There aren’t many ways to make the most of the sun like sipping a nice cool beer in a beer garden. And, Leeds in the summer is a very beautiful thing indeed – especially when drinking a few cold ones with your mates. The city boasts some of the best bars in God’s Own Country as well as some of the best beer gardens in Leeds.
And this city is certainly not short of a few cheeky beer gardens either. With beautiful scenery, great vibes and tunes playing Leeds outdoor pubs are the place to be this summer. Sun, tunes and a cocktail make for a perfect combination if you ask us. Whether it’s cocktails you’re after, a cider or a few ales with city and river views – it’s hard to beat.
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.
So, what are the best beer gardens in Leeds to visit 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. Outdoor pubs are in abundance in the city, but cool rooftop terraces like this, don’t match this spot. 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 are on offer. It has a fantastic beer garden that has sun loungers, great tunes and a beach hut making it the perfect place to enjoy summer drinks that may lead to the sun going down and long into the nightlife of Leeds.
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. Out of Leeds pub gardens, this one is a beautiful secluded square that is spacious and offers benches seating or tables.
Situated near Millennium 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, the perfect place in the Leeds alfresco drinking scene. It 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 want 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. 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.
9. 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
10. Green Room
Named one of Europe’s best rooftop bars, Green Room has established itself as one of the city’s coolest hotspots to while away the summer months. Found slap bang in the middle of Leeds, near the newly renovated Channel 4 building, the bar serves up amazing brunch dishes cocktails, and craft beer all enjoyed with live music and local DJs spinning tunes every weekend.
The brainchild of two entrepreneurs, Will Habergham and Kirk Allen, and two years in the making, it’s located in the historic building next to the newly renovated Majestic Building. Green Room has collaborated with the very best local independent food and drink brands, creating an unrivalled collection of vegan-friendly dishes and drink menus. 36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE
11. 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
12. Lamb & Flag
The renovated 19th-century building houses this spectacular pub making for a beautiful backdrop for a sun-drenched day of drinking. The pub has a locally sourced menu and a range 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, and soft drinks. Lamb and Flag, 1 Church Row, Leeds LS2 7HD
13. Beck & Call
A more of a modern vibe in this pub, Beck & Call in Meanwood is a trendy pub with a lively vibe, perfect for those looking to socialise and have a good time. Sample their impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The Beck and Call pub is your friendly local pub that also offers quality home-cooked in a relaxed environment. Stainbeck Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 2NP
14. 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
15. 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.
16. IF Rooftop
Shhh, this last one is our little secret. One of Yorkshire’s best rooftop bars, formerly Rooftop at East Parade, is now opened by the fantastic independent cafe and bar group IF…m aptly named IF…Rooftop, Leeds. And is the best spot to be this bank holiday.
Looking for a place to chill with friends enjoying cocktails, beers and tunes in the sun then this place is for you. Known for needing a secret passcode, the rooftop bar has some of the best views of Leeds City Centre and is a great place to soak in the sun over summer. 10-12 East Parade, Leeds, LS1 2BH
17. 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
18. 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. Candle House, Granary Wharf, Leeds, LS1 4GJ LS1 4GJ Leeds, United Kingdom
So, there you have it. Now all you need to do is wait for that first sunny weekend. Then you can enjoy sipping a nice cool beer in a beer garden. Leeds in the summer is beautiful – especially when sipping a few cold ones with your mates. The city boasts some of the best beer gardens in Leeds for you to enjoy.
Read More: These Are The Best Bottomless Brunches To Try In Leeds
Feature Image Credit: Headrow House
