Whether it’s a smooth glass of red in a snug wine bar, a pint of real ale at a traditional boozer, or a fancy cocktail enjoyed on a rooftop with sweeping views over the city, Leeds’ drinking scene caters to every kind of night out.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reviewers have visited more than 50 bars and pubs in the city this year, from new openings to longstanding institutions. Venues are given a score out of ten for drinks, atmosphere, service and value.
There were plenty of fantastic reviews, but these 13 bars and pubs stood out this year, earning the highest average score and strong praise from our reviewers.
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1. The Myrtle Tavern - 9.5
The Myrtle Tavern’s pub garden was crowned the best in the UK at the Great British Pub Awards 2024 - and our reviewer said it was absolutely worth the hype. Scoring 9 for drinks, 9 for value, 10 for atmosphere and 10 for service, the Meanwood pub came out on top this year. | Stonegate Group
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2. Harewood Arms Hotel - 9.25
This handsome former coaching inn has been welcoming guests for the best part of 200 years, and was hailed by our reviewer as a "charming hidden gem". The Sam Smith's pub scored 10 for value, atmosphere and service and 7 for drinks - and received praise for its age-old wooden interiors and tranquil atmosphere. | Tony Johnson
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3. Hoc Loco - 9.25
This cosy, unassuming bar in Horsforth was praised for its exceptional service and selection of unusual wines. The owner, Emma, impressed our reviewer - offering tasters and talking through the origins and stories behind each bottle. Hoc Loco scored 10 for drinks and service, 9 for value and 8 for atmosphere. | Yorkshire Evening Post
4. Archie's Bar and Kitchen - 9
Visiting on a drizzly and ice-cold afternoon in January, this Brewery Wharf bar lifted our reviewer's spirits - "a quirky venue with great beer and décor that’s as charmingly offbeat as it gets". Scoring 9 for drinks, 8 for value, 9 for atmosphere and 10 for service, the staff were warm, friendly and more than happy to chat. | Yorkshire Evening Post
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5. Saint Jude - 9
Saint Jude was described as "irresistibly inviting" and "a feather in Farsley's cap", scoring 9 for drinks and atmosphere, 8 for value and 10 for service. Our reviewer praised the faultless service, lively atmosphere and fantastic food on offer. | Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson
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6. Tailors Gin - 9
A working tailors by day and a speakeasy by night, this charming bar in the Grand Arcade transported our reviewer to another time. They praised the hand-crafted gin and personable service, and crowned the espresso martinis "the best in Leeds". Tailors scored 10 for drinks and service, and 8 for value and atmosphere. | Yorkshire Evening Post