Nine Leeds breweries and how you can support them as Kirkstall Brewery warns 'times are extra tough'
By Alexandra Carter
Published 15th Jan 2023, 16:30 BST
A Leeds brewery has called on customers to get behind local taprooms, as businesses feel the pinch in January.
Kirkstall Brewery warned that “times are extra tough in the beer world” as it urged people to support their favourite pubs and breweries. The brewery tweeted: “Many of your favourite places to eat, drink and be merry in won't survive without your support. If you're cutting back on alcohol, many pubs (including ours) stock a range of alternative options. If you're giving a plant-based diet a go - same story! When you support your local pubs and breweries, you're supporting the people there too, so let's look out for each other!”
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has recently launched a brewery tracker and found there are 1,828 active brewers across the UK, as of January 1. There were 265 breweries in the North East region, which includes Yorkshire.
Here are the nine SIBA-member breweries in Leeds and Ilkley – and how you can support them.
Here are the nine SIBA-member breweries in Leeds and Ilkley – and how you can support them.
7. Northern Monk
Northern Monk's range of beers includes pale ales, IPA, vegan alternatives, cider, stout and low/alcohol free options. The business has two brewery sites in Leeds, the original Old Flax Store, which boasts a taproom and offers tours, and a new larger brewery in Sydenham Road which opened in 2017. Between the two sites, they brew up to 18 beers at a time. Northern Monk also sells merchandise and 'patron' boxes with extra benefits. Visit: www.northernmonk.com Photo: James Hardisty
Ridgeside Brewing Co has been brewing in Meanwood since 2010. It sells 18 varieties of beers, including IPA, stout and barley wine. The range includes core favourites, such as the 4.8% Riverside Lager, and experimental specials. Customers can now enjoy a beer in Ridgeside's new taproom, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays in the brewery on Jackson Road. Visit: www.ridgesidebrewing.com Photo: Google
Wharfedale Brewery is housed in a barn at the back of the Flying Duck pub in Ilkley. The brewery produces beers for the Flying Duck as well as pubs throughout Wharfedale, beer festivals and private party events, where customers can rent a cask of their favourite beer. Groups can also enjoy a brewery tour, which includes a presentation on the brewery's history and brewing process. Visit: www.ridgesidebrewing.com Photo: Google
The tongue-in-cheek brewery Legitimate Worldwide is based in Weaver Street, Kirkstall. Its beers include Tax Evasion pilsner, Identity Theft APA and Election Fraud session IPA. Visit: www.legitimateworldwide.com Photo: Stock image