The Best Bars for Day Drinking in Leeds

A slew of brews, top-notch grub and oodles of space – these fab Leeds bars have everything you need for a spot of daytime drinking.

There are few better ways to spend a day than by sinking a few and chowing down with your nearest and dearest. But where should you go to do it? Leeds has more than its fair share of bars to while away an afternoon, from cosy drinking dens to laidback pubs, the options are almost endless. Whether you’re catching up with mates or making time for family, chuck these charmers on your must-visit list.

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

When it comes to bars for day drinking in Leeds, it doesn’t get much more chilled out than Belgrave Music Hall. This multi-storey favourite in the Northern Quarter makes for a heck of a spot to spend a day mulling over pints or cocktails from the bar. As for food, you’ve got options. Will it be the loaded fries and towering burgers from Patty’s Burgers or the giant slices of American-style pizza fresh out the oven at Dough Boys? Whatever you go for, you can enjoy it all on their snug sofas or take it up to the epic rooftop – weather permitting.

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JP.

North Bar

There are few better places to enjoy a day of beer drinking in Leeds than the city’s home of craft beer. North Bar is a North Brewing Co, well, bar, and it’s where you’ll find a fantastic line-up of their own brews. We’re talking everything hoppy, chocolatey, fruity and sour, including their famous Sputnik on tap. All that’s on top of the massive selection – over 100 – of local and international brews in the fridges. It’s kept snug inside, with charcuterie boards to keep you going, while outdoor seating makes it perfect for a sunny day, pint in hand.

North Bar, 24 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.

Outlaws Yacht Club


Outlaws Yacht Club is a Leeds bar that just oozes with coolness. But it’s so much more than a bar, with boardgames, an exhibition space and even a barbers. It’s no mean feat to say that you could spend a day here with ease. Come early and grab a coffee, or go straight in with something stronger – they’ve got everything from fruity Belgian blondes to hand-picked bottles of wine, in every colour. And there’s not just things to do and drink, they also have menu of chow you simply can’t say no to. Grilled cheese? Yes please!

Outlaws Yacht Club, 38 New York Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DY.

Whitelock’s

If it’s a bar with a bit of history behind it you’re looking for, Whitelock’s may just be the ticket. This Leeds icon is a throwback, a reminder of our long history of pub-going and whittling away a day with good company, drinking great beer. We’re talking stained glass windows, mahogany furnishings and a dazzling red carpet, a combination that demands a pint of a local cask ale to go with your hefty portion of proper pie and peas. You can pig out in the mirrored, Tardis-like interior or take it out to a bench in the light-filled (and heated) alley.

Whitelock’s Ale House, Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HB.

Nation of Shopkeepers

Nation of Shopkeepers have nailed the concept of day drinking. Inside, this Leeds bar is light and airy yet just the right amount of comfy, while the hidden terrace and courtyard offer an outdoor escape to soak up the sun, away from the bustling streets. At the bar, you’ll be delighted with a slew of craft beers, from brilliant pilsners to citrusy IPAs, plus all your usual spirits and cocktails. The food is just as tempting, expect loaded burgers and fried chicken that will go down a treat. Throw a weekend-worthy playlist into the mix and you’re all set.

Nation of Shopkeepers, 26-27 Cookridge Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AG.

Water Lane Boathouse

A pub without that old pub feeling, Water Lane Boathouse has a pared back, Scandi vibe that’ll keep you here for the day. They lucked out with a fantastic location opposite Granary Wharf – the huge windows offer views of the canal you won’t find anywhere else in Leeds. As for drinks, their gin list is unparalleled, whether you’re looking for something fruity or floral, they’ve (probably) got it, as well as a load of craft beers and cocktails. Feeling peckish? You can grab tasty burgers, sandwiches and even pizzas fresh out the Italian pizza oven.

Water Lane Boathouse, Canal Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5PS.

Headrow House

No matter the time of year, Headrow House is always a solid choice for day drinking in Leeds. First, make a beeline to the ground-floor beer hall and take your pick of the 60-plus beers on offer, or head straight up to the cocktail bar that takes residence on the top floor. That bar leads out to two rooftop terraces that are prime locations to soak up some rays on a sunny day, and down a few piña coladas while you’re at it. There are also plenty of covered areas and heaters for those snappy days, so you can get your drink on all year round.

Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.

Tapped

Tapped brings a slice of American craft beer culture to Leeds, with its retro leather booths reminiscent of a Hollywood diner scene, huge copper tanks and countless taps. They serve 27 draft beers, that includes 13 cask ales and 14 keg beers, plus more than 150 bottled brews from all around the world – that gives you loads of hoppy choice to get through in a day of drinking. Will you go for a grapefruit IPA or German wheat beer? Heck, try both! And to help you through it, their stone-baked pizzas are a tasty addition.

Tapped, 51 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5EL.

Green Room

Green Room is a Leeds bar that changes with the seasons, bringing you something different as the year goes on. In the colder months, come for the heated rooftop and comfort food, and when it’s warmer, you can grab a sun-soaked spot on the roof terrace to dig into a Scandi-inspired brunch. Kirkstall, Northern Monk and Magic Rock Brewery beers are on the taps, while the wine menu is always varied, with everything from your Pinot Grigio to a Merlot, as well as the sparkling variety for special occasions – or any time for that matter.

Green Room, 36 Wellington Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2DE.

Roland’s

Day drinking in Leeds is practically synonymous with Roland’s. This Call Lane bar is a place you’ll want to keep all to yourself. You can take residence in prime people-watching position in a booth by the window or pull up a chair in the courtyard. If it’s sun you’re after, follow the steps to the hidden rooftop – get here early to claim one of the 30 seats. Fancy a beer? You’re spoilt for choice, with some of the most unusual brews you’ll find in the city, plus all your usuals. More of a cocktail person? They’ve got those too, done well and proper.

Roland’s, 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.