Happy Leeds Beer Week everyone! From stouts to blondes, we have some of the best beers around in our city’s fine establishments. Whether you nip into one of our breweries or sup your ale in a hidden alleyway pub, you’re bound to find something that wets your whistle. Here’s a run down of our favourite taverns…which can all be found by following our Art Hostel map. How very convenient?!

North Bar
Based on New Briggate, North Bar is part of the North Brewing Company family of bars which can be found across the city and in its wonderful suburbs, including Further North (Chapel Allerton), Alfred (Meanwood) and The Cross Keys (city centre).

Possibly the very first craft bar in Britain (we don’t know that for sure!), North has a fantastically diverse range of beers on tap and in its fridges. It’s won an award or two in its time and is top notch for music and art with a great atmosphere. The staff are helpful and will point you in the right direction if you’re a novice! This bar is an all round good egg – cheers to you North Bar!

Tapped
Just landed in Leeds? Not sure where to head to from the station or the 757 bus stop? We’d recommend you start your trip with a visit to Tapped which is on Boar Lane, just down from the train station. It’s an American-style brew spot with more than 25 draft beers on tap. There’s absolutely something for everyone and you can get a darn good pizza too. Bottoms up!

The Midnight Bell
Leeds Brewery’s flagship pub, The Midnight Bell is situated within one of the oldest buildings in the city. You’ll find it down on Water Lane in Holbeck (close to the Water Taxi stop!) and it’s a great spot to take in some “traditional Leeds” with amazing oak beams and ancient brickwork. It may well be an oldie but it’s certainly a goody with a great variety of beer ready for you to sample. Order a pint or two before heading off the Northern Monk which is just down the road. Chin-chin!

Water Lane Boathouse
Another Water Lane beauty is the recent addition (more recent than The Midnight Bell anyway)… Water Lane Boathouse. It has a fantastic outdoor space next to the canal and claims to have a massive selection of…wait for it…more than 70(!!) beers. From pale ale to fruit beer, your head may be spinning before you have your first sip. You can enjoy great food options and some very good deals too. We salute you Water Lane Boathouse.

Whitelock’s
Remember we mentioned hidden alleyway pubs? Well, here’s where we’ll elaborate. One word… Whitelock’s. It was built in 1751 (Hear that, The Midnight Bell?) and is THE oldest public house in Leeds. Much of the real ale and craft beer on offer comes from Yorkshire breweries and there’s a nice outdoor space which you can settle yourself into while you sup your pints! If you’re with a non-beer drinker (**spits out pint in disgust**), fear not, they can nip next door to The Turk’s Head to get themselves a terrific gin and tonic and join you outside. Whitelock’s, we doff our hats to your age and experience, old boy!

Headrow House
A very good friend of Water Lane Boathouse, Headrow House is situated on (you guessed it!) the Headrow. Blink and you’ll miss it, the entrance is a little hidden but there’s usually a bouncer outside giving it away. It’s all about the Beer Hall with 60 beers from around the world! The Pilsner Urquell is the star of the show…an unpasteurised, unfiltered delight…HH claims that its “the best Pilsner you’ve ever tasted”. We dare you to find out if they’re right. Other points to note is the fantastic Ox Club, its brunch is a dream, and the wonderful terrace. Headrow House, we really don’t deserve you!

The Angel Inn
Boasting one of Leeds’ cheapest pints, The Angel Inn is another of the city’s hidden alleyway bars. Just off Briggate, you’ll find The Angel nestled in a fabulous spot. Its old school all the way beer is grand. We just love it!

Foley’s Tap House
Another Headrow hotspot is Foley’s Tap House, located in the very lovely, and listed, Pearl Chambers. It’s the only York Brewery outside of York and you can try interesting beers from around the world including those from York Brewery itself. There’s a few ciders to choose from should you fancy too.

Outlaws Yacht Club
One of our neighbours (kinda), Outlaws Yacht Club is just around the corner and is a feast for the soul. Good music..check. Board games…check. Excellent beer…check! You can’t go wrong. It even has its own pale ale brewed by Bad Co Brewery. We couldn’t recommend it more highly.

The Palace
We know, we know! The Palace makes it into nearly all of our round ups. Well, we can’t help it…perhaps it needs to stop being so great! A traditional pub, just down the road from us, The Palace is the perfect spot for a good beer and a natter. It’s the place to be for sport viewing too. Good on you, The Palace.

Right, that’s it! You’re free to head out and enjoy a pint or two but please, please, please drink responsibly. We wouldn’t recommend using our guide as a pub crawl! And remember to check out the Leeds Beer Week website to find out all you need to know: www.leedsbeerweek.co.uk

What’s your favourite drinking spot in Leeds? Tell us what we’ve missed in the comments below.