The Best Beer Gardens in Leeds

If you’re looking for the best beer gardens in Leeds, you’ve come to the right place…

When the sun’s shining, there are few better places to be than the finest beer gardens in Leeds. There are lots of lovely options to choose from, but which ones should you single out for your next get-together? From proper pub gardens to rooftop terraces, city centre hideaways and suburban gems, we’ve rounded out the best outdoor drinking spots in the city, so you can catch up with your favourite people over your favourite brews.

Whitelock’s & The Turk’s Head

One of the oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock’s is a local institution in the heart of the city. They share their long, narrow beer garden with sister bar The Turk’s Head. Wooden tables and benches stretch all the way down the alley – the majority are covered and have heaters. If you love real ale and craft beer, this is the place to go – there are local favourites on cask and keg, with brews from the UK and beyond in the fridges. Come hungry, because they take classic pub grub to the next level with favourites like fish & chips and their iconic roast.

Whitelock’s & The Turk’s Head, 4 Turk’s Head Yard, off Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HB.

The Boundary House

The Boundary House has one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. Up on the patio, you can cosy up in their rattan chairs with parasols to offer shade from the summer sun. Meanwhile, out on the lawn, long benches offer even more space to enjoy a beer and some rays. Local real ales line the bar, but they also have a truly excellent wine list. The food is worth staying for too – oyster mushroom stroganoff sits alongside a menu of steaks, burgers and salads or you can try one of their speciality Boundary Kebabs.

The Boundary House, 24 Church Side, Methley, West Yorkshire, LS26 9EE.

If… Rooftop

Getting the sun from every angle, coupled with beautiful views over towards Leeds Town hall, If… Rooftop (formerly The Rooftop at East Parade) is home to one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. This is a seasonal bar, welcoming sun-lovers and the parched when summer comes around to its paved and astroturfed roof terrace. You can grab a picnic table, bench or garden table, enjoy the sounds of DJs and enjoy a marvellously tempting drinks offering – craft beers and cocktails are plentiful, but who can resists an Aperol Spritz?

If… Rooftop, 10-12 East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2BH.

Crooked Billet

Located near a War of the Roses battlefield, the Crooked Billet is a historic pub with a recently refurbished beer garden. They have a covered and heated pagoda patio with views across the nearby countryside. It leads out onto a grassy area full of picnic tables that have adjustable parasols. If you love beer, you’re well catered for with local brews on cask alongside European lagers and UK craft beer. They’re known for their giant filled Yorkshire puddings, but they also have a menu of pub classics like pies, steaks and burgers.

The Crooked Billet, Saxton, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, LS24 9QN.

Nation of Shopkeepers

There’s no doubt Nation has one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. It’s split in two – you can take a seat under their covered, heated terrace or head down the steps into the spacious courtyard to bask under the mid-afternoon sun. There are a series of huts, each with their own heaters, next to a series of big benches and picnic tables you can gather round with friends. Craft beers from local and national breweries are on the taps or you can sample a range of spirits and mixers. And to eat? Their menu of juicy burgers and fried chicken will fill a hole.

Nation of Shopkeepers, 29 Cookridge Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AG.

Calverley Arms

Home to one of the biggest beer gardens in Leeds, The Calverley Arms is perfect for a few drinks and a bite to eat outdoors. The terrace is filled with garden tables, many of which come with collapsible parasols, or you can head out onto the grass, where oodles of traditional picnic tables await. Choose from an ever-changing line-up of local cask ales on the taps or go for one of their artisan gins. They’re perfectly paired with a menu of tasty pub classics – will it be aubergine parmigiana, fish and chips or one of their signature skewers?

Calverley Arms, Calverley Lane, Calverley, West Yorkshire, LS28 5QQ.

North Brewing Co City Tap

North Brewing Co’s City Tap has a stellar beer garden in the heart of Leeds. They have rows of covered and uncovered benches, some with heaters, some without, alongside a series of cool, colourful picnic tables around the front of the building. This is craft beer heaven – you can choose from 24 different taps, filled with North’s own fresh-as-you-like creations and their favourite guest brews. They even have three massive fridges full of cans. Little Bao Boy are on hand to sate any hunger pangs – their bao buns are a delicious match for all that beer.

North Brewing Co City Tap, 3 Sovereign Square, Sovereign Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BA.

