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Six of our favourite cosy pubs in Leeds City Centre to hide away from the rain

Fancy a pint?

Clementine Hall - 22nd January 2026

When the weather is rubbish, there’s nothing 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.

To help you pick where to go, we’ve put together a list of our favourites below.

The Victoria & Commercial

Great George Street, LS1 3DL

Newest and maybe the most festive is The Victoria, originally opened in 1865 this historic pub has recently been reborn courtesy of Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock's Ale House.

The interior here is absolutely beautiful, even without the decorations it feels festive. So if you're looking for that Christmas feeling all year round, this is the place to be.

Whitelock’s Ale House

Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB

Of course it wouldn't be a cosy pub guide without the iconic Whitelock's Ale House. The oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock’s is easy to miss – tucked away down a side alley off the main high street, but once you find it it's well worth the hunt.

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.

Crowd of Favours

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

This laid back spot in Leeds is the perfect spot to get nestled in, enjoy a few pints and escape the dreary weather.

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 Highland Laddie

38 Cavendish Street, LS3 1LY

From the team behind Empire Cafe, The Highland Laddie is one of Leeds' newest pubs but it's as cosy as it gets.

Fabulous traditional interiors with a proper homely feel to it, and of course the food is absolutely banging. Think oysters, ham and chips and belting sausage rolls.

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..

The Brunswick

82 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN

This absolute gem at the top of town has everything you could ever want in a pub. Great drinks, a warming atmosphere, a pool table and brilliant food.

The staff are always lovely and there's usually an adorable dog knocking about too.

Read more: All the places in and around Leeds for a Sunday roast dinner

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds