These great Leeds bars have everything you need for a spot of daytime drinking.
Stuck on where to have a daytime tipple in Leeds? The city has more than its fair share of bars and pubs to while away an afternoon, be it pubs packed with history or chic riverside bars. So, whether you’re making an occasion of it or just meeting a friend for a pint, here’s the ultimate guide to day drinking in Leeds.
Looking to enjoy your daytime drinks alfresco? Check out our guide to the best beer gardens in Leeds.
Brewery Wharf Tavern
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Clocking off early for a canal-side pint? Count us in. Brewery Wharf Tavern is another gem brought by the brilliant minds of the Whitelocks and Kirkstall Brewery crew, and it serves all your daytime supping needs come rain or shine.
We do recommend going on a dry day though– there’s nothing quite like relaxing on the Tavern terrace watching the boats float by as you nurse your favourite drink. Between the stunning views and the stunning drinks menu, it’ll be hard to get up and leave. Don’t let hunger pull you away either, their sourdough sarnies are even more delicious than they sound!
Where is it? Tetley’s Brewery Wharf, 3 Brewery Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS10 1NE.
When does it open? From 12pm Friday to Sunday and from 4pm Monday to Thursday.
Check it out: brewerywharftavern.co.uk
NQ64
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Now, NQ64 is a little different to the other bars in this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best places to go for a daytime tipple in Leeds. It doubles up as a watering hole and gaming haven, with fun hiding around every corner.
You’ll find yourself riffing on Guitar Hero, working up a sweat on Dance Euromix and setting a new high score on Space Invaders – all that hard work is sure to make you thirsty, right? Luckily, there are cocktails of every creation to keep you fuelled, from the Powerstar Martini to a Mad Max Zombie.
Where is it? 11 Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PG.
When does it open? From 4pm Monday to Friday, from 12pm on Saturday and from 11am on Sunday.
Check it out: nq64.co.uk
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
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If it’s day drinking in Leeds you’re after (and let’s be honest, when isn’t it?), get yourself down to Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen. The party never stops at this multi-storey stalwart, with the snug downstairs area ideal for sheltering away from the elements and the epic rooftop ideal for those rare sunny days.
Drinks will take you from perfectly-poured pints (we’ll have a Faith, please) and crisp savvy bs to spicy Margaritas and so much more. And to eat? That’ll be a giant slice of pizza from Dough Boys and stacked, juicy burgers from Patty’s, ideal for lining your stomach for the day ahead. Get strapped in!
Where is it? Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JP.
When does it open? From 12pm Monday to Friday and from 11am on weekends.
Check it out: belgravemusichall.com
Water Lane Boathouse
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Sleek and stylish, Water Lane Boathouse is one of the best places in the city to settle down for a daytime drink. Its enviable Granary Wharf location offers beautiful views of the canal that you won’t find anywhere else in Leeds, and what better way to enjoy them than with a tipple or two?
We’re talking goblets of gin and tonic, cocktails, spritzes, craft beers and so much more. Feeling peckish? You can grab tasty burgers, sandwiches and, of course, pizza fresh out of the Italian oven.
Where is it? Canal Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5PS.
When does it open? From 11:30am daily.
Check it out: waterlaneboathouse.com
North Bar
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There’s no better match made in heaven than craft beer and day drinking – or at least that’s what North Bar thinks. Purveyors of all things hoppy, sour and fruity, they have a fine selection of beer on tap, including their famous Sputnik – and that’s before you set your sight on the 100 beers in the fridge.
Inside it’s all snug and low-lit, but sunny days sees punters spill out onto the outside benches. Their food offering takes inspiration from Belgian beer cafes, with cheeses, olives, crisps and more – yes, we’re talking Scampi Fries, people!
Where is it? 24 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.
When does it open? From 12pm daily.
Check it out: northbar.com
Outlaws Yacht Club
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While Outlaws Yacht Club is a great spot for day drinking in Leeds, it’s also great for any sober friends who don’t want to miss out on any fun. The chilled-out European-style cafe/bar, exhibition space and hairdressers (yep, seriously) does a fine line in coffee and soft drinks but also boasts a mean alcoholic offering.
From ice-cold bottles to sparkling serves, there’s something to suit every taste, but we love the signature cocktails – the Pale ’n’ Stormy is a twist on the classic, with fresh ginger, Beefeater gin, green tea syrup and honey. If you’re peckish, the Outlaws grilled cheese is sent from heaven.
