Leeds Heritage Pub Guided Tour

Explore over 300 years of pub and brewing heritage in Leeds, visiting iconic venues, hearing historic tales, and enjoying drinks along the way. Full description below.

The exterior of Whitelock's Ale House, an 18th century pub decorated in Victorian style. The building is white, with window and door frames black. The doorway is open and by this entrance are two plants either side. Above the doorway is a large lantern. In the window closest to the camera, the words 'Luncheon Bar' can be seen in stained glass.

The exterior of the Lamb & Flag pub, an early 19th century red-brick building, restored in the 21st century.

A red brick building with signage saying 'The Old Brewery'

The exterior of the Old Red Lion pub, opened in the late 18th century, the walls have been painted white, with lower ground door and window frames maroon. Above the doorway is a small statue of a lion painted red, and above that a clock.

Bookings

To avoid cancellations, the first booking of any tour must be for a minimum of two people. If you are one person and unable to book, please check back later or choose an alternate date.

Gift Cards

The expiry date on a gift card is a use by date, not a book by date.

Leeds has a rich pub and brewing heritage and this journey takes guests on a 300+ year travel through time.

The tour begins with a visit to The Tetley and the story of Tetley Brewery, one of Britain's largest in its prime.

This is followed by a trip to the Adelphi, a late Victorian-built pub with wonderful original architecture and an opportunity to see how a Leeds-based brewery operated in the 1950s.

The tour then heads on to the Lamb & Flag, where guests can join in an activity followed by hearing the history of the building, with strong links to the Yorkshire Witch!

The White Swan is stop four, where guests learn about the pub's link with the neighbouring Leeds City Varieties, and how brewing has evolved in the area over the centuries.

To conclude, the tour finishes at Whitelock's Ale House, opened in 1715, where guests can hear the stories, warts and all, that have made the pub what it is today

The walks between each venue are also packed with information and fun stories about locations passed on the way.

Drinks are included in your ticket. At each of the five stops, enjoy a half a pint of traditionally brewed ale or alternatively alcohol-free, soft drinks, draught lager, or draught cider. I will check with you at the start of the tour for your preference. For the wellbeing of tour guests and myself, I do not offer upgrades to pints, or higher abv drinks such as wines and spirits.

Description

Important Information

Drinks Included

Drinks at each stop are included in the ticket price and the options are half a pint of draught ale, lager or cider, or for non-drinkers either soft drinks or alcohol-free beer. Five drinks in total. For the wellbeing of myself and others during the tour, I do not offer pints, or drinks with higher alcohol content, such as wines and spirits.

Code of Conduct

Tours of Leeds operates a code of conduct which all guests are expected to adhere to.

Timings

The tour takes approximately 3 hours, but please allow for 3.5 hours just in case. The tour will begin promptly at the advertised start time and cannot be delayed for latecomers due to pre-booked times at tour venues.

Weather

Some of the tour is outdoors, so please check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Accessibility

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. The longest walking part of the tour is 20 minutes. If you have a specific accessibility enquiry, please email hello@toursofleeds.co.uk.

FAQ

Please check the FAQ page for answers to common questions.