Pub crawl around five of the best pubs in Leeds

Picking Leeds’ top five pubs is no easy task, because there are a whole load of highly recommended pubs not just in the city centre, but also going out towards the unis. Additionally Leeds now has some really good modern bars and brasseries that are much loved by the chic and trendy, but maybe less so by your pub purist. But anyway, here is one list of top five pubs of Leeds that are worth sampling.

Whitelocks, Turk’s Head Yard, Briggate

If you like old pubs, then nip down Turk’s Head, just off Briggate, you’ll find hidden away the cosy pub known as Whitelocks, which got its licence back in 1715, but has actually been serving alcoholic beverages to thirsty souls for even longer than that. It was originally called the Turk’s Head, hence the name of the yard, but after being run by a family called Whitelock for a few generations, the name stuck.

The rather dark interior of Whitelocks is punctuated by bright stained glass, and the hubbub of modern Briggate seems far away, as if you’ve just stepped back in time. Whitelock’s are proud of their real ale, and do Theakston’s Old Peculiar, Theakston’s Best Bitter, and Deuchar’s IPA. They also do up to five guest ales that vary from week to week, and you actually get your ale in a traditional handled beer jug.

The Palace, Kirkgate

First opened as an inn in 1841, and haunted by a grey lady, The Palace, on Kirkgate, (just a stone’s throw away from the bus station), has a lovely wooden interior and a respectable selection of real ales that attract all the aficionados, though some complain that the prices are a little steep.

There are usually about seven beers available, and around the same number of lagers. The permanent beers are Tetley’s and Bass, and the guest ales can vary from Everard’s to Greene King, Naylor’s to Rooster’s. The atmosphere is fairly sedate, and there is a menu of pub food classics. The Palace is a pleasant place to while away an afternoon or evening, and there’s space to sit outside if it’s sunny.

The Town Hall Tavern, Westgate

The Town Hall Tavern is, not surprisingly, right opposite the Town Hall and the law courts. You’ll find all the legal eagles and business people in here. They do a really good selection of traditional cask ales, such as Timothy Taylor Landlord and Best Bitter, making the Town Hall Tavern the first pub in Leeds to earn the Beautiful Beer Award.

If you’re more of a cider fan, you’ll be pleased to hear that they also have Weston’s Cider on tap. The Tavern is a good place for lunchtime food and does a mouthwatering selection of traditional and not-so-traditional pies, ranging from Yorkshire Dales Steak and Timothy Taylor Ale Pie, to Butternut Squash and Goats’ Cheese Pie! Add to that soups, sandwiches and salads as well as the old pub grub favourites.

The Victoria Hotel, Great George Street

Properly known as The Victoria Family and Commercial Hotel, this inviting pub behind the Town Hall is not actually a hotel any more. The Victoria offers reasonably priced beer and lager, including real ales, and a central location which makes it a great place to meet. This old hotel has very much a traditional pub interior of Victorian splendour, including a fine old fireplace in the main room, complete with a beautifully etched mirror. The Victoria has two reception rooms that can be rented, which along with its ideal location makes it pretty good for private parties. They do Timothy Taylor’s and Tetley’s as well as about four guest ales, and there is also pub food that is good value for money.

The Dry Dock, Woodhouse Lane

The Dry Dock has to be totally unique, being a big boat in the middle of the road. Unlike a lot of the crusty real ale pubs I’ve mentioned, the Dry Dock has a distinct appeal to the younger drinker, with a screamo, emo, alt punk sort of feel. It’s actually part of that famous, or infamous, pub crawl known as the Otley Run, and in termtime expect to see students in fancy dress, as well as the ripped jeans spiky brigade.

At this large barge opposite Leeds Met Uni you can get a wide range of beers, wines and spirits, and there are even comfy sofas to chill on while you listen to Nine Inch Nails, Green Day, various indie stuff, and even Joy Division/New Order. The Dry Dock is open till 2.00 am Monday to Friday, and you’ll be happy to hear that the drinks are cheap. Be nice to the bouncers on the door as I’ve heard they can be a bit severe.

Let us know your favourite hangouts

So there we have it – a few good Leeds pubs from the edginess of the Dry Dock to some woolly-jumpered real ale hangouts. But this is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are lots of other good pubs besides. The only way to establish your own definitive top five is to go out and do a bit of first hand research. Mine’s a Theakston’s.

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