Hyde Park is full of old-school pubs and trendy bars, all just waiting to become your new local…
In prime position just outside of the city centre, it’s no surprise that Hyde Park is home to some of the most loved pubs and hippest bars in Leeds. You can cosy up with a few tipples, get stuck into a pub quiz or tune into all manner of live music – the choice is yours. Whether you’re a local, a student or a passer-by, there’s a perfectly poured pint with your name on in this lively suburb. So, without further ado, here are the best places to get one or two or three…
Hyde Park Book Club
© Copyright Leeds-List 2022 by Max Wailes
Hyde Park Book Club isn’t what it sounds like – though there are a few books involved. It’s one of the coolest bars in Hyde Park, in what used to be a petrol station. The Book Club hosts events, music festivals and gigs from up-and-coming artists. And even with all that, they still know how to pull a good pint. You can stop by at any point in the day for the finest in craft, or give their house lager and house wines a go. There’s coffee too, for those much-needed moments. Veggies luck out here, with a full menu of meat-free goodies, from sweet bruschetta for brekkie to vegan Korean crispy chicken later in the day.
Hyde Park Book Club, 27-29 Headingley Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1BL.
The Hyde Park
© Copyright Leeds-List 2022 by Ellie Hodgson
Standing with pride on the famous corner, you can’t miss The Hyde Park when you’re in the area. When it comes to pubs in Leeds, this behemoth is an icon, with over a century of history behind it. It’s got all the charm of a traditional pub – polished wooden furnishings, a corner-turning bar with many a tap and plenty of seating, but the revamped white-tiled walls give it a more up-to-date feel. There are TV screens dotted around the place so you can catch the match with a few jars in hand too. The liquid offering ranges from familiar favourites, like Birra Moretti and Heineken, to craft and ale gems. Need a feed? You’ve got tons of options – pizza, tapas, pub grub and a roast that takes pride of place.
The Hyde Park, 2 Headingley Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AS.
The Royal Park
The Royal Park is a pub of pubs gone-by. It’s a proper Hyde Park local, with snazzy carpets, bench seating all around and an outdoor area for those finer days. It’s a die-hard student favourite, so the atmosphere is always buzzing, especially when the footy’s on – they’ve got screens in every corner that cover all bases. If you’re looking for a decent pint, they’ve got those too, as well as bargain cocktails and pitchers to share (or hoard to yourself). As for food, there’s a menu of classic pub grub that’ll more than fill a hole. Love live music? Head down to the Cellars, where you can discover new bands and the likes.
The Royal Park Hotel and Cellars, 39 Queens Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1NY.
The Library
The impressive exterior of The Library lures you in with its theatrical clock tower and arched windows, and you won’t be disappointed because the inside keeps it going. Licks of blue and orange paint, plush leather seating and wooden tables give it a warm vibe that’s more than welcoming. At the bar, you’ll find plenty of craft beer and a lengthy gin list, from the citrusy and light to the floral and fresh. Feeling peckish? They’ve got breakfast, lunch and dinner sorted. So get comfy, grab a drink and fill your belly with a loaded posh fish finger sandwich. If you’re a music fan, upstairs is home to a gig venue of repute.
The Library, 229 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AP.
Brudenell Social Club
Brudenell Social Club – or ‘The Brude’ as it’s known – is a melting pot of Hyde Park locals, students and gig-goers from all over. This old working men’s club still has the air of 1950s decor, and it gives it that proper casual, homely feel. The pub is split up into a lounge and games room. In the former, you can sup pints, both local and world specialty, for a fair price, while lining your belly with a hot Pieminister pie. The latter is where they keep their dartboards, snooker and pool tables. And the entertainment doesn’t stop there. The Brude is one of the best gig venues in Leeds, from new artists to big bands like Franz Ferdinand.
Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen’s Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1NY.
The Chemic Tavern
At the other side of Hyde Park (technically in Woodhouse but close enough and good enough for this round-up) is The Chemic Tavern, a pub that’s at the heart of the local community. Step inside for a warm welcome and the low ceilings, exposed beams and burgundy carpets will give you the air of cosiness. You’ll find the lounge on the left and the bar area on the right, which is where they hold live music sessions – you can catch everything from Irish folk to jazz here. As for the actual bar, they’ve got a slew of real ale, craft beer and cider on tap. Hungry? It’s a bring your own food policy so do (and order) your darnedest.
The Chemic Tavern, 9 Johnston Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2NG.
The East Village
The East Village brings a slice of the Big Apple to Hyde Park in the form of an ultra-cool, laidback hangout-slash-bar. It’s here for all your drinking needs, whether you’re going out with your mates or stopping by for a nightcap. There’s American memorabilia all around the place, framed celeb portraits and the odd neon sign, giving it that proper New York dive bar feel. You can get lager on draught, but the cocktails are what you really come for. They’ve got every spirit under the sun, from gin and rum to whisky and tequila. Will it be the espresso martini, the Jamaican shandy or the Ginny Hendrix that takes your fancy?
The East Village, 47-49 Brudenell Grove, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1HR.
The Eldon
© Copyright Leeds-List 2022 by Joseph Sheerin
Walk just a few minutes down from Woodhouse Moor and you’ll stumble across The Eldon, a pub you’ll soon want to make your new local. There’s a comforting, homely feel about the place – leather booths, twinkling hanging lights and sage green hues all give it an almost-hygge feel. You can expect great value beers – they’ve got lager on draught and bottles in the fridge – to pair with all the usual quality pub grub. Ever-popular with the Hyde Park student crowd, there’s no shortage of themed nights here. Their beloved pub quiz takes place every Tuesday night, while Wednesdays are reserved for karaoke.
The Eldon, 190 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9DX.
The Pack Horse
© Copyright Leeds-List 2022 by Joseph Sheerin
Sitting pretty on Woodhouse Lane, The Pack Horse is a firm Hyde Park favourite – and for good reason. It’s a classic pub, with a classic curved bar and numerous snug rooms where they’ve propped TV screens up, so you can watch the match of the day over a well-pulled pint. Speaking of pints, you can indulge in all things hoppy, from local ales to porters and lagers from further afield. And if your tummy starts rumbling, they’ve got plenty of chow to keep you going. It’s not all about food and drink though, their upstairs gig venue has long since been a champion of the city’s music scene.
The Pack Horse, 208 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9DX.
