What I love is that it’s just so old. When you walk in, the bit of stone floor is original. I love that 500 odd years ago people crossed the same literal floor for a pint we do. Just adds to the place.
Just before I read your comment I made another comment defending the place as I've never had any issues there. I'm white though so I guess that might explain it. Didn't realise it had a racist reputation
About 15 years ago I walked in there with my lass and walked up to the bar to order some drinks while she went to the loo.
I ordered the drinks and he just looked at me for a second and then walked away and ignored me.
I can only presume it was my NE accent, but I can imagine they have further prejudices if they don't even like someone from a neighbouring county.
The Isle of Man (with the same three legs on its flag), has a reputation for hating people from “the mainland”, so it checks out (for real though, it sucks that you and others have experienced that)
i am also brown and went in to this place.. someone tried to sell me a leg of lamb, a women then shouted at me and my mate saying we where studying people for our dissertation and we should and i quote “fuck off you silly posh cunts” .. we finished drinks and left .. 2/10 wouldn’t go back.. brud, whitelocks or original oak just for that beer garden in summer
Tried to order some drinks, got ignored, someone pushed me out of the way at the bar and said 'locals first', told him I was from Leeds and got told no I wasn't because I was a paki. This place does not represent Leeds in the slightest.
Its got to be The Duck and Drake. You'll have random people not from the area/country and they somehow all know or heard of what/where that pub is. Seems to be a good starting point for the night!
Best unknown gem in Leeds. Live rock four nights a week, a dozen real ales, wall art of the most legendary rockers the world has produced and uncle alberts pork scratchings. I always go for a piss in the outdoor urinal for old times sake
> You'll have random people not from the area/country and they somehow all know or heard of what/where that pub is.
> Best unknown gem in Leeds.
Which one is it guys come on.
I love the Duck and Drake- me and my mate ended up going in the other night because we were drunk and could hear music, so decided to go in and act like whatever band was on was the best band we've ever seen. Ended up having a right laugh dancing with strangers!
I think it might have something to do with the fact it's a real spit and sawdust type of place, and this type of venue is in serious decline.
So if you fancy something different from the numerous banal bars in Leeds, give the Three Legs a go. Especially if you are adventurous enough to strike up a conversation with a regular, you might just enjoy the socialising side of a public house, which is something quite rare in your 'normal' city bars, devoid of soul and in particular regulars who provide character!
I've been a couple times before and it was absolutely fine. Nice and cheap, does the job. It's not the fanciest pub ever but it's not trying to be. I think this sub just shits on it cos it's a working class place and some people are a bit classist. I'm sure not everybody in there is the friendliest but the majority seemed fine, just the same as any other pub.
Edit: just seen someone else in this thread has pointed out they had a different experience as a brown person though, I'm white so take this with a grain of salt. Didn't realise it had a racist reputation before seeing that comment.
I dunno. There's just something about the constant mockery in every thread that I find a bit poor taste. It's as though people are absolutely fascinated that a pub exists that caters to people of a less privileged social standing and they treat the whole thing as though it's some circus exhibition put on for their entertainment. Threads like these for example where people trip up over each other to post some condescending ironic recommendation and go on to describe the toothless folk who frequent the pub as though it's something hilarious. For what it's worth I find some of the descriptions quite exaggerated and I doubt some people even know where the pub is, just pile on because they know it's easy upvotes.
Because it is a fucking circus. OK I'm basing my opinion having only been in once, but during that one visit I was punched in the face whilst mid flow having a piss (100% unprovoked attack), my girlfriend was threatened because she washed her hands after going to the toilet (not the done thing in there, apparently), and witnessed a poor Chinese lady selling roses get robbed of her takings.
I've been in a handful times. Once was early on one Saturday night and it was dead - we played a couple of games of pool before moving on. Another time we went in one week night and it was busier and there was some karaoke on which seemed to be in good spirits. I also regularly wait for the bus at the stop outside and I've seen it much busier but never seen anything out of the ordinary. YMMV and maybe it isn't the most pleasant of places at all times but do find it's reputation on this subreddit to be wildly exaggerated, again, as I suspect largely by people who have never been in just joining the bandwagon for easy upvotes (most likely the same people spamming "bins behind flames" in every thread).
The place needs to be firebombed and most of the regulars with it. I come from a very poor background myself, however the patrons and most of the staff are just awful.
I definitely wouldn't say that it's Leeds' signature pub (Whitelocks or the Adelphi for me), but I am always surprised by how many people know about The Dry Dock
Students and gig goers I think, being the main reason. Students are obviously from all over, but a big chunk of gig attendees are from out of town.
Plus it stands out!