Green Room

Green Room’s elevated sun trap makes it one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. It’s all festoon lights, long bench tables and swathes of green plants. In the colder months, it transforms into the Winter Garden, with heaters and parasols. Busy upstairs? There’s an open-air seating area right out front too. To drink, you’re spoilt for choice. Beer comes from local breweries like Kirkstall, as well as cocktails, wine and gin goblets. They have a tantalising brunch offering while North Star sort the coffee – what could be better?

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

Headrow House

There’s not one, but two incredible roof terraces at Headrow House. The first opens out from their top-floor cocktail bar. You’ll find long rows of benches tucked under heaters and collapsible parasols. On one end lies the DJ booth, on the other the stairs to Kennedy Meadows. Climb up to take in the views, before you sit at their open benches or covered huts. There’s craft beer and tank-fresh Budvar, alongside a small but tempting cocktail menu. Ox Club’s much-loved grill kitchen is downstairs should you get peckish.

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

Call Lane

Call Lane is an al fresco paradise, so you can eat, drink and be merry on one of Leeds’ buzziest streets. There’s oodles of space, with covered seating and heat lamps at the various venues on the strip. On one side, you can enjoy crazy pizzas from Cuckoo, meaty goodness from Red’s True BBQ and heaving tacos from Neon Cactus, while across the street, Power, Corruption & Lies serves up Asian small plates. Throw in drinks from the likes of Call Lane Social and Oporto for a fantastic night out all in one place.

Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DT.

Restaurant Bar & Grill

Best known for its high-end fare, Restaurant Bar & Grill also boasts a cracking beer garden in the centre of Leeds. It stretches across the front of the former post office building on City Square, with rows of tables leading to a covered seating area. Heat lamps are dotted between the tables, parasols offer shelter and blankets are available on demand. You can stop by for drinks – they have an incredible wine list and a knack for mixology – but the real attraction is the food. From spaghetti carbonara to indulgent chateaubriand, it’s simply exquisite.

Restaurant Bar & Grill, The Old Post Office, 3 City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2AN.

The Royalty

The Royalty has one of the most impressive beer gardens in Leeds. Their vast, south-facing lawn gets the sun all day long and it’s covered in large picnic tables with space for up to six people. It’s slap bang in the middle of the Chevin Forest Park, so you can enjoy magnificent views across Airedale as you sit. The Royalty is a proper Yorkshire real ale pub. The pumps showcase a revolving door of great local ales from the likes of Black Sheep, Roosters and Ilkley. Pair yours with one of their famous homemade pies, pasties or burgers.

The Royalty, York Gate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3DG.

Banyan

Nestled on City Square, a mere hop, skip and a jump from Leeds Train Station, Banyan has always been a popular choice for after-work drinks – and when the sun’s out, you can enjoy them in their beer garden. Sun seeking? Don’t worry, the tables are covered by collapsible parasols so you can enjoy the afternoon rays. Banyan is famed for its cocktails, and from the hazelnut julep to the mango margarita, they’re on 2-4-1 all day, every day except Saturdays when it’s from 5pm. Hungry? You can line your stomach with one of their burgers.

Banyan, 2, The Old Post Office, City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2ES.

Issho

Perched at the top of Victoria Leeds, Issho is a high-end Japanese restaurant with an incredible rooftop terrace beer garden that looks out over the city. Their cosy sofas are covered by enormous parasols and they’ve got enough heat lamps to keep you toasty all through the night. They have an extensive champagne menu, and that should tell you a lot about the bar itself, but if you’re not up for that level of extravagance, you can enjoy Japanese-inspired cocktails while snacking on edamame beans and an exquisite selection of sushi.

Issho, Victoria Gate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7AU.

Lord Gascoigne

This popular family-friendly pub in the heart of Garforth is home to one of the biggest beer gardens in Leeds. The Lord Gascoigne has a sprawling outdoor area filled with picnic benches and garden tables, many of which have parasols to protect you from the summer sun. While you’re there, you can sup a wide selection of real ales and continental lagers – they even do two-pint glasses for the extra thirsty! Hungry? It’s classic pub grub all the way, with all the burgers, pizza and steaks you could want.

Lord Gascoigne, 6 Aberford Road, Garforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 1PX.

Water Lane Boathouse

Nestled on the banks of the River Aire overlooking Granary Wharf, Water Lane Boathouse has one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. Big benches stretch out beside the river with vast waterproof parasols you can put up or down. Heaters go on as the temperatures go down, but no one would blame you for putting your beer jacket on. After all, they have Kirkstall, Northern Monk and Five Points brews on draught. The G&T menu is exceptional too. And if you’re hungry, you can get loaded burgers or proper Neapolitan pizzas.

