Leeds is a vibrant city that knows how to cater to food and drink enthusiasts. Among its many culinary attractions, the Leeds craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, becoming one of the city’s most exciting offerings. From small independent breweries to larger names in the craft beer world, Leeds offers a diverse selection of local brews that showcase creativity, passion, and the city’s commitment to high-quality beer.

For those navigating the city’s food and drink landscape, Leeds is a paradise. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply looking for great beer, the foodie’s guide to Leeds highlights the must-try flavors, and craft beer is no exception. The local beer scene seamlessly blends into the city’s lively nightlife, with the Leeds nightlife offering everything from traditional pubs to modern taprooms, where you can sample the best local brews while enjoying the city’s energetic atmosphere.

For visitors wondering things to do in Leeds this weekend, a visit to one of the city’s renowned breweries or pubs is a perfect choice. Leeds is home to a number of spots where beer lovers can explore seasonal offerings, limited-edition brews, and exciting flavors crafted with care. It’s also a top activity for those looking for things to do in Leeds with friends, as the relaxed setting of a brewery or beer garden creates an inviting space to socialize over a few pints.

Leeds’ commitment to supporting local talent is evident at the Leeds Farmers Market, where local brewers often showcase their latest creations. Visitors can sample unique brews, chat with the people behind the craft, and discover new favorites that they won’t find elsewhere. Many of these markets also feature live entertainment, blending beer, food, and culture in a perfect mix.

The connection between craft beer and live music is strong in Leeds, and many live music venues in Leeds proudly serve locally brewed craft beers alongside fantastic musical performances. There’s no better way to enjoy the local culture than sipping on a pint while listening to the latest indie band or a favorite local artist.

Lastly, for those planning corporate events or team activities, incorporating local brews into office parties or outings is a brilliant way to engage with the city’s offerings. As highlighted in why Leeds is the perfect city for your office party, craft beer adds a unique and flavorful touch to any gathering, making it an experience to remember.

Leeds’ craft beer scene is not just about great flavors but also about supporting local creativity and community. From weekend outings to live music events, craft beer in Leeds is an experience every beer lover needs to try.

Northern Monk: A Pioneer of Leeds Craft Beer

When it comes to the Leeds craft beer scene, Northern Monk stands out as one of the city’s most influential breweries. Established in 2013, Northern Monk has become a pioneer in the local craft beer movement, known for its innovative brewing techniques and wide variety of beers that appeal to all palates. Based in a refurbished mill in Holbeck, their brewery and taproom are popular destinations for beer enthusiasts looking to sample the best of what Leeds has to offer.

Northern Monk produces an impressive range of beers, from sessionable pale ales to bold and complex stouts. Their flagship beer, Eternal, is a highly regarded session IPA, loved for its bright, citrusy notes and crisp finish. Another favorite is Faith, a hazy pale ale that delivers a refreshing mix of tropical fruit flavors balanced with a subtle bitterness. For those who prefer something darker, Death is a rich, robust imperial stout that packs a punch with its intense roasted flavors and hints of chocolate and coffee.

What sets Northern Monk apart is their commitment to creativity and community. They frequently collaborate with other breweries and local artists to create limited-edition brews, which makes every visit to their taproom an opportunity to try something new. The brewery also supports charitable causes through their Patrons Project, blending craft beer with art, photography, and music.

Northern Monk is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Leeds craft beer scene. Their dedication to innovation, quality, and community makes them a standout in the city’s thriving brewery landscape.

Kirkstall Brewery: A Historic Brewery with a Modern Twist

Kirkstall Brewery is one of Leeds’ oldest brewing institutions, dating back to the 12th century when it was first established by Cistercian monks. While the original brewery closed in the early 20th century, it was revived in 2011, bringing Kirkstall’s historic brewing tradition into the modern craft beer era. Today, Kirkstall Brewery is celebrated for its commitment to classic brewing techniques while embracing the creativity of the contemporary craft beer movement.

