Leeds is home to plenty of beer gardens perfect for soaking up the sun for Beer Day Britain.
Beer Day Britain is a grassroots celebration that takes place each year on 15th June, dedicated to appreciating all kinds of beer – traditional ales, mainstream lagers, limited edition craft beers, and everything in between. The date has significance as it was when the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215, which notably references ale in clause 35: ‘Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure of ale and a single measure for corn, namely the London quarter.’
The initiative was set up in 2015 by Jane Peyton, an award-winning beer sommelier, drinks educator, broadcaster, and writer, who said: “We have so much to be proud of with Britain’s vibrant brewing heritage and current brewing scene and the fact that our pubs are a cornerstone of the social life of the nation… Please join us for a national party so we can make Beer Day Britain the best beer fiesta in the world!”
So, why not honour Britain’s favourite tipple by taking a trip to one of the many fantastic beer gardens the city has to offer?
The Mustard Pot | Chapel Allerton
The Mustard Pot’s beer garden is surrounded by trees and greenery with picnic benches and trellis-canopied seating. It sits far enough back from the road on Stainbeck Lane that there’s no traffic noise at all, and the garden’s sprawling size makes it perfect for children to play in.
There are seasonal menus that represent the best of locally sourced, fresh ingredients alongside an ever-changing range of cask ales to showcase the best of regional breweries such as Banks of West Midlands, Jennings of Cumbria, Wychwood of Oxfordshire, and Ringwood microbrewery, Hampshire.
The Original Oak | Headingley
Locals flock to The Original Oak when the sun’s out and it’s clear to see why. Maybe one of the biggest beer gardens the city has to offer (it can hold up to 1,200 people!), it’s complete with outdoor pool tables and a huge screen with full access to Sky Sports and TNT Sports that will be showing games throughout an exciting upcoming summer of sport. It’s also home to many offers, including a happy hour from 5pm to 8pm where pints start at just £3.50!
Duck & Drake | City Centre
One of the most legendary pubs in Leeds, the Duck & Drake is home to a great lineup of regular live music, a welcoming atmosphere, great drinks, and, most importantly, a real suntrap of a beer garden. The building itself is nothing short of impressive, with a Victorian façade and a number of original light fittings and floorboards that have survived over 200 years of trade. Once you’ve got a pint of one of the many cask ales on offer and appreciated the history of the space, make your way to the back for the colourful haven of a beer garden that’s filled with greenery and flowers.
Beck & Call | Meanwood
From the team behind Belgrave and Headrow House, Beck & Call is a family-friendly pub with a massive beer garden. Parasol-covered picnic tables stretch all the way round the pub, from its multi-level terrace at the front to the spacious lawns round the back. Craft beer is what it does best, with an array of local favourites on tap that’s constantly changing. The food offering is worth the visit in itself – tuck into a delicious menu of old-fashioned pub grub, from homemade pies to juicy burgers to lighter bites such as sandwiches, wraps, and salads for when you’re catching some rays.
