North Bar in Leeds is turning 25 this July and they’re kicking off the celebrations with a birthday party to remember in Leeds.
North Bar opened in Leeds in 1997. John Gyngell and Christian Townsley took over a long, narrow unit on New Briggate and started building a bar. In the early days, the beer selection was much less adventurous than in 2022… They sold Kronenbourg, Guinness and lots of Beamish Red. However, they started to build a reputation for brilliant service and great music in quirky surroundings. And the drinks selection quickly improved!
A trip to Belgium in the early 2000s opened their minds to what beer could be, and they started asking distributors to import the beers that they’d tried. They branded themselves as a ‘world beer bar’ (cool at the time, sounds a bit naff now) and started to play.
It wasn’t long until North’s reputation for bringing beers from around the world and serving them in the relaxed and welcoming environment grew. They helped to launch international breweries including Erdinger Weisse Bier, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Brooklyn Lager, alongside modern craft breweries emerging in the UK such as Magic Rock and Northern Monk.
North Bar has been pivotal in shaping the craft beer scene in the UK through their exciting, innovative beer lists, regular programme of events and beer festivals, and commitment to top quality table service. Throughout the past 25 years they have grown to a joyful family of 8 bars and taprooms, opening their own brewery in 2015.
To celebrate their 25th birthday they have lined up a weekend of festivities.
North have curated an incredible taplist with beers that have inspired their journey over the past 25 years: From Brouwerij Kee’s iconic Caramel Fudge Stout, to collaborations brewed with Sierra Nevada, Roosters and North Brewing Co.
Saturday sees Garrett Oliver, founder and brewmaster from The Brooklyn Brewery host a sold out beer tasting to celebrate the long standing relationship between North Bar and the brewery. Tickets for this event sold out in 24 hours, raising £500 for North’s partner charity, St George’s Crypt. In addition to this, Erdinger will be visiting from Germany to provide a ‘beer champagne’ reception on the Saturday at 6pm.
Local independent spirits and wine supplier, Latitude, have curated a cocktail passport showcasing North classics. Customers can take their completed passports to Latitude throughout July for a 10% instore discount.
DJs from parties past and present will be digging into their vinyl collections playing all weekend, and Sunday sees a proper North style ‘Recovery Sunday’ with hot coffee, spicy Bloody Marys and a pop up from Doghouse Bagel Shop.
1st July – 3rd July
North Bar
24 New Briggate, Leeds
LS1 6NU
Opening hours
Sun – Tues: 11am – 12am Wed – Thurs: 11am – 1am Fri – Sat: 11am – 2am
