6 breweries you can visit in Leeds

There are plenty of high quality, independent brewers operating in Leeds, so if you're keen to sample some of the finest local ales, these breweries are a must-visit.

Northern Monk Brew Co

Combining the best of traditional monastic brewing values with their own unique approach to ingredients and brewing techniques, Northern Monk are all about pushing boundaries to create beers that stand out from the rest.

At the brewery, brews can be sampled in The Refectory bar, where they have 16 keg lines, two cask lines and an extensive can selection to showcase some of their best beers - and there's also a bottle shop so you can take your favourites home.

Visit: The Old Flax Store, Marshalls Mill, Marshall Street, LS11 9YJ - northernmonkbrewco.com

Kirkstall Brewery

Inspired by the rich brewing history of Kirkstall, the brews here are crafted to the same standards of the Cistercian monks with an exciting modern twist.

There's a great range of beers to try here, including the popular Kirkstall Pale Ale, Dissolution IPA and Three Swords. The company also have their own pubs in the form of the Kirkstall Bridge Inn and the Cardigan Arms, which are well worth a visit.

Visit: 100 Kirkstall Road, LS3 1HJ - kirkstallbrewerycompany.com

Leeds Brewery

Established in 2007 by two university friends, Leeds Brewery has since evolved into the largest brewery in the city and takes pride in crafting its products by hand, using the finest ingredients - including malted barley and their own unique Yorkshire yeast.

They produce four permanent cask beers (which include Leeds Best and Midnight Bell) alongside a selection of kegged beers, one-off batches and bottles.

Visit: 3 Sydenham Road, LS11 9RU - leedsbrewery.co.uk

North Brewing Co

Offering a tasty core range along with seasonal specials, this combined brewery and tap room is all about exciting and interesting flavour combinations that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

The brewery tap is the place to head to sample some new brews, including exclusive test run beers and brews from a range of special guests.

Visit: Unit 6, Taverner's Walk Estate, Sheepscar Grove, LS7 1AH - northbrewing.com

Burley Street Brewhouse

Tucked away in the cellar of the Fox and Newt pub, this popular micro-brewery is something of a hidden gem and boasts an excellent range of ales, which can also be enjoyed at its sister pub, The Pack Horse, on Woodhouse Lane.

Visit: The Fox & Newt, 9 Burley Street, LS3 1LD - burleystreetbrewhouse.co.uk

Ridgeside Brewing Co

This proud independent Meanwood based brewery was founded in 2010 by the late Leeds brewing legend Simon Bolderson, and has since gone on to build itself a stellar reputation for producing a fine range of cask ales, which are both experimental and diverse in flavour.

Visit: Unit 24, Penraevon Industrial Estate, Jackson Road, Meanwood, LS2 2AW - ridgesidebrewery.co.uk