What’s more perfect than a summer of football, warm weather and lots and lots of drinking? Nothing. The hospitality industry has suffered the effects of Covid-19 more than other industries, with businesses closing down, staff being made redundant and month long restrictions on indoor and outdoor drinking. The last 12 months felt never-ending, but with July 19th quickly approaching, it’s time to support the hospitality industry once again.
The most infamous brewery in Leeds, also known as one of Leeds’ oldest brewing dynasties, is The Tetley. Being an icon for the city for over 200 years, The Tetley was and still remains an important and significant site for the industry of brewery. From being founded back in 1822, The Tetley became the largest brewery in the North of England in 1860 and their annual beer production had reached 171,500 barrels by 1875. The surge of success only continued as by the 1980s, Tetley’s became the world’s largest producer of cask ale and was taken over by Carlsberg in 1998. Only a few years later in 2011 was the brewery closed as a result of increasing costs and rising tax.
In a complete transformation in 2013, the Tetley brewery is now a centre for contemporary art on Leeds’ South Bank. Providing a platform for emerging artists presenting free exhibitions, unique gallery spaces, offices for creative businesses, welcoming spaces for events and performances and a bar and kitchen. By investing in new and emerging artists, The Tetley has become the heart of the art scene in Leeds.
As well as returning back to your favourite drinking spots and falling back into a routine, now would be the perfect time to try somewhere new. Now everything is falling back into place and the drinking scene is more popular than ever before, so book your table at these breweries and distilleries now before it’s too late!
Northern Monk Brewing Co.
This independent brewery based in Holbeck, founded in 2014, was inspired by the history of brewing across the region, and strive to create the highest quality beers combined with traditional brewing values and innovative ingredients. Formerly known as The Old Flax Store at Marshall Mills, a thriving textile mill many years before, Northern Monk regularly collaborate with different breweries and charities to create a positive change for the North. Their refectory on the first floor showcases the variety of beers they brew, as well as takeovers from local food vendors such as Chow Chow. Why not visit and take a tour of the brewery to see how the freshest beer is made.
Wilde Child Brewing Co.
Micro-brewery based on Armley Road, began their brewing journey back in 2010. Now hosting brewery open days, the next ones being Saturday 24th of July and Saturday 21st of August 2021. This multi-award winning brewery produces big and bold beers, with inventive flavours from their ‘Gimme S’more’ toasted marshmallow and chocolate biscuit porter and ‘Absolute Impeachment’ peach milkshake IPA.
Hotham’s Gin School and Distillery
Hotham’s Gin School and Distillery originally started in Hull, and have now ventured into the city centre of Leeds. At their gin school and bar on Eastgate, customers can create their own recipes and distil their own bottle of gin to take home with them. Learn about the history of gin and develop a botanical recipe to your own taste or simply try out their ready-made gins at the bar.
Liquor Studio
Liquor Studio also based in the city centre on Lower Briggate, creates innovative bespoke products and experiences for those who love a drink. Being one of the first and only spirit schools in Yorkshire, founders Jon and Dan created ones of the UK’s leading drinks companies, Headonist Drinks. With classes in rum tasting, cocktail masterclasses and gin creation, anyone will love it!
North Brewing Co.
Founded in only 2015, North Brewing Co became a dream come true for pioneers John and Christian, of finally making their own beer and opening a brewery and tap room. Established by the people behind North Bar in Leeds, they combine seasonal, playful and classic flavours in the highest of qualities. After only being open several years, North Brewing Company has already received multiple awards for ‘Best Brewery Pub Company’, ‘Business Innovation’ and ‘Best Branding and Design.’
Breweries can be found everywhere around the city of Leeds, but why not find your local beer or fizz festival coming up during the summer. Some may have been cancelled due to Covid-19, but the Beer and Music Festival @ West Park Leeds RUFC will go ahead on July 10th, as well as Moor Fest 2021 at Dewsbury Moor Sports Club on July 24th 2021.
Images: North Brewing Co, Wilde Child Brewing Co, Northern Monk, Liquor Studio
