Leeds is well known for its vast array of bars and pubs. Across the city, as well as in the centre, there are plenty of pubs to enjoy.
This means there's a lot of choices on offer. And with so many choices, it can make it difficult to decide where you want to have a drink.
Whether it's somewhere new or somewhere particularly trendy, choosing where to go to hang out with friends, colleagues, or loved ones is not the easiest of decisions. We've put together a list of the top 20 bars and pubs in Leeds, according to TripAdvisor.
Read more: All Leeds bar closures hurt but this one has hit the hardest
According to the review site, Here are the best pubs to visit in Leeds:
1. Salon Privé
Salon Privé at Dakota in Greek Street is open all weekend for food, cocktails and more. On the menu there is a range of bar snacks and sides to enjoy, as well as small plates. There are 24 cocktails to choose from including classic such as amaretto sour, martinis, negroni, mojito, and more.
One reviewer said: "Cocktails on the terrace, an amazing lively atmosphere, really friendly staff, especially Mackenzie who went above and beyond, one of the kindest waitresses I have come across. Had a great time!"
While another said: "A fabulous evening was had, the staff went above and beyond our expectations. We were first very warmly greeted by Neve in the hotel lobby."
2. The Scarbrough Hotel
Bishopgate Street's The Scarbrough Hotel in the city centre.
One reviewer said: "The Scarbrough Hotel remains a firm favourite for monthly lunch gatherings. There's a good range of draught ales and stout, plus a varied menu from starters to full main courses and desserts (-never had room for one after a main course!).
"Staff are friendly and obliging, and the place is kept clean and tidy at all times. Food and bar service is always outstanding."
Opening hours this weekend: Saturday - 11am until 12am. Sunday - 11am until 10.30pm.
3. The Adelphi
The Adelphi, in Hunslet Road has been popular for years. One reviewer said: "Beautiful pub, great food and selection of beer. Thanks to Tom for taking the time and making our evening feel super special."
Another added: "Called for Sunday lunch. I haven’t been in the pub for over 9 years. Great pub still and the food was really good. We will be back."
The Adelphi is open this weekend from 10am until 10pm on Saturday, and 12pm until 10pm on Sunday.
3. Manahatta Greek Street
Manahatta in Greek Street is one of the most popular places to visit in the city centre of Leeds. The idea behind the bar is to bring New York's real food scene to Leeds, with a drinks list featuring the "best cocktails from around the world" and an "atmosphere you won't forget".
One reviewer said: "Had a great bottomless brunch for two and no complaints at all about the food or service. Would definitely return."
While another said: "What a wonderful experience the staff catered for you every need and the food was fantastic so well presented and really tasty." The spot is open on Saturday from 10am until 10pm, and Sunday 10am until 10pm.
5. Neighbourhood
Neighbourhood in Greek Street is a modern bar which offers sushi, RnB music, and cocktail trees.
One reviewer said: "Came in for a brunch with the girls this week, we had the most amazing time! The food was excellent and the drinks were lovely."
Another added: "Bottomless brunch was amazing we had the best service from Claudi, she was friendly and always providing us with top ups. Food was delicious will definitely be returning."
6. Brewdog Leeds
The chain pub in Crown Street remains popular for Leeds residents and visitors. According to TripAdvisor it is the fifth best pub in the city.
One reviewer said: "The BrewDog on Crown street is well worth a visit especially if you like BrewDog beers and is really easy to find from Corn Exchange street bus stop it's a five minute walk." Another added: "This was my first visit, and let me tell you it did not disappoint, fantastic selection of beers on offer, the sours were sublime."
7. Woodies Craft Ale House
Traditional pub, in a Tudor-style building, Woodies Craft Ale House is the perfect spot to meet up with friends for a few drinks.
It has been rated five star by a number of reviewers and been called a "great pub". One reviewer said: "Lovely pub with great beer, the choice available is amazing, food is also incredibly good, with a great choice on burgers or proper pub grub like pies."
The spot is in Otley Road in Headingley and is open on Saturday from 10am until 10pm, and Sunday from 10am until 6pm.
8. The White Swan
A pub branded "superb" in Leeds is The White Swan, in Swan Street, is open on Saturday from 11am until 11pm, and Sunday from 11am until 10pm.
On the menu there is fresh, locally sourced food all homemade from 12pm until 5pm from Monday to Friday. There are plenty of spirits and draft beers on offer too.
One reviewer said: "I’ve been going to the Swan since it was the Pacific nearly 20 years ago. It’s always got a nice vibe with a chilled out clientele. Some nice beer & cider available and friendly staff."
Another added: "Went here for lunch on Saturday and really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. I had the mushroom pie and my friend had the falafel burger. Service was very quick and the staff very friendly."
9. Bower’s Tap
157 - 158 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6BG
The casual restaurant and sports bar offers a range of pub grub and drinks. If watching the big match is what you are after then this might be the place for you. There’s two big screens and 11 others dotted around the premises.
You can find out more by calling 0113 244 2275 or visiting their website.