Kirkstall Brewery’s core lineup includes a range of traditional British-style ales and more adventurous brews. Their best-known beer is Kirkstall Pale Ale, a balanced and approachable brew with floral hop aromas and a subtle bitterness. For those looking for something more robust, Dissolution IPA is a classic English IPA with bold malt flavors and a hoppy, bitter finish. The brewery also produces Black Band Porter, a rich and smooth dark beer with notes of coffee and chocolate, perfect for fans of traditional porters.

In addition to their brewery, Kirkstall runs several pubs in Leeds, including The Bridge Inn and The Cardigan Arms, both of which offer an authentic pub atmosphere where you can enjoy their beers on tap. These venues are perfect for experiencing Leeds’ craft beer culture while savoring a pint of Kirkstall’s finest.

Kirkstall Brewery is a key player in Leeds’ craft beer scene, blending historic brewing heritage with modern innovation. Their diverse range of beers and historic pubs make them an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the best local brews in Leeds.

North Brewing Co: Bold Flavors and Creative Brews

Another major force in Leeds’ craft beer scene is North Brewing Co, known for its bold flavors and creative approach to brewing. Established in 2015 by the founders of North Bar, one of the city’s first craft beer bars, North Brewing Co has quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the most exciting and innovative beers in Leeds. Their brewery, located in the north of the city, is a hub of experimentation, where new and inventive brews are constantly being developed.

North Brewing Co is particularly well-known for its hoppy IPAs and hazy pale ales, with Sputnik, their flagship pale ale, being a standout. Sputnik is a juicy, hazy beer with tropical fruit aromas and a soft, pillowy mouthfeel, making it a favorite among craft beer fans. Another popular beer is Transmission, a bold West Coast IPA with piney, resinous hops and a crisp, bitter finish. For those looking for something a little different, North Brewing Co’s Triple Fruited Gose series offers a range of sour beers packed with fruit flavors like raspberry, passionfruit, and mango.

In addition to their core range, North Brewing Co frequently collaborates with other breweries from around the world, resulting in limited-edition beers that showcase their creativity and willingness to push boundaries. Their taproom is a great place to sample these experimental brews while enjoying the relaxed, friendly atmosphere that the brewery has cultivated.

North Brewing Co is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts looking for bold flavors and inventive brewing. Their commitment to creativity and quality has made them one of the most exciting breweries in Leeds.

Tapped Leeds: Craft Beer Meets Pizza

For a laid-back craft beer experience with great food to match, Tapped Leeds is the perfect spot. Located on Boar Lane, this popular bar and brewery is known for its extensive selection of craft beers, as well as its wood-fired pizzas, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With 27 beers on tap, including their own house brews and guest beers from around the world, Tapped Leeds is a go-to destination for anyone looking to explore a variety of craft beers in one place.

Tapped Leeds brews several of their own beers on-site, including Tapped Brew Co Pale, a refreshing and easy-drinking pale ale with light citrus notes. Their Tapped Session IPA is another popular choice, offering a hoppy, flavorful experience without the high alcohol content. In addition to their house beers, Tapped Leeds regularly features guest taps from leading UK and international breweries, providing a diverse range of options for beer lovers to sample.

One of the highlights of Tapped Leeds is its combination of craft beer and pizza. Their wood-fired pizzas are made fresh to order, with a variety of toppings to choose from, making it the perfect place to enjoy a casual meal alongside a pint of your favorite brew. The relaxed atmosphere and central location make Tapped Leeds a great spot for meeting friends, grabbing a drink after work, or enjoying a weekend night out.

Tapped Leeds offers a winning combination of quality craft beer and delicious pizza in a welcoming and relaxed setting. Its wide selection of beers and food make it a must-visit on any craft beer tour of Leeds.

Brew York Leeds: A Creative Approach to Brewing

While originally based in York, Brew York has expanded into Leeds, bringing their creative and experimental beers to the city’s thriving craft beer scene. Known for their bold flavors and playful approach to brewing, Brew York has quickly become a favorite among Leeds beer lovers. Their taproom in Leeds is located in the popular Sovereign Street area, offering a fun and vibrant space to try their wide range of beers on tap.