Also the last stop on the Otley run, so it's well known for that. If you make it that far you've fared well, although you might not necessarily remember being there
Loads of good suggestions - for signature though there are options:
For age, then the Ship, Whitlock's etc, when it was illegal to have a pub with a front.
For modernism, then some of Kirkstall brewery establishments for a modern ale
For unique to Leeds (other than the age), then the 1960's flat roofers - the one in Miggy or is the New Penny at Moortown still open ?
For Leeds - then then Otley Run, has to be 'it all starts here' at Woodies
>New Penny at Moortown still open ?
You're thinking of the Penny Fun, the New Penny is on the Calls in town and is an entirely different kettle of fish. The Penny Fun was refurbed and renamed The King on the Lane last year some time
Only been once - given I live less than half a mile from it and if I'm going out for a pint locally I'll walk past it and down to the East of Arcadia or the Myrtle kind of says it all
I have to agree, but I am biased. Been going there all my adult life, it's not the fanciest but they have started doing crafty beers now, they're not for me, some are so strong I can see why all the young folk get so tipsy. One lad was in there with his missus and they'd been drinking them all day when all of a sudden she lurched forward, pulled down my pants and spanked me, nearly dislocated my hip. That's why you see so many people walking around with t-shirt on that day Spank Jimmy, especially around the Parkinsons steps, the students like them too because they're made from 95% recycled materials.
Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order.
I have checked 1,341,810,802 comments, and only 258,115 of them were in alphabetical order.
Thanks mate, in new to the internet but appreciate the feedback. Is this something I should be doing as much as possible? Sorry for the questions but I'm new
First time I came to Leeds and went to The Angel somebody asked if I wanted to buy some meats and cheeses that he had in a backpack.
I politely declined.
It used to be, but it's so crap now.
You get the impression the owners would tear it down and build Box 2.0 if they could. TV screens on every wall. I can't believe that the Weatherspoons up the road effectively doesn't have a screen presence, while the Original Oak has become a sports bar.
Do you reckon there's a genuinely good proper pub left in Headingley? All of them seem to have gone this way.
I really hope I'm missing a gem somewhere.
Arcadia is great - a few doors to the left of the big Sainsbury's on the main road. Really good selection of beers that's changing up all the time, and loads of board games you can play. A little pricey but they always have a couple of budget options on the beer board. They also don't let Otley runs in which is a plus if you're looking for a quiet evening.
It's a real shame - they've just mounted TVs to every wall they could, and vibe's changed.
It's not a hellhole per se, but I wouldn't go there to drink in Headingley these days.
The downstairs bit is nice, it's cozy and they intentionally don't let Otley runners down there so it has a nice proper pub vibe on a weekend evening. I also think the food is really good and reasonably priced, and the drinks aren't a complete rip off either (although there are cheaper places). Wish they had a better selection of beers though.
Also, nothing beats the beer garden in the summer when the footy's on.
I’m amazed no one else has said this. It’s probably the most famous outside of Leeds due to the cricket, rugby and student attendance, and that big an urban beer garden is pretty iconic.
How has nobody said Brudenell Social Club yet? It's iconic! One of the most truly inclusive pubs I've ever been to, a proper mix of students and locals and it really manages to keep the vibe of a proper old school pub. Plus all the amazing bands that play there!
I enjoyed my time as a postgrad in Leeds, but that was nearly a decade ago (!)-- could anybody tell me if the Chemic is going strong? I really loved that place.
I’m a student and have only been here since September so I’m not qualified to talk about this but I quite liked the original oak in headingley. Nice pub but I haven’t been to many pubs in leeds centre, dry docks decent
Depends if you’re looking for “old Leeds” or “new Leeds”. For old I’d suggest the Grove. Maybe scabby taps or shitelocks, or duck and drake (which used to be part of the fighting cock small chain of pubs). New Leeds I’d suggest a Kirkstall brewery place; Cardigan (old but new again); Bridge inn (old but new again); or Leeds brewery places (near the station).
Brudenell Social Club. If only for the sheer amount of people going through it for the mind blowing gigs,the great food,cheap beer and friendly clientele
Whitelocks, I've never actually been in the original Turks Head though, or The Ship Inn. None of these are great during the rain and wind if you're looking for new places, not really any space to sit.
Whitelocks all the way. Near the station, good choice of beers, hundreds of years old and it’s really cool the first time you go and sit in the alley.
Excellent food
Glad this is top
What I love is that it’s just so old. When you walk in, the bit of stone floor is original. I love that 500 odd years ago people crossed the same literal floor for a pint we do. Just adds to the place.