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

The Chequers Inn

The Chequers Inn is a characterful country pub just outside Leeds with a charming beer garden. There’s a heated marquee at the top, which sits above a patio terrace – both have a mix of rattan furniture and parasol-covered wooden tables. This is a pub that prides itself on showing off the best of Yorkshire. There’s beer from Theakstons, Bradfield and Leeds Brewery, alongside local gins. You can pair yours with a menu of locally-sourced dishes like ribeye steak, Yorkshire charcuterie platters and spiced falafel burger.

The Chequers Inn, Park Lane, Ledsham, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 5LP.

Belgrave Music Hall

The roof terrace at Belgrave Music Hall is a sun-kissed haven in the heart of the city. It’s lined with covered huts, each adorned with a translucent roof, so you can feel the sun’s rays. And in the middle? Coloured picnic tables with big collapsible parasols. Craft beer fans are well catered for – beers from Kirkstall and Five Points are staples, alongside local and global favourites. You have every reason to line your stomach too – choose from Patty’s gloriously dirty burgers or Dough Boys’ irresistible pizzas.

Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen, 1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JP.

Merrion Street

It’s one of the hottest nightspots in Leeds and Merrion Street is essentially one big beer garden through the summer. They’ve created a big strip of covered seating that runs from one end to the other and includes eight fantastic bars and restaurants on the strip. You can look forward to Thai street food from Zaap, Japanese eats from Bento and hot-as-heck wings from Mojo. Roxy’s pizzas and Manahatta’s burgers are also up for grabs. Meanwhile, Verve, Mean-Eyed Cat Bar and Liv Bar are all on hand for drinks.

Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JE.

The Cross Keys

Looking for pubs with beer gardens in Leeds city centre? Look no further than The Cross Keys. Their sun-trap of a courtyard is a real find. It’s enclosed by a long wooden bench that wraps around the perimeter with heaters above and picnic tables in the middle. They specialise in craft beer, with local favourites like North and Kirkstall on the taps, but you can also choose from a fine selection of hand-picked wines. In the week, pair your drinks with a menu of classic pub food, then on Sundays, tuck into a banging roast dinner.

The Cross Keys, 107 Water Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5WD.

The Original Oak

The Original Oak is a Leeds institution. Why? Because of that massive, sprawling beer garden out back. It’s very popular in the summer, so you need to get in there early, but you’ll be rewarded with all-day sun at one of their many picnic tables. Don’t worry, collapsible parasols offer much-needed respite. They have craft beer on tap and in the fridges, alongside classic cocktails and a vast selection of spirits. Peckish? Their menu of classic pub dishes will hit the spot – take your pick from stone-baked pizzas and staples like cod and chips.

The Original Oak, 2 Otley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2DG.

Kirkstall Bridge Inn

The riverside beer garden at Kirkstall Bridge Inn is one of the best in Leeds and it’s massive. It runs right along the River Aire, with picnic tables stretching from the back of the pub right into their magical, fairy-lit woodland area. Since it’s a Kirkstall Brewery pub, you can look forward to all their classics like Three Swords and Dissolution IPA on cask, Virtuous on keg, and plenty of ever-changing guest brews. Pair it with their menu of pub favourites, from chicken wings to fish and chips, while the Sunday lunch is one of the best around.

Kirkstall Bridge Inn, 12 Bridge Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3BW.

Roland’s

You’ll find Roland’s understated beer garden tucked away behind Call Lane. It’s so detached from the main strip that you’d never even know you were in one of the busiest nightspots in Leeds. There’s only space for around 30 people on the terrace, but if you bag a place, you’ll have the sun all afternoon. And if you want a little shade? The downstairs courtyard is covered. Craft beer fans are well looked after, with rare and unusual tipples on offer, but they also have a hand-picked collection of spirits, ready to team with a mixer, and tasty cocktails.

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

Myrtle Tavern

When one beer garden isn’t enough, head to Meanwood’s Myrtle Tavern. They have two – the first is a leafy, fairy-lit marquee filled with picnic tables in front of the pub, while the second is a grassy knoll in the rear filled with picnic benches. You can even book the little Guinness booth for extra privacy! They specialise in real ales, with local favourites like Kirkstall on tap, but if that’s not your thing, they have plenty of artisan gins. Hungry? They serve a menu of delightful pub classics, from the Mumbai burger to spaghetti and meatballs.

