What was once a fad is now a full on lifestyle choice, and we can hardly move for craft beer bars in Leeds lately. Featuring the most hoppy, dark, light and distilled-through-magic-crystal beers around, the city is packed full of artisan beers perfect for conoissuers of any calibre. So take a look at our recommended list of craft beer pubs in Leeds and get tasting.
Last edited by Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 26th November 2025
With a range of craft beers from all over the UK, Water Lane Boathouse knows a thing or two about ice-cold summer sips. Perched on the edge of the canal, this gorgeous space is the perfect place to soak up a few rays with a pint in hand.
As its long line of pumps makes clear, The Brewery Tap does not mess about when it comes to beer. It's got all kinds from the cask, keg, bottle and can waiting to meet your lips.
We're talking Yorkshire ales, craft lagers, changing guests and loads of no and lows. When you're ready for an ale soaker, BigBuns are in the kitchen serving up their legendary smash burgers.
Check into this snug Leeds craft beer pub and be treated to the full range of Leeds Brewery beers, meaning that you can get your locally-sourced fill of artisanal hops too. And while you're there, why not try their menu of delicious gastropub classics?
Cuckoo might look like a neon-lit cocktail bar on the outside/inside, but once inside this colourful paradise you'll find another trick up their sleeve: craft beer! Their taps include everyone from Brooklyn to Beavertown, and they serve it in 'giraffe' sharing pourers if you'd like. And they've even got a shed beer roof terrace too.
Fancy 18 lines of beer, 4 full-sized American pool tables, darts and one of the best beer gardens in Leeds city centre? Of course you do. Topping off Parkside Tavern's craft beer and entertainment are a killer cocktail menu and plenty of grub.
Craving something a little different? Pinnacle Leeds is your go-to spot for craft beer and wood-fired pizzas. Plus, it doesn't hurt that there's plenty of entertainment, from shuffleboard to pool and all the latest sports action.
Craft beer lovers, take note: The Tetley is a historic venue with a fresh new lease on life, thanks to its takeover by Kirkstall Brewery. Housed in the iconic former brewery HQ, this beautifully reimagined space is fast becoming one of Leeds' top craft beer bars. With Kirkstall's best pours on tap - plus a rotating selection of ales, lagers, and classic cocktails - it's a go-to spot for beer aficionados.
Pair your pint with hearty pub classics like steak or their standout Best Bitter pie, or drop by on Sundays for a roast that hits all the right notes. With spacious interiors and a sunny outdoor terrace, it's perfect for casual meet-ups and laid-back beer tastings alike.
Serving up a massive selection of globe-trotting booze, The New Conservatory on Albion Place offers everything from cask ales, draught beers, hand-selected wines, spirits and delish cocktails. Their homemade grub is pretty good, too, with dishes like spicy chicken arrabbiata and 12'' stone-baked sourdough pizzas on offer.
Promising delicious craft beer served fresh from the tank, Kirkstall Brewery Taproom is one of the best spots for a pint in the whole city. They offer a rotating selection of pours, as well as wine and cocktails for those of you who aren't fans of beer.
They also serve delicious stone-baked pizzas topped with all kinds of whacky ingredients, from Marmite rarebit to tuna and nduja. They also host big events for bank holidays and other occasions, complete with live music and street food.
The Belgrave Music Hall is pretty much an institution in this city, which is why they paid attention to their beer-loving customers. Across two bars and three floors, they play host to a number of live music acts, art exhibitions and film screenings, while you indulge in a menu chocked full of cask ales and craft beers.
Sometimes nothing beats a refreshing pint of craft beer, and that's what The Wardrobe is here for. Head on over to this best-loved St Peter's Square location to sip on some lip-smacking brews, all while delving into mouthwatering burgers and catching some live entertainment.
Headrow House is offering one unique place to drink beer in Leeds, with its industrial vibe, dedicated beer hall and rooftop terraces. Go all out and pair your pint with one of Ox Club's proper kebabs, made with free-range Yorkshire beef or chicken, fresh veggies and vegan döner meat.
A cool and cosy spot by Woodhouse Moor, The Library is one of the best craft beer bars in Leeds. The friendly pub offers a great range of local and international brews, all available at student-friendly prices, alongside a tasty food menu.
This craft beer bar in Leeds love it so much that they cook it into their freshly made pizza doughs! And if that didn't prove their commitment enough, they've got 27 draft beers on tap, including 14 craft keg beers and 13 cask ales, as well as 100 bottled beers from around the world.
Over two centuries old, The Cross Keys know a thing or two about beers. Head into their pub on the bottom floor and you'll be treated to a wide range of cask stout and beers on tap that regularly change, which you can drink in their great beer garden. Oh, and they happen to have an award-winning Sunday roast too.
Bundobust is all about craft beer: it looks like a craft beer bar, it delivers an ever-rotating stock of the stuff, and the staff love it too. But they're unique selling point is the vibrant and varied Indian street food menu, which might be the perfect accompaniment to a great beer.
North Bar is pretty much the Leeds craft beer bar. Delivering artisanal brews from Europe and the US for over twenty years, beer lovers will be in heaven here thanks to their selection of never-seen-before and very-popular boozes.
This quirky little pub is also mad for craft beer. Come here for live music or cosy atmosphere and you can enjoy a selection of tasty craft and cask beers, as well as craft beers imported from around the world. And then you can feast on a selection of bar snacks, like nachos, burgers, meats and cheese.
