City, which once stood where the Dortmund Square brewer statue now stand.
The rebrand does, however, mark the end of an era. Just over two years ago, North Brewing Co faced administration, with eight pubs hanging in the balance. In their moment of need, Kirkstall Brewery stepped in, securing a partnership that ensured the survival of both the brewery and its venues.
We can still enjoy North’s beers, and until now, the Sovereign Street site retained its familiar identity.
With the new name comes a light refurbishment. There’s a fresh coat of paint and a revamped bar that blends Kirkstall’s clean, industrial aesthetic with subtle Old West touches.
Regulars won’t find too many surprises, though. Little Bao Boy still occupies its spot to the right of the bar, serving up its popular menu, while the toilets remain immediately to your left upon entry.
Outside, the beer garden continues to be a standout feature. While the evening chill can creep in quickly once the sun dips behind the surrounding buildings, it’s easy to imagine these benches filling up fast as temperatures rise.
On a warm day, it’ll be one of the more sought-after outdoor drinking spots in the area.
The beer selection is where the venue truly delivers. Sixteen taps offer a strong line-up, including Kirkstall favourites like Virtuous, Pilsner, and Judicious, alongside options such as Dirty Leeds, Veltins, and Guinness.
A pint of Virtuous costs £6.10 - a price that might have raised eyebrows not long ago but today feels all the more common.
Service is efficient and friendly, even when the bar leans towards the busy side. Staff handle the pace well, keeping things moving without sacrificing attention to detail.
While there’s a small selection of wines and cocktails available, this is firmly a beer-first venue - and it wears that identity confidently.
The City Taproom excels at what it sets out to be: a reliable, well-located pub with quality drinks, solid food, and inviting outdoor space.
It may not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. For those expecting a completely fresh concept, it might feel a touch familiar - but for everyone else, that familiarity is part of its appeal.
Factfile
- Address: 3 Sovereign Square, Sovereign St, Leeds LS1 4BA
- Telephone: 0113 733 8349
- Opening hours: Mon-Tues, Sun, noon-10pm; Wed-Thurs, noon-11am; Fri-Sat, 11am-midnight
- Website: https://kirkstallbrewerytap.co.uk/
Scores
- Drinks: 8/10
- Value: 6/10
- Atmosphere: 6/10
- Service: 7/10