Leeds Beer Week – Ten of the best events in town

Leeds Beer Week has really outdone itself this year, with far more choice than you could ever possibly attend. Along with a range of weeklong events, such as Bundobust’s Stone brewing Berliner Weisse partnership, or beer and pizza pairings at Pizza Fella, there are several weekend and one-off specials to get your laughing gear around. Here are ten of the best to look out for.

Opening Night

If you want to get an idea of what to expect from Leeds Beer Week, look no further than the opening night. Turk’s Head will play host to a massive and varied evening of beer, with Bundo providing the scran and a DJ to get you in the party mood. What a way to kick off! 

When - August 22nd, 5pm

Where - Turk’s Head Yard, LS1 6AH

DEYA Showcase 

Cheltenham-based DEYA have enjoyed a rapid rise over the last 18 months with a range of excellent IPAs, including the superb Steady Rolling Man, which also features some of my favourite craft beer artwork. Their beer will be heavily featured on Assembly’s 50 taps, alongside the usual range of Vocation beers, of course.

When - August 23rd – 25th

Where - Assembly Underground, Civic Court Basement, Calverley Street LS1 3ED

Mikkeller Weekender

Mikkeller events are always a big deal, and when the brewers pop across from Copenhagen, they usually bring something special with them. This weekender is no exception, with a limited-edition beer from their Spontan range accompanying across the water.  Get in quickly; this will be one of the most attended events of the week.

When - August 23rd – 25th

Where - Turk’s Head Yard, LS1 6AH

Northern Monk x Women on Tap Social

There’s still a way to go, but the male-dominated, sexist image of beer and brewing is gradually being eroded, and it’s thanks in no small part to groups like Women on Tap CIC. Since 2016, the Harrogate-founded Community Interest Company has developed a following, with 3 regional pop-ups and an annual festival. Pop down to Northern Monk for a talk, a natter and a beer tasting.

When - August 27th, 7pm 

Northern Monk, Marshall’s Mill, Marshall Street LS11 8BY Tickets £13.52 here  

Beer Pairing Dinner

Arts Restaurant is serving up a real treat for one night only; a 7-course tasting menu with beer pairings from breweries across Leeds, featuring Armley’s own Anthology Brewing Company. Think you can handle that much food and beer in one sitting? Get clicking here and book yourself in. 

When - August 28th

Where - Arts, 42 Call Lane LS1 6DT 

Magic Rock x Ox Club

If this doesn’t sell out, I’ll eat my hat. Warm up with some Magic Rock specials in the afternoon, then move from Headrow House into Ox Club for a 5-course tasting menu with pairings from Huddersfield’s finest. Ox Club never disappoint, so this could well be the culinary highlight of the week. Book here.

When - August 28th from 5pm

Where - Ox Club, Headrow House, 19a The Headrow LS1 6PU

Wylam Tap Takeover and Burgers

Without doubt my favourite brewery in Newcastle, Wylam are popping down for an evening of beery magic, and The Brunswick are helping them bring the North East with them in the shape of a chicken parmo burger, amongst a few other burger specials. You’d have to expect a collab beer in there amongst them – Wylam are prolific on this front, and the results are always delicious. 

When - 29th August 4pm-9pm

Where - The Brunswick, 82 North Street LS2 7PN

Cheese on Toast x Beer

You had me at cheese, to be honest. Harvey & Brockless are putting on a five-course cheese on toast tasting menu at the Cardigan Arms for one night only, which sounds frankly incredible. Even better though; Kirkstall brewery are putting on beer pairings. This is not a drill, folks. This is really happening. Bookings here.

When - 29th August 7:30pm 

Where - The Cardigan Arms, 364 Kirkstall Road LS4 2HQ 

A Taste of Kirkgate

The food scene inside Kirkgate Market is doing its bit to help revive one of Leeds’ most important locations, and what better way to celebrate it than with a beer and tapas walk? Four beers and a whole load of snacks and a visit to Manjit’s Kitchen? Sounds like a cracking afternoon. Bookings here, £30 pp.

When - 31st August 2:30pm-5:30pm

Where - Kirkgate Market LS2 7HY 

Closing Night

By now, if you’ve been to an event every evening, you’ll probably be longing for the sweet release of death, as your liver packs in and your face turns yellow. But don’t expire just yet – get yourself down to Northern Monk and have a send-off in style, with a specially imported beer promised as a highlight. Oh, and did I mention it’s a hot tub party (towels and changing facilities provided)?

When - August 31st 5pm

Where - Northern Monk, Marshall’s Mill, Marshall Street LS11 8BY