26th February 2025

Where to Get the Best Guinness in Leeds

Lovely day for a Guinness.

Last updated 26th February 2025 Food and Drink Originally written

Rich, creamy and moreish… it’s one of Yorkshire’s favourite pints for a reason.

Guinness. The black stuff. Irish champagne. Whatever you want to call it, Leeds has got it. From cosy pubs to lively bars, the city is brimming with spots that have truly mastered the art of the perfect pour. We did the hard work (you’re welcome) and sampled some of the best—here are our top picks.

Empire Cafe

A pint of Guinness at Empire Cafe

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As well as cooking up some of the best food in Leeds, Empire Cafe is also on a mission to pour the best pint of Guinness – and so far, they’re doing a pretty good job. Creamy and delicious, it’s the perfect accompaniment if you fancy a small plate (or two, or three…)

Where? Empire Cafe, 6 Fish Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DB.
How much? £6.50.

Rolands

A woman holding two pints of Guinness at Rolands

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With two new taps recently installed, Roland’s on Call Lane should be the first place you head if you’re hunting for great Guinness in Leeds. Spotless glasses, expert bartending and a classic three-part pour do most of the hard work – now all that’s left is to take your time to enjoy it. We like to hunker down in the cool main bar, but you can also pick from the fairy-light festooned terrace or the outdoor courtyard.

Where? Roland’s, 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
How much? £6.20 a pint.

The Brunswick

At £6.40, a pint of Guinness at The Brunswick may be one of the most expensive ones in our roundup, but trust us, it’s for good reason. It somehow manages to be creamy, refreshing and light in equal measures which is why we love it so much. Throw in live sports on the telly and you have yourself the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Where? The Brunswick, 82 North Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7PN.
How much? £6.40 a pint.

Whitelocks

A man holding a pint of Guinness

Credit: Daniel Johnson

It isn’t surprising that Whitelocks pours some of the best Guinness in Leeds. One of the oldest pubs in the city, it’s got charm in spades – the inside is great if you want to get cosy but the outside alley is perfect for those hot summer days. The Guinness? It’s poured to perfection, rich and creamy, promising to keep you coming back for more… and more.

Where? Whitelocks, Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HB.
How much? £6.10 a pint.

Oporto

A Guinness on the bar at Oporto

Credit: Mark Bell

Did you know that Oporto boasts its very own Irish bar? Step inside, take a left and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Guinness memorabilia, vintage posters and even an exclusive honours list—drink enough, and your name might just make the cut. The pints are as smooth as they come, but what sets this place apart is its impressive collection of Guinness glassware, featuring everything from classic branding to the iconic toucan.

Where? Oporto, 33 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
How much? £6.10 a pint.

Duck & Drake

The outside of Duck & Drake

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The Duck & Drake is a haven for the real ale drinkers of Leeds and that’s no different when it comes to Guinness. Theirs is one of the cheapest, yet tastiest, in the city, and you can sup it rocking out to live music inside or, come summer, outside in their cosy beer garden, festooned with plants and flowers.

Where? Duck & Drake, 43 Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DR.
How much? £5.30 a pint.

Cover image © Copyright Leeds-List 2025
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Ella Aldridge Writer
Ella moved to Leeds in 2018 and has spent the years since getting to know every corner of the city – its bars, restaurants, music venues and hidden gems. She joined the Leeds-List team as a writer in 2023 and covers food, drink, music and nightlife across Leeds, with a particular focus on the city’s independent bar and restaurant scene. She never passes up an opportunity to try somewhere new, be it visiting an exhibition, trying out crafting or dining out somewhere entirely off the beaten track. More from Ella Aldridge