The “It’s The Beer Walking” tour in Leeds is a unique journey that combines the city’s industrial history with its vibrant beer scene. Led by beer expert Simon Jenkins, participants explore iconic pubs and historical landmarks, immersing themselves in local tales and sampling the best beers Leeds has to offer.
What is the “It’s The Beer Walking” tour in Leeds?
The “It’s The Beer Walking” tour in Leeds is a curated journey that combines the city’s rich industrial history with its vibrant beer culture. For £15 per person, participants explore historical landmarks and iconic pubs, enjoying local tales and sampling the finest local beers. The tour is led by beer expert Simon Jenkins, creating an educational and celebratory experience of Leeds’ brewing legacy.
Leeds, a city with a rich industrial past and a vibrant present, offers a unique experience for those eager to delve into its history and enjoy the thriving local beer scene. One innovative way to merge these interests is by taking part in a beer tour that encapsulates the essence of Leeds’ heritage paired with its love for good brews.
The Birth of “It’s The Beer Walking” Tour
The tour is the brainchild of Simon Jenkins, an established writer and authority on Yorkshire’s beer landscape. With accolades like the ‘The Yorkshire Beer Bible’ to his name, Jenkins has thoroughly charted the county’s beer journey through the years. He’s now focused on sharing his extensive knowledge through an engaging walking tour, aptly named “It’s The Beer Walking.”
The excursion kicks off at City Square, where participants gather beneath the watchful eyes of the Black Prince statue. Here, Simon and his assistant, former PR guru Nicky Massen, welcome a diverse group ranging from history enthusiasts to social media influencers. It’s a melting pot of curious minds, all brought together by an appreciation for the city’s storied past and the fine ales it has inspired.
As the tour unwinds, quick stops at key city landmarks are interspersed with visits to iconic pubs. One such establishment is The Cross Keys, where the group imbibes a round of Kirkstall Brewery’s Virtuous. The atmosphere intensifies when Simon narrates the tale of James Watts, an inventor who used the very rooms of the pub to spy on his competitor. The history is palpable, lending a dramatic backdrop to the evening’s revelry.
The Legacy of Leeds’ Historical Edifices
No tour is complete without a nod to the city’s architectural marvels, and the “It’s The Beer Walking” tour doesn’t disappoint. A highlight is Temple Works, a Grade I-listed former flax mill poised for a new life as a northern branch of the British Library. Its history is as rich as the ale, with anecdotes of rooftop-grazing sheep capturing the group’s imagination.
The narrative then seamlessly transitions to the Northern Monk Refectory, a modern brewery that pays homage to the city’s ancient monastic brewing traditions. While not guaranteed for all tourists, a peek into their basement brewing operations offers a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship that goes into creating a pint of their renowned Great Northern Lager.
Iconic Pubs Along the Canal
The journey continues along the scenic canal paths, where the city’s nocturnal beauty comes alive with illuminated bridges and art installations like Hibiscus Rising. Simon’s stories are a guiding thread, connecting each pub’s unique history with the beers they serve. Arriving at The Adelphi, the Victorian splendor is overwhelming. Its façade, stained glass, and mahogany tables speak of a bygone era, while the bar’s selection of ales and lagers represents the city’s dynamic beer culture.
It’s here that the Lunar Haze IPA steals the show with its fruity notes, solidifying The Adelphi’s position as not only a historical gem but also a purveyor of fine contemporary brews. As the group relishes their drinks, they’re treated to tales of Tetley’s, once the pub’s original brewery owner, adding layers to their understanding of Leeds’ brewing legacy.
Whitelocks: The Culmination of Tradition
The night would be amiss without a visit to Whitelocks, Leeds’ oldest pub. It’s a sanctuary of tradition, where a pint of Five Points Pale Ale complements the historical surroundings. The copper-topped bar and tiled artistry are remnants of a storied past, providing a fitting backdrop to end the evening’s expedition.
The Leeds beer tour is more than a pub crawl; it’s a curated historical journey enjoyed with fellow beer and history aficionados. At £15 per person, the experience offers a rich tapestry of local tales and a taste of the city’s finest beers. It’s an inviting proposition for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and history.
As the tour winds down, the memories made and knowledge gained linger far beyond the last sip. Leeds, with its intertwined history of innovation and brewing, leaves a lasting impression that beckons visitors to return and locals to explore deeper. The “It’s The Beer Walking” tour is not just an event—it’s an education and a celebration of a city that continues to intrigue and delight.
- The “It’s The Beer Walking” tour in Leeds is a curated journey that combines the city’s industrial history with its vibrant beer culture.
- Led by beer expert Simon Jenkins, participants explore historical landmarks and iconic pubs, immersing themselves in local tales and sampling the finest local beers.
- The tour is the brainchild of Simon Jenkins, an established writer and authority on Yorkshire’s beer landscape.
- The tour includes visits to iconic pubs like The Cross Keys and Whitelocks, as well as historical landmarks like Temple Works and the Northern Monk Refectory.
- At £15 per person, the tour offers a rich tapestry of local tales, a taste of the city’s finest beers, and a curated historical journey enjoyed with fellow beer and history aficionados.