Pubs in Leeds: The most iconic pubs in the city as chosen by Yorkshire Evening Post readers

By Abi Whistance

Published 10th Dec 2022, 04:45 BST

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Here are the most recognisable pubs in the city according to YEP readers.

From pubs that have stood the test of time to some of Leeds’s latest additions to the nightlife scene, there are plenty of recognisable joints in Leeds.

Below are eight of the most iconic Leeds pubs and bars, as selected by Yorkshire Evening Post readers.

The Templar Hotel is believed to have originally been owned by the Knights Templar. The original structure was built in the early 19th century, before an additional building was added to the pub, facing onto Vicar Lane, in the mid-19th century.

1. The Templar Hotel

The Templar Hotel is believed to have originally been owned by the Knights Templar. The original structure was built in the early 19th century, before an additional building was added to the pub, facing onto Vicar Lane, in the mid-19th century. Photo: Mark Bickerdike

The Dry Dock is easily one of the most recognisable pubs in Leeds. Previously used as an old sand and gravel barge on the River Aire, in 1993 the boat was taken out of Clarence Dock and placed on a patch of grass along Woodhouse Lane.

2. The Dry Dock

The Dry Dock is easily one of the most recognisable pubs in Leeds. Previously used as an old sand and gravel barge on the River Aire, in 1993 the boat was taken out of Clarence Dock and placed on a patch of grass along Woodhouse Lane. Photo: Gary Longbottom

A historical monument in Leeds, Whitelock's is reportedly the first building in the city to have been installed with electric lighting and an electric clock. The pub itself, originally known as The Turk's Head, is believed to have been built around 300 years ago - making it the oldest pub in Leeds.

3. Whitelock's Ale House

A historical monument in Leeds, Whitelock's is reportedly the first building in the city to have been installed with electric lighting and an electric clock. The pub itself, originally known as The Turk's Head, is believed to have been built around 300 years ago - making it the oldest pub in Leeds. Photo: James Hardisty

The New Penny is thought to be the oldest gay pub in the Leeds, and holds the record for the longest continually running gay venue in the UK. The pub first started as the Hope And Anchor in 1953, before changing its name to The New Penny in 1982.

4. New Penny

The New Penny is thought to be the oldest gay pub in the Leeds, and holds the record for the longest continually running gay venue in the UK. The pub first started as the Hope And Anchor in 1953, before changing its name to The New Penny in 1982. Photo: Simon Hulme

The Green Room is one of the newest additions to this list. Selected by YEP readers as one of the most recognisable bars in Leeds thanks to its beautiful rooftop seating area, this lovely drinking spot is sure to remain a local staple for years to come.

5. The Green Room

The Green Room is one of the newest additions to this list. Selected by YEP readers as one of the most recognisable bars in Leeds thanks to its beautiful rooftop seating area, this lovely drinking spot is sure to remain a local staple for years to come. Photo: Simon Hulme

The Three Legs was originally known as The Three Legs of Man, referencing the triskelion on the flag of the Isle of Man. The pub was built in the mid 19th-century, but there is a record of a Three Legs tavern way back in 1743.

6. The Three Legs

The Three Legs was originally known as The Three Legs of Man, referencing the triskelion on the flag of the Isle of Man. The pub was built in the mid 19th-century, but there is a record of a Three Legs tavern way back in 1743. Photo: Tony Johnson

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