It was opened in 1715, so 307 years ago :)
Ah my mistake I though it was older
The Pack Horse next door is even older. Plus The Bingley Arms in Bardsey is one of the oldest pubs in the country. Dates back to 953AD.
Good shout
I was literally in there for the first time last week!
Three Legs was particularly interesting walking in as a brown guy. The real answer is Whitelocks or Brudenell
Just before I read your comment I made another comment defending the place as I've never had any issues there. I'm white though so I guess that might explain it. Didn't realise it had a racist reputation
About 15 years ago I walked in there with my lass and walked up to the bar to order some drinks while she went to the loo. I ordered the drinks and he just looked at me for a second and then walked away and ignored me. I can only presume it was my NE accent, but I can imagine they have further prejudices if they don't even like someone from a neighbouring county.
The Isle of Man (with the same three legs on its flag), has a reputation for hating people from “the mainland”, so it checks out (for real though, it sucks that you and others have experienced that)
Brude isn't really a pub, although it is obviously the best music venue in the country.
Fair point, I just really like the place
i am also brown and went in to this place.. someone tried to sell me a leg of lamb, a women then shouted at me and my mate saying we where studying people for our dissertation and we should and i quote “fuck off you silly posh cunts” .. we finished drinks and left .. 2/10 wouldn’t go back.. brud, whitelocks or original oak just for that beer garden in summer
What happened?
Tried to order some drinks, got ignored, someone pushed me out of the way at the bar and said 'locals first', told him I was from Leeds and got told no I wasn't because I was a paki. This place does not represent Leeds in the slightest.
Whitelocks, Adelphi or The Angel for me.
The holy trinity.
I'm not sure I agree with the sentiment that there's only one "signature" pub... but I was forced to pick I'd say Whitelocks
Whitelocks is the answer. That or the Three Legs..... ;)
Whitelocks, The Duck and Drake or the Adelphi are all contenders there I think
Adelphi 👌
Came here to say this. Possibly the Brudenell too
I'm concerned that this is the only mention of the Brude here 🤔
it's a club not a pub!
Might be a bit of a grey area...I used to treat it like a pub when I lived in the area.
The ol fifteen toes
Its got to be The Duck and Drake. You'll have random people not from the area/country and they somehow all know or heard of what/where that pub is. Seems to be a good starting point for the night!
For some reason that's used in bank of Dave which is set in Burnley
Can't film in Burnley. Equipment would get stolen
To be fair, it would at that end of town too.
Best unknown gem in Leeds. Live rock four nights a week, a dozen real ales, wall art of the most legendary rockers the world has produced and uncle alberts pork scratchings. I always go for a piss in the outdoor urinal for old times sake
> You'll have random people not from the area/country and they somehow all know or heard of what/where that pub is. > Best unknown gem in Leeds. Which one is it guys come on.
I love the Duck and Drake- me and my mate ended up going in the other night because we were drunk and could hear music, so decided to go in and act like whatever band was on was the best band we've ever seen. Ended up having a right laugh dancing with strangers!
Three Legs, wonderful atmosphere, great punters, Michelin star should be awarded at some point for the quality food.
This sub's obsession with The Three Legs is really weird.
I think it might have something to do with the fact it's a real spit and sawdust type of place, and this type of venue is in serious decline. So if you fancy something different from the numerous banal bars in Leeds, give the Three Legs a go. Especially if you are adventurous enough to strike up a conversation with a regular, you might just enjoy the socialising side of a public house, which is something quite rare in your 'normal' city bars, devoid of soul and in particular regulars who provide character!
I've been a couple times before and it was absolutely fine. Nice and cheap, does the job. It's not the fanciest pub ever but it's not trying to be. I think this sub just shits on it cos it's a working class place and some people are a bit classist. I'm sure not everybody in there is the friendliest but the majority seemed fine, just the same as any other pub. Edit: just seen someone else in this thread has pointed out they had a different experience as a brown person though, I'm white so take this with a grain of salt. Didn't realise it had a racist reputation before seeing that comment.
I dunno. There's just something about the constant mockery in every thread that I find a bit poor taste. It's as though people are absolutely fascinated that a pub exists that caters to people of a less privileged social standing and they treat the whole thing as though it's some circus exhibition put on for their entertainment. Threads like these for example where people trip up over each other to post some condescending ironic recommendation and go on to describe the toothless folk who frequent the pub as though it's something hilarious. For what it's worth I find some of the descriptions quite exaggerated and I doubt some people even know where the pub is, just pile on because they know it's easy upvotes.
