A little-known pub crawl that covers the area around one of Leeds’ busiest streets, the Briggate Ladder takes its name from the alleyways that its pubs sit in. These look like the rungs of a ladder, connecting the popular shopping spot to the streets that run parallel with it. The Briggate Ladder is a great way to get better acquainted with this part of the city while also enjoying good company and the tipple of your preference. Here are the pubs you need to visit to ‘climb’ it.
Whitelock’s Ale House
All of the pubs on the Briggate Ladder are brimming with history but Whitelock’s is believed to be one of Leeds’ oldest watering holes. This traditional ale house dates back more than 300 years and has many fascinating stories to tell – it’s hosted royalty and stage stars and is said to have been the first building in the city to have electric lighting. Nowadays, Whitelock’s champions local breweries is Cask Marque certified, frequently appearing in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide. It serves beers from The Five Points Brewing Co. and other Yorkshire favourites including Northern Monk, Timothy Taylor’s, Kirkstall and Ilkley. You’ll also find a wide range of quality lagers here, along with gins, spirits and a wine list picked by Field & Fawcett. The pub is also known for its food offering, which includes delicious lunches and dinners with Sunday roasts and a monthly dinner club.
The Turk’s Head
You don’t have to walk far to reach the next rung on the ladder. The Turk’s Head is a self-contained sister bar to Whitelock’s and it can be accessed from the same yard. This historic pub has been styled by local creative studio Lord Whitney, who drew inspiration from liqueur shops and 18th century ‘gin palaces’ to create a cool, apothecary-like interior that features glossy tiles and cabinets filled with bottles of medicinal compounds. The Turk’s Head has 14 draught beers on tap from some of Britain’s best independent craft breweries. You can also choose from canned and bottled beers, spirits or wines, or treat yourself to a cocktail from its expertly-curated menu. The Turk’s Head has outdoor seating with lights and heaters and serves classic pub food, joining Whitelock’s for shared dinner clubs.
The Pack Horse
Also vying for the title of ‘Leeds oldest pub’ is the Pack Horse. Located in its own yard off Briggate, this lively and sociable pub has parts that go back as far as the 16th century and its interior melds period features like stained glass windows and a wooden bar with some more contemporary touches. The Pack Horse boasts a full calendar of entertainment, from screenings of live sporting events to karaoke, music from DJs and parties for occasions such as St Patrick’s Day. You can cool down with a pint in the pub’s courtyard beer garden, taking your pick from a selection of 6 cask ales, lagers and ciders, which can be enjoyed with a tasty pie as you watch the game. If beer isn’t your thing, you’ll also find premium gins, spirits and shots here.
The Angel Inn
The next rung on the ladder is the Angel Inn. Dating back to the medieval times, this traditional inn originally provided drinks and sustenance to both locals and visitors to the city but it was later left empty for many years. Those calling here today can enjoy beers from Sam Smith’s in Tadcaster including its Old Brewery Bitter, along with other cask ales, fruit beers, ciders and perries. Stepping into this old-fashioned inn is like stepping back in time – screens and swearing are both banned, allowing the conversation to flow and the beer to be truly appreciated. The Angel’s prices are known for being reasonable and, if you’re feeling peckish at this point in your pub crawl, you can tuck into a succulent steak, satisfying burger or chicken skewers here.
The Ship Inn
You’ll finish your afternoon or night out at The Ship Inn, a real hidden gem of a pub that’s tucked away down the small alleyway that links Briggate to Lands Lane. The Ship is almost 300 years old and its interior has a nautical theme with dark wooden panelling, brass details and plenty of old memorabilia. For those who prefer the fresh air, it also has outdoor seating. The Ship Inn is Cask Marque accredited and a member of CAMRA, serving cask ales from local breweries and draught beers and bottles from around the world, as well as wines. These can all be accompanied by proper pub grub such as bowls of loaded chips. You’ll also be treated to entertainment on various nights of the week, from open mic nights to music from live bands.
Images – @turksheadleeds, @whitelocksalehouse, @theshipleeds
