Our Top Pick of Cocktail Bars and Pubs in Yorkshire
Three cheers to these Yorkshire cocktail bars and pubs
Forage
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy innovative and sustainable cocktails at Forage. Focusing on urban foraging, the team of mixologists here take ingredients commonly thought of as food waste and turn them into syrups, cordials and distillates. For those with a sweet tooth, try the rhubarb and custard cocktail with custard distillate, Liquor 43, lemon and rhubarb shrub. Looking for your own hidden oasis? Find the secret passage hidden behind the bookcase which leads you to WILD By Forage, an intimate secret space serving the same mesmerising cocktails.
2–4 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX
01904 437564
forageyork.com
63rd+1st
This stylish Harrogate hub is a hotspot for cocktails lovers. Taking inspiration from Manhattan and celebrating the personalities and principles of iconic cocktails (whilst also seating more than 100 people in the large restaurant, lounge and bar area), there’s plenty on offer here. The extensive drinks menu covers everything from dry, sweet and bitter cocktails to spritzers, low and no cocktails, gins, rums, bourbons, whiskies and wines. The selection of uptown barista cocktails have caught our eye, especially 63rd+1st’s take on an espresso martini – think Stoli salted caramel vodka, Kahlúa, Frangelico and fresh espresso.
Unit 7 Westgate House, Albert Street, Harrogate HG1 1JX
0330 460 5599
63rdand1st.co.uk
Read More: Yorkshire Hotels to Book for a Luxurious Spring Break
The Bankers Cat
This two-storey Leeds city centre venue has all the vibes of a traditional pub but with a quirky twist. At street level, the main bar is reminiscent of a proper city pub – think full mahogany bar, leather sofas and a cosy snug with a stained-glass window – whilst the old bank vault on the lower level has been turned into the perfect space for a private party. Settle down with one of the fantastic craft beers on cask or keg, or choose from a range of organic and sustainable wines, spirits or gins on the menu.
29 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 5DA
0113 440 7998
bankerscat.co.uk
GEO
Bethel Mission chapel overlooking Scarborough’s harbour has been converted into a beautiful Art Deco-style cocktail bar and kitchen. Offering a city vibe by the seaside, with luxurious decor combined with tempting tapas, brunch and theatrical cocktails, GEO is a must-try. The cocktails are the main highlight though, with everything from the classics to weekly specials and Yorkshire-inspired creations – think a Scarborough Sling, a Yorkshire Royal and a Brontë Bramble.
20 Sandside, Scarborough YO11 1PE
01723 381485
facebook.com/geoscarborough
Atom Beers
Scientists with a passion for beer, the creators of Atom Beers are all about crafting beer that is drinkable, approachable and flavour forward. The main brewery is in Hull, but beer lovers can head to the taproom in Beverley to experience the fresh taste of this craft beer. Set over two floors, you’ll find a bright and open space to relax with friends downstairs, or for a more cosy and intimate pint, head to the snug corner on the first floor. You’ll be spoilt for choice as beer is available across 10 keg lines and two casks, and there are more than 80 cans and bottles to choose from.
7 Walkergate, Beverley HU17 9EH
01482 820572
atombeers.com
Read More: The Husband and Wife Team Who Make Botanically Led, Alcohol-free Spirits
The Gin Lounge
With the emphasis on supporting local, artisan gins this cosy, laid-back bar is one of Ilkley’s top spots. Choose from a huge selection including Artful Pour’s Parma Violet Gin, Mason’s Peppered Pear and Addingham Blackberry Gin, all served with homegrown fresh herbs, fruits and spices and botanically-brewed Franklin & Son tonic. They also stock gins from around the world, including a hand-crafted White Truffle Gin that’s worth more than gold per gram.
4 Cowpasture Road, Ilkley LS29 8SR
07890 689601
theginloungeilkley.com
Below Stairs
Take a seat, relax and let the team of mixologists work their magic and wow you with their creative concoctions. Following a seasonal cocktail menu with an emphasis on ingredients, the team here are able to mix up everything from your favourite cocktail to their house-created specials which aim to replicate simple emotive or sensory stories. Our go-to is the Lion’s Tooth Collins which is a mix of Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, dandelion flower, lemon and soda, but it’s not all about the cocktails here – you can also order a beer from the six draught lines, or simply choose a crisp glass of wine from the carefully selected list.
12 South Parade, Leeds LS1 5QS
07810 177836
belowstairsbar.com
Tapped Leeds
In the heart of Leeds city centre, Tapped Leeds is an American-style brew pub offering a wide range of beers, high-end spirits, wines and coffees. Alongside their 13 cask lines and 14 keg lines, they also serve Mittel Larger freshly brewed onsite in their custom-built Czech decoction brew kit, and they recently won Best International Keg Lager at the 2022 International Brewing Awards. This hotspot is clearly not to be missed!
51 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 5EL
0113 244 1953
tappedleeds.co.uk
Magic Rock Brewing
Taking inspiration from the vibrant US craft scene, but keeping to local brewing traditions, Magic Rock Brewing produce flavourful, vibrant beer. Alongside a core range of products, this Yorkshire brewery create an ever-changing line up of distinctive beers with an innovative, quality-driven approach. To sample a pint of the golden liquid yourself, head to their award-winning 4,000 square foot taproom (it’s also dog-friendly) and choose from the line of 10 kegs and five casks of the freshest Magic Rock beers.
Willow Park Business Centre, Willow Lane, Huddersfield HD1 5EB
magicrockbrewing.com
Alexander’s
This award-winning café, bar and terrace is set in a beautiful period building at the top of Skipton High Street. With contemporary British food served in The Kitchen restaurant and afternoon tea in The Parlour, evening drinks are served in the atmospheric bar where ingredients such as lemongrass, coconut cream, spinach, rose liqueur and hibiscus are brought to life through Alexander’s signature cocktails. You’ll find a range of craft beers, wines, champagnes, gins and soft drinks on the menu too.
4–6 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JZ
01756 228030
alexanders-skipton.com
The Fat Badger
Smack bang in the middle of the Montpellier Quarter you’ll find one of Harrogate’s most loved traditional English pubs. The Fat Badger serves local cask ales, exciting cocktails and plenty of fine wines, alongside their AA Rosette award-winning modern British food – the perfect place to spend an afternoon soaking up the atmosphere with a locally-brewed pint in hand.
Cold Bath Road, Harrogate HG2 0NF
01423 505681
thefatbadgerharrogate.com
Black Sheep Brewery
Located in Masham, Black Sheep is a brewery full of soul. Established in 1992, quality and consistency has always been at the forefront of the brewery – don’t just take our word for it, book onto a brewery tour and see the award-winning beer made right before your eyes. Once you’re done, head to the visitor centre where you can grab a freshly brewed cold pint. Choose from classic cask beers, regular seasonal beers, or try a pint poured from the keg wall featuring a variety of craft beers and ciders.
Wellgarth, Masham HG4 4EN
01765 680101
blacksheepbrewery.com