Myrtle Tavern, Parkside Road, Meanwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4NE.

Angelica

At Angelica, drinks come with a view. Take a seat at one of their swish metal tables, complete with parasols and heat lamps, or head round to the lavish outdoor sofas to look out over the city with a drink in hand. Wine is the order of the day – their handpicked collection worships at the altar of champagne. Lanson, Krug and Dom Perignon – you name it, they’ve got it, alongside everything from Merlot to Nyetimber. And if you’re eating, you can do anything from stone bass vadouvan to Chateaubriand.

Angelica, Level 6 Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW.

Chevin Inn

This historic 18th-century inn minutes away from the Otley Chevin has a vast beer garden well worth visiting. There’s a raised patio full of metal garden tables, where you can sit and take in the breathtaking countryside views. Alternatively, you can head down to the spacious lawn which is filled with parasol-covered picnic benches. Local cask ales like Timothy Taylor’s are available on the taps, but wine lovers will be well looked after too. You can choose from an eclectic pub menu, with sausage and mash sitting alongside pepper-seared tuna.

The Chevin Inn, West Chevin Road, Menston, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 6BE.

The Beck & Call

From the team behind Belgrave and Headrow House, The Beck & Call is a family-friendly pub with a massive beer garden. Parasol-covered picnic tables stretch all the way round the pub, from their multi-level terrace at the front to the spacious lawns round the back. Craft beer is what they do best, with an ever-changing array of local favourites on tap, but you can also get wine and cocktails. Their food offering is worth the visit in itself – tuck into a delicious menu of old fashioned pub grub, from homemade pies to juicy burgers.

The Beck & Call, Stainbeck Road, Meanwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 2NP.

Greek Street

Right at the heart of the city’s nightlife, Greek Street is an absolute winner for outdoor merriment. From top to bottom, this buzzing hub has oodles of space and plenty of tables, often with parasols and heaters scattered. It’s a cocktail lover’s dream – you can enjoy twists on classics at Manahatta, Be At One and The Lost & Found or dabble in Insta-worthy creations at The Alchemist and Neighbourhood. Hungry? Sample delicious Italian fare at Gusto, pan-Asian eats at Bar Soba or Indian street food at Indian Tiffin Room.

Greek Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5RU.

The Woods

There are two outdoor areas with room for up to 120 people at The Woods. The jungle-like ground floor terrace has a translucent roof, so the sun still gets in, or you can head up to the top-floor roof terrace, where you’ll find a bar and a medley of parasol-covered picnic tables. If you’re after vino, take a look at their extensive collection of hand-picked wines. Prefer beer? Choose from the impressive selection of real ales. Their sourdough pizzas are delicious, topped with everything from pepperoni to aubergine, feta and olive.

The Woods, 5 Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PG.

Lamb & Flag

Nestled in the shadow of Leeds Minster, Lamb & Flag is home to a sprawling courtyard and terrace. It comes complete with parasols, string lights and heaters to create a cosy spot to enjoy a few drinks and a bite to eat. They have wine and spirits, but beer is their speciality – you can choose from a host of Leeds Brewery favourites or try one of their guest cask ales. Hungry? There’s a tempting menu of pub classics, from their Yorkshire Dales burger to their vegan fish and chips, and if it’s a Sunday, their roast is a must.

Lamb & Flag, 1 Church Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HD.

Springwell

Springwell is the home of North Brewing Co. Even better, their beer garden is almost as huge as their 21,000-square-foot brewery making it one of the biggest beer gardens in Leeds. Rows of long benches, many covered, line the courtyard, just yards from where the magic happens. There are 24 keg and cask lines, so you can sup the freshest Transmission and Piñata you’ve ever had, as well as trying their range of innovative one-offs. Hungry? A converted shipping container plays host to street food legends Little Bao Boy.

Springwell, Buslingthorpe Lane, Meanwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 2DF.

Square & Compass

Nestled on the border with Harrogate, The Square and Compass is a proper country pub with a spacious beer garden that looks out over Almscliffe Crag. There’s a raised patio with a heated marquee or you can head down onto the astro-turf garden to cosy up on one of their sofas, each with its own collapsible parasol. You’ll find the likes of Theakstons and Leeds Brewery on tap, but they also have handpicked wines and an extensive range of gins. Hungry? Fish finger sarnies sit alongside posh steak frites and spring pea gnocchi.

The Square and Compass, North Rigton, West Yorkshire, LS17 0DJ.