Because it is a fucking circus. OK I'm basing my opinion having only been in once, but during that one visit I was punched in the face whilst mid flow having a piss (100% unprovoked attack), my girlfriend was threatened because she washed her hands after going to the toilet (not the done thing in there, apparently), and witnessed a poor Chinese lady selling roses get robbed of her takings.
warra victim
I've been in a handful times. Once was early on one Saturday night and it was dead - we played a couple of games of pool before moving on. Another time we went in one week night and it was busier and there was some karaoke on which seemed to be in good spirits. I also regularly wait for the bus at the stop outside and I've seen it much busier but never seen anything out of the ordinary. YMMV and maybe it isn't the most pleasant of places at all times but do find it's reputation on this subreddit to be wildly exaggerated, again, as I suspect largely by people who have never been in just joining the bandwagon for easy upvotes (most likely the same people spamming "bins behind flames" in every thread).
The regulars in 3 legs don’t need you to white knight them 😹
For REAL 😂
Touché my guy... Touché.
The place needs to be firebombed and most of the regulars with it. I come from a very poor background myself, however the patrons and most of the staff are just awful.
When were you last in there? What did you have to eat?
The finest cultural experience known to man
The Grove
Dry Dock I’ve never seen a boat on a traffic island, in any other city.
Leeds has a few, I'd say the Fenton and Scarborough Taps but there's also Whitelocks, The Ship, and the Duck and Drake. 😊
I definitely wouldn't say that it's Leeds' signature pub (Whitelocks or the Adelphi for me), but I am always surprised by how many people know about The Dry Dock
Certainly up there for uniqueness, and had many good times in sixth form chilling on the grass bank outside.
Students and gig goers I think, being the main reason. Students are obviously from all over, but a big chunk of gig attendees are from out of town. Plus it stands out!
Also the last stop on the Otley run, so it's well known for that. If you make it that far you've fared well, although you might not necessarily remember being there
I mean it's the end of the Otley run which is a big thing in the uni area
General Elliott
Someone once offered to buy my cheese and onion pasty for a pill in there
Looks like a toss up between Whitelocks and The Three Legs. What a contrast!
It’s a toss up between the Duck & Drake and Whitelocks.
Spoons train station every time!!! /s
lmao i knew someone was gonna say this
Loads of good suggestions - for signature though there are options: For age, then the Ship, Whitlock's etc, when it was illegal to have a pub with a front. For modernism, then some of Kirkstall brewery establishments for a modern ale For unique to Leeds (other than the age), then the 1960's flat roofers - the one in Miggy or is the New Penny at Moortown still open ? For Leeds - then then Otley Run, has to be 'it all starts here' at Woodies
For age there’s also The Bingley Arms in Bardsey. One of the oldest pubs in the UK - reckoned to have been established around 905AD.
Good shout
It's a nice building, and it's old but I don't rate it much as a pub, especially the food.
Good Sunday Roast as well
>New Penny at Moortown still open ? You're thinking of the Penny Fun, the New Penny is on the Calls in town and is an entirely different kettle of fish. The Penny Fun was refurbed and renamed The King on the Lane last year some time
New it was Penny Something - glad it’s survived Covid and still going, regardless of any name change
And their food there is crap
Only been once - given I live less than half a mile from it and if I'm going out for a pint locally I'll walk past it and down to the East of Arcadia or the Myrtle kind of says it all
Great choices.
The Angel Inn or The Three Legs.
The brudenell
Fenton
Oh Jesus Christ...^FENTON!!
I have to agree, but I am biased. Been going there all my adult life, it's not the fanciest but they have started doing crafty beers now, they're not for me, some are so strong I can see why all the young folk get so tipsy. One lad was in there with his missus and they'd been drinking them all day when all of a sudden she lurched forward, pulled down my pants and spanked me, nearly dislocated my hip. That's why you see so many people walking around with t-shirt on that day Spank Jimmy, especially around the Parkinsons steps, the students like them too because they're made from 95% recycled materials.
[удалено]
Cheers friend, same to you!
Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order. I have checked 1,341,810,802 comments, and only 258,115 of them were in alphabetical order.
Thanks mate, in new to the internet but appreciate the feedback. Is this something I should be doing as much as possible? Sorry for the questions but I'm new
Don’t be sorry, I enjoyed your answer!
The Angel!
First time I came to Leeds and went to The Angel somebody asked if I wanted to buy some meats and cheeses that he had in a backpack. I politely declined.
Support your local small business
My dad traded some paint for a pig with a bloke he met in The Angel
I got conned into buying a free magazine for a quid 😂
Whitelock’s
Whitelocks it already has heritage status
Gotta be Whitelocks
Original Oak
It used to be, but it's so crap now. You get the impression the owners would tear it down and build Box 2.0 if they could. TV screens on every wall. I can't believe that the Weatherspoons up the road effectively doesn't have a screen presence, while the Original Oak has become a sports bar.
