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 three-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 for a walk through Brewery Wharf, stopping at various points of interest on the way.

The next stop is the Lamb & Flag, where a fun map reading task will take place, before hearing the history of the building, opened in 1801.

Then it’s time for another walk, this time to explore some ghost pubs of Leeds – buildings that used to be pubs, with evidence still in the architecture.

This leads the group to the White Swan, with a history that ties it closely to neighbouring City Varieties Music Hall. Here, explore a modern map of Leeds City Centre and learn how brewing has evolved in the area.

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. For tour timings and guest wellbeing, upgrades to pints or higher alcohol content drinks such as wines and spirits are not offered as part of this tour.

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.