The Fleece

Nestled on the banks of the River Wharfe, The Fleece has lovely views, so you can sit down with a drink in hand and look out over the water to the countryside beyond. The beer garden is split across two levels – it has a patio area at the top and a grassy lawn below, both filled with picnic tables and parasols. You can sup local ales from Leeds Brewery, Timothy Taylor’s and Ossett or enjoy a G&T from their artisan gin selection – and if you’re hungry, they serve everything from burgers to sticky Thai-style beef and veggie chilli.

The Fleece, Westgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3DT.

Parkside Tavern

Parkside Tavern doesn’t just have one of the best beer gardens in Leeds, it has three of them. The first is a small area in front of the pub with picnic benches. The second is the courtyard and covered hut out back. And the third is the roof terrace, which comes complete with fake grass and long benches. Wherever you sit, you can choose from a tantalising array of quality local ales on keg or cask, and if that’s not your thing, they have cocktails, wine and spirits too. Don’t go home hungry – their hand-stretched pizzas are the perfect stomach liners.

Parkside Tavern, St Johns House, Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JE.

Midnight Bell

The sprawling courtyard behind The Midnight Bell is one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. There are wooden garden tables at the front, with room enough for four, as well as picnic benches towards the back. It gets the sun all through the afternoon and fairy lights brighten up the sky at night. You can sup real ales aplenty, with Leeds Brewery favourites on tap and UK craft beers in the fridges. They serve proper pub classics throughout the week, but if you happen to visit on a Sunday, why not try their knockout roast dinner?

The Midnight Bell, 101 Water Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5QN.

Northern Monk

Brewery-fresh beer in one of the city’s coolest outdoor spaces? That’s what awaits at Northern Monk. Outside the HQ, mere metres from where their beers are made, you’ll find a sea of picnic tables and benches, some sheltered by collapsible parasols. There are 20 taps to choose from, so you can try all their core brews, alongside guest beers, one-offs and collaborations you won’t find anywhere else. They have a pop-up street food kitchen, occupied by the likes of Twisted Kitchen, so you can load up when you get there.

Northern Monk, The Old Flax Store, Marshall Street, Saw Mill St, Leeds, Yorkshire LS11 9YJ.

Saint Jude

Much like the bar itself, the outdoor terrace at Saint Jude is only small, but it’s certainly perfectly formed. It wraps around two sides of this Farsley favourite, with parasols to shade from the sun or shelter from the rain. Sharing a name with the patron saint of lost causes, there’s nothing to panic about with their offering. There’s craft beer and real ale aplenty, from Ilkley to Mikkeller, alongside a menu of lovingly crafted creative cocktails and an extensive wine list. Hungry? Bagels, burgers and loaded fries will fill a hole.

Saint Jude, 69 Town Street, Sunnybank Mills, Farsley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5HX.

The Crown Hotel

Now under the faithful stewardship of the team behind Beck & Call, The Crown at Boston Spa has been restored to its former glories, with a beer garden worth venturing to the outskirts of Leeds for. This spacious patio is decked out with metal garden furniture, covered with parasols which come with heaters should you need them. They have an outdoor gin and spritz bar on weekends, while the inside bar offers local ales, craft beers and hand-picked wines. Don’t forget to eat – and with their menu of classic pub grub, you wouldn’t dare.

The Crown Hotel, 128 High Street, Boston Spa, Wetherby, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS23 8BW.

The Mustard Pot

The Mustard Pot is a country-style pub right in the heart of Chapel Allerton and it has a legendary beer garden. They have a massive, grassy lawn filled with picnic benches, all with their own collapsible umbrellas, or you can sit under the heaters on the patios if the sun dips out of view. You can fill your boots with local cask and keg ales on tap, but if you’d prefer wine or G&Ts, you’ll be well looked after. Food comes in the form of old school pub favourites, from chicken supreme to bavette steak with a Cafe de Paris butter and asparagus.

The Mustard Pot, 20 Stainbeck Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY.

BOX

Headingley now has a massive rooftop beer garden for the sun-loving folk of Leeds to enjoy. BOX has transformed its roof into a must-visit drinking spot for the summer. It’s covered in greenery and decking with space for up to 130 revellers who can drink, eat and soak up the incredible panoramic views – Headingley Stadium looks great from up here. At night, there’s twinkling lights and heaters. Take your pick from craft beer, cocktails and wine, which you can pair with a classic bar menu – think pizzas and burgers.

BOX, 8 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AD.