Leeds Heritage Pub Guided Tour: Highlights

Contact Details:

Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ

Leeds Inspired

Leeds Heritage Pub Guided Tour: Highlights

17th January 2026 - 28th November 2026

The shorter version of the Leeds Heritage Pub Guided Tour. Enjoy an exploration of over 300 years of pub and brewing history in Leeds, led by local expert and passionate independent tour guide Mike. Fully self-researched, this two-and-a-half hour tour brings to life stories of the people, places and events that shaped the city’s incredible pub heritage, with drinks included to keep everyone refreshed along the way.

Starting at The Tetley, hear the two century story of Tetley Brewery, which went on to become one of Yorkshire’s most beloved, and Britain’s largest.

The tour then heads on to the Adelphi, a classic late Victorian pub. Understand how the architecture played an important part of the Victorian pub experience, before watching heritage video artefacts showing what life was like for one of Leeds’ breweries in the early and mid-20th century.

From here, the group will then head out for a walk around parts of the city to enjoy more stories of pub and brewing heritage, whilst being on the quest for ‘ghost pubs’ – pubs long since closed, but that are still evidenced in building architecture today.

After the walk, the final tour stop is Whitelock’s Ale House, arguably Leeds’ jewel in the pub crown. Founded in 1715, the pub boasts a fascinating history which Mike will explain unvarnished to finish the tour.

Throughout the tour, Mike will tell you stories from old local newspapers and books, show and use old maps and images and lots more to bring history to life.

At each pub stop, a half pint is included for each guest. Enjoy either hand-pulled ale, draught lager or cider, or a soft drink. Guests are welcome to purchase additional drinks at their own expense, but please be mindful of timings as each pub stop has a set reservation time that cannot be changed.

Your guide Mike is Leeds born and bred. He is currently the serving Secretary of the British Guild of Beer Writers and has a background that has seen him operate a micro-brewery, run a pub, organise beer festivals and serve as the Chair for the Leeds branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.