Where is it? 38 New York Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DY.
When does it open? From 11am Monday to Saturday and from 1pm on Sundays.
Check it out: outlawsyachtclub.com
Whitelocks
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Not only is it filled with a rich history, it’s also one of the best places for day drinking in Leeds – yep, we’re talking about Whitelocks. It’s been watering the good folk of Leeds for over 300 years, be it snuggled up by the cosy bar or soaking up the sun on a picnic table.
Real ales, craft beers and ciders are their specialities, ranging from Virtuous and Guinness to Veltins and Five Points lager. If you’re with friends, why not get a few small plates to share? The black pudding scotch egg is incredible, as are the garlic, chilli & lime prawns.
Where is it? Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HB.
When does it open? From 11am daily.
Check it out: whitelocksleeds.com
Headrow House
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With one of the best rooftop bars in the city, it’s a given that Headrow House is also a great place to grab a daytime tipple. Walk through the doors and make a beeline for the ground-level beer hall, with a whopping 60-plus beers on offer, or on sunny days you can head straight to their rooftop cocktail bar.
There’s loads to enjoy on draught, be it a classic Virtuous (our favourite), a fruity Schofferhoffer or a refreshing Amstel. Steering clear from beer? Enjoy one of their many cocktails, including a mean Negroni.
Where is it? 19a The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
When does it open? From 12pm daily.
Check it out: headrowhouse.com
Roland’s
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If you’ve been reading Leeds-List for a while, you’ll know how much we love the secret beer garden at Roland’s – it’s one of the best places to go day drinking in the city. Not only that, but the inside is great too, with a light and airy covered courtyard that shelters you from the elements.
And to drink? Look no further than some of the creamiest Guinness in Leeds – a pint so smooth it’s become a local legend. If cocktails are more your style, you’re in for a treat. The Espresso Martini is a showstopper, blending vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur and a Guinness stout syrup. It’s the perfect mix of rich flavour and a caffeinated kick to keep the good times rolling
Where is it? 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
When does it open? From 12pm Friday to Sunday and from 4pm Monday to Thursday.
Check it out: rolandsleeds.co.uk
White Cloth Hall
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White Cloth Hall is a venue that takes you from morning until night, with a stop for a pint (or two) in the afternoon. The all-day food hall is one of our favourite places for day drinking in Leeds, but brace yourself for a queue that snakes all the way down the road.
They’re all about championing Yorkshire brands, with everything from Kirkstall to Northern Monk on the taps, but vino lovers will be well looked after. Head upstairs to the wine bar for a range of organic wines, homemade cocktails and charcuterie boards to line your stomach.
Where is it? 25 Crown Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DA.
When does it open? From 12pm Tuesday to Friday and from 10:30am on weekends.
Check it out: whiteclothhall.co.uk
The Victoria and Commercial
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The legendary Leeds drinking hole that is The Victoria and Commercial got a new lease of life this year. After over five years of closure, the grade II listed building has been lovingly restored and is finally ready to satisfy all your day drinking desires.
It’s now under the management of the team that runs Whitelocks and Kirkstall brewery, so you know it’s in great hands.You’ll likely find a new favourite brew amongst their extensive selection of cask ales and keg beers. Not a beer drinker? They’ve got plenty of wines and spirits too! And the food menu is full of comforting classics that make for a great tipsy lunch.
Where is it? 28 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3DL.
When does it open? From 12pm every day.
Check it out: thevictorialeeds.co.uk
Vinyl Grounds
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Day drinking in Leeds has gotten ten times cooler with the arrival of Vinyl Grounds in the city centre. Founded by Leeds locals Saroop and Jay, the coffee-meets-wine bar has taken over the old Brownhill & Co. site, turning it into a cosy spot for tipples and tunes.
Just imagine catching up on the goss’ with your mates over a gorgeous glass of wine while soulful records play in the background– that’s our idea of an afternoon well spent! And their specialty roasts are a great option for any non-drinkers in your group (or anyone needing a sobering espresso shot before carrying on with the day).
Where is it? 30 Central Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DE.
When does it open? From 9:30am daily.
Check it out: Instagram.com/vinyl_grounds
