The History of Briggate – Leeds Walking Tour

Starting in the south of the city centre beside the old Tetley Brewery, this three-hour tour is run by It’s The Beer Talking, and features renowned beer writer Simon Jenkins, and event organiser and former Tetley’s PR officer Nicky Massen.

The route will take us due north, over the river and into Briggate, one of the oldest streets in the city – and once the home to more pubs than you could shake a stick at – as well as having one or two interesting diversions along the way.

You’ll learn how our city is still shaped by its 13th century geography and how it played a key role in the birth of a global entertainment industry. We hear about the Leeds Witch, a grisly Victorian murder and explore how Briggate evolved from being a place of homes and industry, through one of drinking and entertainment, to become the heart of the modern-day shopping experience.

We visit a selection of pubs along the way, to sample some of the best beers our city has to offer and learn something about how brewing and drinking have played their part in Leeds life for centuries.

And our walk will end at North Bar, where we will be joined by John Gyngell, who co-founded the group of wonderful bars which changed the drinking scene of our city beyond all recognition.