Leeds in the summer is a very beautiful thing indeed. The city boasts some of the best bars in God’s Own Country as well as some of the best beer gardens in Leeds.
That makes for a perfect combination if you ask us. Imagine after the year we’ve had sipping a nice cold pint in a busy beer garden with all your pals while the sun beats down on you and the tunes are playing.
We can feel it as well, it’s giving us goosebumps at the thought of being able to get out into the beer gardens this summer. Whether you’re out for cocktails down Greek Street or chillin’ with a few mates at Belgrave we’ve got you covered for fun in the sun this summer.
1. Headrow House
One of the coolest places in Leeds city centre, Headrow House, has two roof terraces that have a chilled rooftop garden vibe. There is always a great atmosphere, plenty of seating and a mixed crowd of people.
There will be more than a few Aperol’s being drunk in one of the best beer gardens in Leeds this summer. Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
2. Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
Belgrave is a hipster’s paradise and great pale ales and real ales on offer. It has a fantastic beer garden that has sun loungers, great tunes and a beach hut.
It also has outdoor seating down the side of the venue – so is a great place to venture to when the Yorkshire weather is at its best.
They’re also famous for the pizza, so make sure you treat yourself to a slice when you visit. Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP
3. Water Lane Boathouse
Brought to you by the team that brought you Headrow House & Belgrave Music Hall is Waterfront Bar & Beer Garden. The venue has outside tables with a beautiful view out onto the canal.
Their beer garden is the perfect place to chill out with friends this summer. The idyllic spot is very cool, and the views are best viewed with a beer or two.
They do a variety of pizzas – which are absolutely delicious. Water Lane Boathouse, Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS
4. Nation of Shopkeepers
A Nation of Shopkeepers has a great selection of beers and a varied and tasty food offering. Their huge outdoor beer garden is a beautiful secluded square that is spacious and offers benched seating or tables.
Situated near Millenium Square, it’s perfect for those heading into town this summer to enjoy a few drinks with friends. Nation of Shopkeepers, 26-27 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AG
5. Mustard Pot
The first on the list to be in one of the suburbs, Chapel Allerton’s Mustard Pot, has a beautiful and spacious beer. The Georgian-style gastropub serves a variety of real ales that fit with its country-chic, open-fire style.
If you’re just visiting Leeds or are a resident, it is worth going out of your way to visit this super cool venue. Get there early and soak up the sun with a few ciders this summer. Mustard Pot, 20 Stainbeck Ln, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3QY
6. Northern Monk Refectory
Northern Monk Refectory beer garden in Leeds is our idea of heaven. Northern Monk is fast becoming one of the most popular breweries in the Yorkshire area thanks to the fantastic beer selection that is served with passion and knowledge.
They have a lovely beer garden that is very spacious and is in a great area just on the outskirts of town. If you’re wanting to chill out in a beer garden with some of the best beer Yorkshire has to offer, hit these guys up. Northern Monk Refectory, Marshalls Mill, The Old Flax Store, Marshall St, Leeds LS11 9YJ
Find out more here.
7. Banyan
One of the first things you’ll see when you step out of the train station – Banyan has the perfect location for city centre drinking. Their beer garden is great for just sitting and watching the world go by in a busy city centre.
It always has a buzzing and vibrant atmosphere and sits in the picturesque City Square. They do a range of fantastic beers, ciders and cocktails that will make your summer that much better. Banyan, Toronto Square, 2 City Square, Leeds LS1 2ES
8. Angelica
Set on the sixth floor in Leeds Trinity, Angelica is a stylish and modern bar that looks out over the city of Leeds. It has a beautiful roof terrace that has amazing views, which people can enjoy while sipping on the high-quality range of beverages that Angelicas provide.
It is one of the coolest places to visit if you love getting dressed up and getting on the cocktails with the gals. Angelica, Level 6, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
Find out more here.
9. Alchemist
The Alchemist on Greek Street is our favourite beer garden in Leeds serving delicious cocktails. Greek Street is pretty much one huge beer garden these days, through a stone, and you’ll hit a great bar.
But, we have also been a sucker for a smokey Old Fashioned at Alchemist. They always seem to put so much thought into everything they do.
From the showmanship of their cocktail making to the glasses that they come in – it is also one extravagant experience that we’ve never gotten tired of. Alchemist, Yorkshire House, Greek St, Leeds LS1 5SH
Find out more here.
