The best beer gardens in Leeds

Though the UK weather can be about as unpredictable as lottery numbers, when you do get a winner, there is nothing better than sitting out in the sun and enjoying a couple of bevs with friends. Though wherever the night may lead you after that is completely up to you, we’d like to make sure that the start of your beer garden activities has a solid head start. 

That’s why we’ve rustled up a list of the best beer gardens in Leeds. From fancy terraces of cocktail bars, wooden benches on the back fields, the perfect boozy rooftop adventure, and a cool little back alley. So ditch your Yorkshire tea, and get into where you’ll be spending your next boozy summer day. 

Green Room

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When:  Open 11 am every day, closing times vary, check website for details.

Where: 36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE

At the top of our list is one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. Popular for its modern vibes, the Green Room has everything you could ask for when it comes to a beer garden and more. With three floors, the Green Room boasts a cafe, bar, and event space, plus a rooftop terrace, all in one. As well as a restaurant which has different residences producing some of the tastiest food in the centre.

Branding themselves as Leeds' urban oasis, the Green Room is a perfect spot in the city to eat, drink, work, and champion local spirit, as well as celebrate the essence of Leeds' amazing community.

Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen

Photo: Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen / Facebook.com

When: Open 12 pm every day, closing times vary, check website for details. 

Where: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP

Belgrave is another bar that needs no introduction if you are a resident of Leeds. You're unlikely to find more fun than what goes on around these three floors of boozy brilliance. The only thing that beats what's inside is what's on top; it's a fantastic beer garden. The spacious rooftop terrace gets jam-packed the second the clouds subside, so you'll have to get there early to get a seat, but when you do, the atmosphere is thriving. With a primarily younger crowd, everyone is just there for a good time, and the setting and vibes combined make it one of the best beer gardens in Leeds.

Find tickets for events at Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen here

Crowded House

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When: Open 12 pm every day, closing times vary, check website for details. 

Where: Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW

While the venue speaks for itself, it wouldn't be a list of some of the best beer gardens in Leeds if we didn't mention Crowded House. Located in the heart of Leeds, Crowded House adds that something extra to getting a drink with friends. With their impeccable food and polished service, this independently owned venue is worth the trip into Leeds. 

Catch some of the most breathtaking views of Leeds’ skyline from their stylish roof terrace, while sipping on one of their many variations of drinks. 

Find tickets for events at Crowded House here

Northern Monk Refectory & Garden

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When:  Times varied, check website for details. 

Where: Marshalls Mill, The Old Flax Store, Marshall St, Leeds LS11 9YJ

There are a fair few breweries to be found around Leeds, but our favourite is definitely Northern Monk. The iconic industrial brewhouse has been serving up excellent crafts for years, and with their awesome new(ish) outdoor area to enjoy them in, why wouldn't you be running down here every time the sun rises to a clear sky?

Not only do you get an ever-transforming menu of beers, but you get to enjoy some quality scran from the bi-weekly rotation of street food vendors, you'll just wanna keep on coming back, so get yourself down to one of the best beer gardens in Liverpool for the thing that matters, THE BEER!

Find tickets for events at Northern Monk Refectory & Garden here

Whitelocks

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When: Open 11 am every day, closing times vary, check website for details. 

Where: Turk's Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB

Now this quirky little back alley is home to a veteran of the city, Whitelocks, and those lucky punters who manage to get a seat will be treated to a proper unique boozing experience. The Whitelocks beer garden ain't only quirky, but it's also older than America! clocking in at over 300 years old, and it's still going strong. Offering up the finest ale selection in the city as well as unbeatable pub grub, it's a must-visit even if you cant get an alleyway table.

Find tickets for events at Whitelocks here

Headrow House

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When:  Check the website for details on opening times.

Where: 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU

Another rooftop bonanza here, brought to you by Headrow House. But, unlike those on this list, Headrows rooftop is incredibly unique. You'll feel like a free runner as you run up the stairs to all the different sections of the rooftop terrace. There are multiple different levels to the roof alone!

Breathing new life into the textile mill it was built in, Headrow has quickly become a cult favourite in the city, and this is undoubtedly down to its rooftop beer garden, so go and check what all the hype is about, we promise it's worth it.

Find tickets for events at Headrow House here 

Water Lane Boathouse

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When:  Open 11:30 am every day, closing times vary, check website.

Where: Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS

Looking for a beer garden with a bit of a view? Well, you're in the right spot if you're heading to Water Lane Boathouse. Located on Canal Wharf, experience a beer garden like no other with a waterside view and an array of quality drinks to keep the good vibes going. 

With loads of seating outside, Water Lane Boathouse also serves as a solid place to grab a bit of scran too. Plus, with it being owned by the same people who run Belgrave and Headrow House, you know you're going to be in for a good time. 

The Cross Keys

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When:  Open 12 pm every day, closing times vary, check website.

Where: 107 Water Ln, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5WD

Nothing beats a traditional pub, and The Cross Keys hits the nail on the head when it comes down to it. Seen in our eyes as one of the best beer gardens Leeds has to offer, The Cross Keys merges that modern city feel with a certain Yorkshire charm. 

Plus with their ale on the list as a must try, the cosy gastro pub is is a amazing spot to sit and have an enclosed chat while the sun is beaming down on you. And even better, all their food is sustainably sourced, meaning you're quite literally getting the best of Britain no matter what you order. 

Find tickets for events at The Crossed Keys here

Lamb and Flag

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When:  Open 12 pm every day, closing times vary, check website.

Where: 1 Church Row, Leeds LS2 7HD

Last but definitely not least, we have Lamb and Flag, which, if you're looking for more homegrown bevs, is the place to be. Restored from a crumbling 19th-century building, the Lamb and Flag is a perfect mixture of old and new school, with a great mix of crowd. 

With a long list of draught lagers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks to wet the tongue, rest assured you can't go wrong with stopping off at the Lamb and Flag for one, two, three, hey, why not four? 

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Header image credit: Helena Lopes / Facebook.com