Brew York is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles, with inventive brews like Tonkoko, a milk stout brewed with tonka beans, coconut, and cacao nibs, creating a rich and indulgent drinking experience. Another standout beer is Juice Forsyth, a juicy, hazy IPA with tropical fruit flavors and a smooth finish. For fans of sour beers, Brew York’s Rhubarbra Streisand is a tart and refreshing rhubarb-infused sour that’s become one of their most popular offerings.

The Brew York Leeds taproom regularly rotates its beer selection, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try. Whether you’re into hop-forward IPAs, rich stouts, or experimental sour beers, Brew York has a beer to suit every taste. The taproom’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great place to relax and enjoy a pint while discovering what’s new in the world of craft beer.

Brew York’s creative and bold approach to brewing has earned them a place among Leeds’ top craft beer destinations. Their inventive beers and vibrant taproom make them a must-visit for anyone exploring the local craft beer scene.

The Leeds Brewery Tap: A Local Favorite

Rounding out the best places to explore the Leeds craft beer scene is The Leeds Brewery Tap, a cornerstone of the local brewing community. Established in 2007, Leeds Brewery has become one of the most respected names in the city’s craft beer landscape. Their commitment to producing high-quality, handcrafted beers has earned them a loyal following, and their city-center taproom is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Leeds Brewery produces a range of traditional and modern beers, with their flagship Leeds Pale Ale being a standout. This classic pale ale offers a balanced blend of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, making it a refreshing and easy-drinking choice. Another popular beer is Leeds Best, a traditional Yorkshire bitter with a rich malt profile and a smooth finish. For those looking for something a little more adventurous, Leeds Brewery also produces seasonal and limited-edition beers that showcase their creativity and expertise.

The Leeds Brewery Tap is a welcoming venue that offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can sample their full range of beers. The taproom also serves food, with a menu that includes classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and fish and chips, making it a great spot for a casual meal alongside a pint of locally brewed beer.

The Leeds Brewery Tap is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of local brewing in Leeds. With its range of handcrafted beers and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a pint and get a taste of the city’s craft beer culture.

Conclusion: A Must-Explore Craft Beer Scene in Leeds

Leeds has become a key destination for craft beer enthusiasts, with a vibrant and ever-evolving beer culture that showcases innovation, tradition, and community spirit. The city is home to a diverse array of breweries and taprooms, each offering unique flavors and brewing techniques that highlight the passion behind Leeds’ craft beer movement. Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or new to the craft beer world, Leeds offers an experience that is both rich in variety and creativity, making it a must-explore destination for anyone with a taste for quality brews.

What sets the craft beer scene in Leeds apart is the sense of collaboration and experimentation among its breweries. Many of the local brewers are constantly pushing the boundaries of flavor, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create beers that are bold, inventive, and full of character. From hoppy IPAs and refreshing lagers to rich stouts and sour ales, Leeds offers something for every palate, ensuring that beer lovers can always find a new and exciting brew to enjoy.

Leeds’ craft beer scene also prides itself on maintaining a strong connection to tradition. While innovation is at the heart of many of the city’s breweries, there is also a deep respect for the time-honored techniques that have shaped British brewing. This blend of old and new makes the craft beer culture in Leeds both dynamic and rooted in history, offering a unique drinking experience that celebrates the best of both worlds.

For those who enjoy the social aspect of beer culture, Leeds provides an inviting and welcoming atmosphere where people can gather to enjoy great beer and great company. The city’s breweries and taprooms are not just places to drink—they are community hubs where locals and visitors come together to share their passion for craft beer. This sense of camaraderie and connection is a key part of what makes Leeds’ craft beer scene so special.

Leeds is a city that has truly embraced the craft beer revolution, offering a diverse and exciting array of brews for every beer enthusiast to explore. Whether you’re looking to try something new or enjoy a classic style, the craft beer scene in Leeds delivers an unforgettable experience. With its innovative brewers, strong community spirit, and commitment to quality, Leeds has earned its place as one of the UK’s top destinations for craft beer lovers.