10. Banyan Horsforth
106-108 New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4QB England
The bar serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch, along with a range of cocktails. One reviewer said: "Service was friendly and efficient and really good music and atmosphere."
Another said: "Good food and good service from Adam. A very nice cheap and cheerful mid-week catch up with a friend. It was also quiz night which was an unexpected fun surprise."
11. Manahatta Headingley
Much like the Greek Street spot, the Headingley Manahatta is very popular too. On Saturdays it often brings in groups from The Otley Run. It was crowned the TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice in 2021.
It is open this Saturday from 10am until 12.30am, and Sunday from 10am until 12.30am. One reviewer said: "Went with a few friends today George served us he was very nice helpful and smiley. Will deffos [sic] be going back."
Another added: "Wow where to start. We booked for a brunch based on hearing the service was really quick and we were not disappointed."
12. The Alchemist - Greek Street
Yorkshire House, Greek Street, Leeds, LS1 5SH
The popular cocktail bar and restaurant is based on Greek Street. There you can enjoy a huge selection of hand crafted cocktails and all day dining. You can find out more by calling 0113 200 5930 or visiting their website.
13. The Station
70 Otley Road, Guiseley, Leeds LS20 8BH
The Station serves up pizza, chips and wraps to its customers who've rated it a 4.5. One reviewer said: "Visited with family for a birthday meal. Service and food was impeccable. Best pub in Guiseley by a mile. We will definitely be visiting more often."
Another said: "Staff excellent, food very good we did the special menu no complaints whatsoever. Very large bar quite surprised at the size of the place. Would definitely eat here again."
14. The Brunswick
82 North Street, Leeds, LS2 7PN
The Brunswick can be found on North Street in Leeds near Lovell Park. The Brunswick serves home cooked food, a wide range of beers and ales and several cask drinks.
They serve burgers, fried chicken and Sunday roasts - which they advise you book ahead of time to avoid disappointment. One person claimed it was the second best Sunday roast in Leeds, they said: "Second best Sunday roast in Leeds after my mum's, really chilled little spot with great beers on tap."
Another person said: "Lovely looking pub, great décor and atmosphere. Had a Sunday lunch, shared the side dishes, all very tasty, would highly recommend for a Sunday roast!"
15. Whitaker's Arms
Whitakers in Otley is renowned for its Sunday dinner. They have a four and a half star rating on TripAdvisor and are another recipient of the travellers' choice award.
One review said: "Fab Sunday dinner and friendly service! Jack and Issac were excellent at looking after us and we had a massive Sunday roast.
"Something for everyone- vegetarian, kids and a full meat feast. Great quality and the chef made us some excellent veggie alternatives. Huge portions, great value for money and a great place for a Sunday afternoon"
16. The Old King's Arms
The Green, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5JB England
One reviewer said: "We visited today with our 3 children for the board games event. The bar staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and the place was clean."
Another said: "Fantastic thai food, well priced drinks and great options. Lovely staff and comfortable seating including a lovely beer garden patio for if the weather is decent. Go regularly, have always been happy!"
17. Head of Steam, Headingley
Head of Steam on North Lane in Headingley has been popular for some time, and is complete with an American pool table, two shuffleboards, beer pong table, electronic darts board and retro video gaming systems.
The gaming systems are so retro in fact, that Head of Steam have Street Fighter and Space Invaders machines, and a Nintendo 64 complete with classic 1997 game Goldeneye.
One reviewer said: "We had a lovely Saturday evening at Head of Steam. Great selection of cocktails as well as beers. We didn’t catch your name but to the lovely lady with short brown hair who served us the delicious cocktails, thank you for your kindness!"
18. The Banker's Cat
29 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 5DA England
One reviewer said: "Lovely atmosphere quick service very unique, ordered chardonnay which was lovely. Seating comfortable, staff efficient." Another said: "A very cosy pub in the centre of Leeds, great beer and friendly team. Love the décor and the atmosphere in the pub. Will definitely be back."
19. The Soap Factory
4 Whitehall Quay Whitehall Quay, Leeds LS1 4HR
One reviewer said: "Visited on Saturday for bottomless brunch and was fantastic. The food selections were brilliant, this is buffet style and begins with a selection of cold meats, rice, bread like a charcuterie.
"There is also a smaller amount of hot selection which was delicious followed by a waffle and pancake station. Prosecco was constantly topped up I don’t think my glass even emptied to half, gin available at the bar area and bottles of beer on the side.
"Three hours of eating and drinking with attentive staff who were on the ball with topping up prosecco and taking plates away. Couldn’t have wished for a better afternoon, thank you."
20. Potting Shed
Old HSBC Bank Oxford Road, Guiseley, Leeds LS20 8AB
One reviewer said: "The staff are just amazing , they could not do enough for us even when faced with a large food order 10mins before closing they were most happy to help. Nothing was too much to ask.
"Thank you so much , you guys helped make the event such a wonderful night. I cannot praise you enough." Another said: "Great value. Good service. Will be back soon. Despite these testing times yet again the shed delivered."
To find out the latest events news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds.
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