10. Original Oak
One for the sports folk here, Headingley’s Original Oak has a huge screen in it and is the biggest beer garden in Leeds that is always playing whatever sport is on.
Set on the famous Otley Run, it is usually a very popular choice – and with good reason. Its beer garden is very spacious and always a really good laugh.
Always busy and always fun is how we’d describe this great venue. Royal Oak, 2 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2DG
11. Chow Down
An open-air dining and drink venue in Leeds city centre. Set at Temple Arches it’s making its return this year. It is very much like a chilled-out pop-up DIY feel to the place that just embodies summer.
It’s the perfect venue where you turn up and drink the day away with your friends while soaking in the sun. We are very excited about its return this summer. It’s one of the newest, but best beer gardens in Leeds. Chow Down, Temple Arches, Leeds LS11 5QG
12. North Brewing Co. Springwell
Another beer drinkers’ paradise, North Brewing Co’s Springwell in the city centre, has 24 taps that showcase incredible breweries as well as their own amazing beers.
They have a range of wines and cocktails too and the perfect street food offerings to go with them. Sit out in the sunshine in one of the best beer gardens in Leeds by one of Yorkshire’s best breweries. North Brew Co, Springwell Works, Buslingthorpe Ln, Leeds LS7 2DF
13. Lamb & Flag
The renovated 19th-century building houses this spectacular pub makes for a beautiful backdrop for a sun-drenched day of drinking. The pub has a locally-sourced menu and a range decent of ales.
The exposed brickwork is beautiful and its courtyard-style beer garden is one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. They serve up a range of fantastic drinks as well as their ales including draught lagers, wines, spirits, soft drinks. Lamb and Flag, 1 Church Row, Leeds LS2 7HD
14. Issho
Found in Victoria Gate, Isso serves up delicious Japanese cuisine on its spectacular terrace that’s decked out with cloud-like pillowed eating and lush greenery.
Whether you’d like to enjoy a few cocktails, bottomless brunch or alfresco dining it’s the perfect outdoor seating venue. Issho, Victoria Gate 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU
15. The Cross Keys
Nestled in the centre of Leeds industrial quarter sits gastropub The Cross Keys. Whilst its interior boasts exposed brick, plush leather booths and flagstone floors that scream cosiness, it’s the beer garden you’ll want to flock to come the warmer months.
Wooden decking and picnic tables adorn the rear of the pub, creating a blissful sun trap to enjoy the locally sourced food menu or one of the many regional craft ales. Cross Keys, 107 Water Ln, Holbeck, Leeds
16. Rolands
A treat just behind Call Lane, Roland’s quaint wooded beer garden with beautiful dangling lights is found away from the main strip in Leeds. It fits around 30 people on the terrace but is great if you want a sun trap to yourselves all afternoon.
They specialise in great cocktails as well as a great selection of Craft beer. Rolands, 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
17. The Rooftop at East Parade
Shhh, this last one is our little secret. The Rooftop at East Parade is one of the only beer gardens in Leeds accessible with a password.
You can find the password on the bar’s Instagram before putting in a code and heading up the stairs to this magical place that is full of panoramic views and comfy seats where you can enjoy a few bevvies whilst soaking up some much-needed vitamin D. The Rooftop at East Parade,10-12 East Parade, Leeds, LS1 2BH
Find out more here.
18. Whitelocks Ale House
From the time you sneak down the passageway into the yard outside, history oozes into every part of the tavern. Since the end of the nineteenth century, the Victorian interior hasn’t changed a bit.
The mahogany furnishings and low vaulted ceilings harken back to a bygone period. The pub has some of the best Yorkshire beers and classic quality food, making it the ideal spot for a beer (or maybe five). Whitelocks, Turks Head Yard, Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6HB
19. Salt Beer Craft Asylum at Granary Wharf
Craft Asylum a new spot on Granary Wharf is popular for a pint or two in Leeds, where the craft beer boom is in full force. You may sit canalside with your drink in one of the city’s most tranquil spots.
They also do great cocktails on tap as well as tasty falafel wraps to wash down their beer.
Read More: These Are The Best Bottomless Brunches To Try In Leeds
Feature Image Credit: Headrow House
