Cosy pubs in Leeds and beyond to while away the winter nights

Once the nights turn dark, there’s not much better than tucking away in the corner of a cosy pub with a good pint and a bowl of chips.

Thankfully, Leeds is blessed with many. Roaring fires add extra comfort, as do old-fashioned characteristics like low-slung wooden beams and wood panelling, whilst big windows serve to let in a bit of light on the darker days.

It’s fair to say we’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to cosy pubs in Leeds. To help you pick where to go, we’ve put together some of our favourites below.

Keep reading to discover more.

Whitelock’s Ale House

Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB

One of the oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock’s is easy to miss – tucked away down a side alley off the main high street. A former marketman’s pub, inside you’ll find historic features like an old wooden bar and stained glass windows as well as good selection of beers, ales and traditional British dishes.

Find out more here.

Crowd of Favours

 4-12 Harper Street, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7EA

This laid back spot in Leeds offers classic modern European dishes, alongside regular live music and cinema nights. Food-wise, think lemon and thyme chicken wings, braised beef cheek and hearty stews. As for the drinks, there’s a solid wine and cocktail menu as well as a good selection of beers on draught.

The Lamb and Flag

1 Church Row, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7HD

Housed in a renovated 19th-century building, The Lamb and Flag boast a locally-sourced menu and a strong selection of local ales. A stone’s throw from Leeds Minster, there are two bars – one upstairs and one down. Between them, you’ll find ten different hand pulls pouring some of the best beer in Leeds.

Find out more here.

The Cross Keys

107 Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5WD

With cosy alcoves and roaring open fire, The Cross Keys is an excellent place to while away a few dark winter hours. It also has an interesting connection to Leeds’ history as the place that engineer Matthew Murray developed the first locomotive. One of the city’s last true freehouses, it is at the heart of its community and a popular choice for locals.

The Mustard Pot

20 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 3QY

This Georgian-style pub in Chapel Allerton is the epitome of country-chic, with blazing open-fires interiors, a large garden, an excellent Sunday roast menu, and more. Its award-winning food menu is not to be missed, covering everything from hearty sandwiches to posh mains, with a decent wine list and some lovely casks on the bar.

Find out more here.

The Rockingham Arms

Main Street, Towton, Tadcaster LS24 9PB

Out at Tadcaster, the Rockingham Arms blends modern with traditional. Built back in the 18th Century as a traditional country inn, it still retains many of its features today – giving it a charming, old-world appeal. Its menu, however, introduces some more contemporary themes – with dishes like greek-style super bowls, Morrocan vegetable tagine, and slow-roasted belly pork.

The Timble Inn

North Lane, Timble, Otley LS21 2NN

Out in Otley, this charming inn has a beautiful bar, restaurant and b&b rooms upstairs for those who want to make a proper night of it. Close to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it makes a perfect post-walk stop off if you’re looking to warm up with a nice drink and some traditional food.

Feature image – Whitelock’s Ale House