Embark on the ultimate Leeds beer garden pub crawl starting at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, and visit Parkside Tavern, Headrow House, Whitelocks, Duck and Drake, Lamb & Flag, Roland’s, Water Lane Boathouse, Cross Keys, and conclude at Northern Monk Refectory, savoring each establishment’s unique drinks selection amidst vibrant atmospheres. Experience the city’s conviviality under the summer sun and relish the warmth on this quintessential British venture through Leeds’ finest beer gardens.
What is the best route for a beer garden pub crawl in Leeds?
Embark on the ultimate Leeds beer garden pub crawl by starting at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, then visit Parkside Tavern, Headrow House, Whitelocks, Duck and Drake, Lamb & Flag, Roland’s, Water Lane Boathouse, Cross Keys, and conclude at Northern Monk Refectory. Enjoy each establishment’s unique drinks selection and vibrant atmosphere.
Leeds, a city that’s as much about its vibrant social scene as it is about its rich industrial history, beckons locals and visitors alike to experience its unique offering of conviviality under the sun. When the skies clear and the sun graces this northern metropolitan landscape, there’s no better way to relish the warmth than by embarking on a quintessentially British venture – the pub crawl. Herein, we detail a journey through the city’s finest establishments, each boasting a beer garden that provides a verdant oasis for those in pursuit of leisurely indulgence.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
As the starting point of our beer garden odyssey, Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen emerges as a towering beacon of the Northern Quarter’s cultural and social scene. Ascend three flights to its sun-kissed roof terrace, and you will be rewarded with not just panoramic views, but also a tantalizing selection of libations. “The rooftop bar means you’re never far away from a pint of Kirkstall’s finest,” as locals fondly note. The establishment’s vibrant atmosphere, augmented by live music and art, ensures a bustling backdrop as you sip on your choice of refreshment. When hunger strikes, the in-house Dough Boys Pizza offers the perfect accompaniment to your drink with their artisan slices.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JP.
Parkside Tavern
Merely a stone’s throw away, Parkside Tavern stands as a testament to variety and choice. With three distinct beer gardens, including a hidden rooftop terrace, the establishment caters to every preference. The challenge here lies not in the distance traveled but in selecting a drink from the tavern’s extensive range of craft beers. “Brooklyn, Kirkstall Brewery, or maybe Northern Monk,” ponder the indecisive patrons, often swayed by the establishment’s tempting cocktail deals. The 2-4-1 offerings on cocktails, notably covering fan favorites like Long Island Iced Teas and Negronis, add a touch of sophistication to the laid-back environment.
Parksite Tavern, St Johns House, Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JE.
Headrow House
Progressing to Headrow House, a mere five-minute stroll from Parkside Tavern, the four-storey venue dazzles with its dual rooftop terraces. “The first opens up from their top-floor cocktail bar, but climb the stairs to Kennedy Meadows for views of the city skyline,” locals suggest, directing visitors to where they might catch a glimpse of the iconic Kirkgate Market. The ground-level beer hall offers an array of beers that cater to every palate, while the cocktail bars concoct creations such as the ‘Redondo Kiss’ and the ‘Mary Berry’. These inventive drinks carry the essence of summer, complemented perfectly by the convivial chatter that epitomizes the establishment’s atmosphere.
Headrow House, 19A The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
Whitelocks
Descending into the bustling heart of the city, one encounters Whitelock’s, a heritage-rich ale house hidden down an alley off Briggate. Its beer garden may be compact, yet it is brimming with character. Amidst the fairy lights and the convivial din, “The bar is lined with lagers, IPAs and more from the finest breweries Yorkshire has to offer,” a regular asserts, highlighting the local fare that dominates the menu. The venue’s ample seating fosters a communal spirit, inviting groups of all sizes to gather and imbibe in the storied surroundings.
Whitelock’s Ale House, Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HB.
Duck and Drake
Just a five-minute journey from Whitelock’s, Duck and Drake reveals itself as a sterling embodiment of the British pub. Its beer garden, though modest in size, charms visitors with its florid displays and verdant adornments. Here, the selection of drinks spans from Amstel to ABV, but the house favorite remains the ‘Neck Oil’. Patrons often note, “One of our favourite things about the Duck and Drake is the eclectic mix of people,” which attests to the pub’s allure across diverse demographics.
Duck and Drake, 43 Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DR.
Lamb & Flag
Opposite Duck and Drake, Lamb & Flag beckons with its scenic beer garden nestled under the watchful gaze of Leeds Minster. “This beer garden is one of our favourites,” claim the locals, who flock to the pub for its selection of Leeds Brewery favorites like Leeds Best and Yorkshire Gold. The establishment’s offering of small plates, such as the Yorkshire scotch egg with spiced lime mayo, exemplifies the innovative culinary delights available to complement the range of beers.
Lamb & Flag, 1 Church Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HD.
Roland’s
As evening encroaches, Roland’s offers an intimate backdrop with its discreet beer garden. “Head up the stairs at the back of the bar,” where a terrace bathed in sunlight awaits. With a capacity of merely 30, the space feels exclusive, yet welcoming. Roland’s is notable for its “best pint of Guinness in Leeds,” though the cocktail menu is equally commendable, inviting guests to linger over their drinks as the day wanes.
Roland’s, 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
Water Lane Boathouse
The journey draws nearer to its end at Water Lane Boathouse, a spacious haven situated along the banks of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Renowned for its commodious beer garden and outdoor bar access, the establishment is an idyllic spot for those looking to indulge in a cocktail or two. “They have a cracking cocktail deal – two for £13.95,” a deal that encourages communal sampling amongst friends. Meanwhile, craft beer and artisan gin selections stand at the ready for those with a penchant for the hoppy or the botanical.
Water Lane Boathouse, Water Lane, Canal Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5PS.
Cross Keys
A short stroll from Water Lane Boathouse, Cross Keys presents a blend of rustic charm with its sun-soaked beer garden ensconced in Holbeck’s urban tapestry. As a genuine free house, the pub serves an eclectic range of ales and IPAs. Patrons often rave about the “Kirkstall Brewery’s Mango IPA,” a brew that embodies the refreshing zest ideal for a sunny day. The selection extends to craft gins and wines, catering to a spectrum of tastes.
The Cross Keys, 107 Water Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5WD.
Northern Monk Refectory
The final stop, Northern Monk Refectory, offers a culmination of the day’s journey in a garden refurbished for optimum summer enjoyment. “They brew all their beers on site,” which adds a distinctive local flavor to the experience. With a selection that includes 15 beers on keg, the menu boasts Northern Monk classics and a fridge generously stocked with bottles and cans. It’s a fitting finale to a day spent exploring the best of Leeds’ beer gardens, ensuring that no visitor departs without having sampled the city’s finest.
Northern Monk Refectory, Marshalls Mill, The Old Flax Store, Marshall Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS11 9YJ.
- The ultimate Leeds beer garden pub crawl starts at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen and visits 9 other establishments in Leeds.
- Each establishment offers a unique drink selection and vibrant atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.
- Leeds is known for its conviviality and social scene, making it the perfect city for a beer garden pub crawl.
- The route includes a mix of rooftop terraces, hidden beer gardens, and spacious outdoor areas.
- The pub crawl ends at Northern Monk Refectory, where visitors can enjoy a variety of locally brewed beers to conclude the day.