The best real ale and craft beer bars in Leeds

Here are some of the most noteworthy pubs and bars in the city worth visiting for a satisfying pint of real ale.

Northern Monk Refectory

Northern Monk is not just a brewery - it’s a destination.

Housed in a former flax mill, The Refectory serves as a place for Northern Monk to showcase their carefully crafted brews in a relaxed space, sitting alongside the brewery.

Boasting 16 keg lines, two cask lines and an extensive bottle selection, the tap room houses all of the finest beer brewed both on-site and from special guests from the North and beyond.

The Old Flax Store, Marshalls Mill, Holbeck, LS11 9YJ

Around the World

The very name of this bar hints at an eclectic choice of unusual and exciting ales to try. Their extensive beer encyclopaedia comprises more than 100 different options from 33 countries far and wide.

Each beer is labelled with a handy description of their origin to help you find what you’re looking for. Whether you’re in search of exciting new flavours or a taste of home, you’re sure to find something new to try every time.

123-124 The Headrow, LS1 5RD

Bundobust

It may be best known for its delicious Indian street food, but this popular Leeds eatery also happens to be a craft beer bar.

Serving a variety of cask ales and rotational keg lines from Magic Rock, Northern Monk and Wild Beer Co, there’s plenty to choose from. Be sure to try their own Bombay Dazzler when you visit.

6 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ

Tapped

American-style brew pub, Tapped, is a modern venue with a generous selection of 27 draft beers, including 13 cask ales and 14 craft keg beers to choose from.

If none of the drafts excite you, there are also 100 different bottled beers from around the world waiting behind the bar. Take the edge off with a beer dough stone baked pizza, baked freshly on site.

Trinity Leeds, 51 Boar Lane, LS1 5EL

North Bar

If it’s variety you’re after, look no further than North Bar. Offering an almost overwhelming range of beers, this unassuming bar is actually one of the city’s most popular haunts for craft beers.

Opened in 1997, North Bar has compiled the finest, most diverse and comprehensive selection of top quality brews in the North of England, making it the ideal haunt for all beer connoisseurs.

24 New Briggate, LS1 6NU

The Head of Steam

Tucked away near Leeds train station, this charming venue is well known for its impressive range of beers and regular live jazz and blues nights.

Behind the bar, you’ll find more than 180 bottled beers from around the world, along with a choice of 30 keg beers and cask ales. Combining good beer and great music, it’s the perfect spot for a lively night out.

12 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ

Whitelock’s

As the city’s oldest pub, Whitelock’s has a certain old-worldly charm that continues to entice people through its doors.

Traditional, characterful and home to an impressive variety of real ales and craft beers (many of which are sourced from Yorkshire breweries) this place offers a cosy spot to sit back and relax with a pint.

Turks Head Yard, Briggate, LS1 6HB

Friends of Ham

Widely known for their top quality cheeses and meats, Friends of Ham aren’t just a one trick pony - their drinks are every bit as good as their food.

The casual restaurant and bar also dishes out some of the finest craft beers, serving a wide array of cask ales and kegs.

4-8 New Station Street, LS1 5DL

The Hop

If you’re looking to team good beer with good music, The Hop is the place to head.

The venue has reputation as one of the city’s liveliest gig locations, hosting live bands every Friday and Saturday night, and real ale is at the very heart of the establishment.

Since it’s an Ossett Brewery pub, you can expect to be spoilt for choice here.

The Dark Arches, Granary Wharf, Dark Neville Street, LS1 4BR

Mr Foley’s Cask Ale House

A rustic ,Grade II listed pub in the heart of the city centre, Mr Foley’s is a haven for real ale enthusiasts.

Specialising in craft beer, real ale and traditional ciders, this York Brewery pub proudly sources and serves some of the most innovative and interesting drinks from around the world, including 12 real ales, two craft keg lines and around 100 bottled beers.

159 The Headrow, LS1 5RG