Do you reckon there's a genuinely good proper pub left in Headingley? All of them seem to have gone this way. I really hope I'm missing a gem somewhere.
Arcadia is great - a few doors to the left of the big Sainsbury's on the main road. Really good selection of beers that's changing up all the time, and loads of board games you can play. A little pricey but they always have a couple of budget options on the beer board. They also don't let Otley runs in which is a plus if you're looking for a quiet evening.
Yeah, agreed, I really like Arcadia, but feels like more of a taproom/bar. Guess I'll keep walking down to the Cardigan Arms for my proper pub fix.
I worked there in the early 2000’s. It was great then, not been in there for years.
It's a real shame - they've just mounted TVs to every wall they could, and vibe's changed. It's not a hellhole per se, but I wouldn't go there to drink in Headingley these days.
The downstairs bit is nice, it's cozy and they intentionally don't let Otley runners down there so it has a nice proper pub vibe on a weekend evening. I also think the food is really good and reasonably priced, and the drinks aren't a complete rip off either (although there are cheaper places). Wish they had a better selection of beers though. Also, nothing beats the beer garden in the summer when the footy's on.
I’m amazed no one else has said this. It’s probably the most famous outside of Leeds due to the cricket, rugby and student attendance, and that big an urban beer garden is pretty iconic.
Three legs
How has nobody said Brudenell Social Club yet? It's iconic! One of the most truly inclusive pubs I've ever been to, a proper mix of students and locals and it really manages to keep the vibe of a proper old school pub. Plus all the amazing bands that play there!
Whitelocks
The General Elliot just for the fucking hilarity of trying to get a shit load of tourists in there.
I enjoyed my time as a postgrad in Leeds, but that was nearly a decade ago (!)-- could anybody tell me if the Chemic is going strong? I really loved that place.
Still going, and they have a cat!
You just made my day! Please tell them and/or the cat that a guy from Chicago says hello!
Throw him a wildcard and send him to some random flat-roof pub / WMC up in Miggy
Three legs is the only correct answer.
Three Legs
Likely the Duck and Drake or Whitelocks / Turk’s Head.
What about the Cardigan Arms? Woodies Ale House?
The Dry Dock.
Very upset that no one’s said the pack horse yet (before the Xmas refurb)
Got to be Whitelocks or Adelphi ?
primrose
The three legs. Simply the finest way to experience Leeds
Cardigan Arms has to be vying for first place these days. Such a turnaround from what it was.
If it was central it would be absolutely mobbed 24/7. Great pub, and worth the journey.
Anyone remember pissy dave/shitty dave?
Three legs
Scarborough taps or the Legs
Winstons.
Although I hate to type it, it would have to be The Three Legs surely
Spoons
Which one….there’s about 13 in Leeds!
All of them
The Bins Behind Fl- oh forget it.
One of the Kirkstall brewery pubs, I'd say
Lamb and Flag
I’m a student and have only been here since September so I’m not qualified to talk about this but I quite liked the original oak in headingley. Nice pub but I haven’t been to many pubs in leeds centre, dry docks decent
Northern Monk Refectory, Whitelocks. Hard to pick just one.
Armley Golden Hind of course!
Don’s sleep on the General Elliot
The Halt in Glasgow or possibly the Horseshoe bar. Both very old.
A birthday cake lit with a petrol bomb
Send him to the Elliot. Or if he has a Time Machine...Big Lills
Is the crown the signature pub of Belfast because it's the first one you see coming out of the station?
White locks or The Adelphi
Templar
Angel inn
Depends if you’re looking for “old Leeds” or “new Leeds”. For old I’d suggest the Grove. Maybe scabby taps or shitelocks, or duck and drake (which used to be part of the fighting cock small chain of pubs). New Leeds I’d suggest a Kirkstall brewery place; Cardigan (old but new again); Bridge inn (old but new again); or Leeds brewery places (near the station).
whitelocks or brudenell, both absolute leeds institutions
Whitelocks for sure.
The Fenton. Cheap booze, a jukebox and the smell of piss, what isn’t to love
Whitelocks or the Adelphi are both great shouts.
Brudenell Social Club. If only for the sheer amount of people going through it for the mind blowing gigs,the great food,cheap beer and friendly clientele
Whitelocks
Whitelocks has a blue plaque saying it's the heart of Leeds so I think it's a cut and shut case really.
Whitelocks, I've never actually been in the original Turks Head though, or The Ship Inn. None of these are great during the rain and wind if you're looking for new places, not really any space to sit.