Across the UK, there are countless breweries. Including everything from small craft operations to multinational businesses who’s beers are drunk across the world. In this article we are looking specifically at breweries in Yorkshire.
Yorkshire has a rich brewing heritage and is renowned for being a relative mecha for beer lovers with brews of all tastes and varieties available. In fact, people have been brewing in the UK as far back as 54 BC with the arrival of the Romans. Fast forward over 2,000 years to 2018 and brewing is more popular than ever, with countless breweries creating their own special,
In this roundup, we’re taking a look at some of the best breweries in Yorkshire, many of which you can visit, and enjoy their products at the source!
Best Breweries In Yorkshire
Jump to
- Saltaire Brewery
- Northern Monk Brew Co
- Salamander Brewing Company
- Black Sheep Brewery
- Little Valley Brewery
- Timothy Taylor
- Atom Beers
- Scarborough Brewery
- Magic Rock Brewing
- Rudgate Brewery
- Kirkstall Brewery
- Bad Co
- York Brewery
- Brass Castle Brewery
- Yorkshire Heart Brewery
- Wold Top Brewery
- Horsetown Beer Company
- Kelham Island
- Bridgehouse Brewery
Saltaire Brewery
Dockfield Rd, Shipley BD17 7AR
Saltaire Brewery is based in Bradford and has been a great success since it was founded in 2005. It’s recently been rebranded to make it more accessible to a wider audience.
Their beers can be found in many pubs across the country. They brew a wide range of beers, including their flagship Saltaire Blonde, which is perhaps their best-known beer.
Their brewery has a fantastic bar area which regularly hosts events, including their monthly beer club, which is popular with locals and draws beer lovers from across Yorkshire.
Our Favourite Beer
We love their Cascade Pale Ale, which is an American pale ale with piney, grapefruit flavoured cascade hops.
Contact: 01274 594959
Opening Times: 12 –
Available to visit: Yes
Northern Monk Brew Co
The Old Flax Store, Marshalls Mill, Marshall St, Leeds LS11 9YJ
Northern Monk Brew Co is one of the most cutting-edge breweries in Yorkshire, based in a Grade II listed building in Leeds. They have an extensive range of beers, which cater to all tastes. Their story began in 2013 at The Sparrow Bier Cafe in Bradford in 2013.
Starting with a modest investment of £5,000, they have since exploded onto the Yorkshire beer scene and their beers can be found in many pubs across the region and throughout the UK. We’re particularly fond of their branding, which is unique, stylish and helps them stand out on the shelves!
Our favourite beer:
Eternal – their flagship beer. It’s a session IPA “low in abv but high in hops” (alc 4.1%)
Contact: 0113 243 0003
Opening Times: Tuesday – Thursday – 11.45am – 11pm; Friday & Saturday: 11.45am – 1am; Monday: Closed.
Available to visit: Yes
Salamander Brewing Company
22 Harry St, Bradford BD4 9PH
The Salamander Brewing Co. was founded in 1999. Their small brewery is a former pie factory, situated just a couple of miles east of Bradford city centre. One of the orginal founders, Dan Gent is a true expert in the brewing industry. Prior to setting up Salamander Brewing Co. he worked as head brewer for a number of other companies. He even has a brewing-related PhD.
They have brewed hundreds of beers over the years and they keep on adding to their range to tempt the taste buds of their loyal customers. Their beers are available at a wide range of establishments across Yorkshire, including North Bar in Leeds, The Fat Cat in Sheffield and The Fleece Inn, Haworth.
Our favourite beer:
We really like their Golden Salamander. It’s a golden premium ale with a refreshing citrus hops flavour. It won a silver medal at the Great British Beer Festival back in 2011 and has remained a firm favourite with their customers.
Contact: 01274 652323
Opening times: 7:30pm – 10:30pm for arranged tours
Available to visit: Yes
Black Sheep Brewery
Wellgarth House, Wellgarth Court, Crosshills, Ripon HG4 4EN
The Black Sheep Brewery can be found in Masham in North Yorkshire. It was established in 1991 and is a well-known brand among many pubs across the region as well as on a national level.
Perhaps best known for its well-hopped bitters, The Black Sheep brewery offers a brewery tour and also consists of a bar & bistro and a shop.
Our favourite beer:
You can’t beat a pint of well-kept Black Sheep Ale, which is 4.4% . It’s the go to beer of choice from many beer lovers in Yorkshire.
Contact: 01765 689 227
Opening Times: Sunday – Wednesday 10am – 5pm; Thursday – Saturday: 10am – 11pm.
Available to visit: Yes
Little Valley Brewery
Turkey Lodge Farm, New Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 5TT
Little Valley Brewery was founded in 2005 on the Pennine moorland of Cragg Vale in West Yorkshire. The inspiration behind the venture lays in Nepal in 1999, where
As their relationship and passion for beer grew, they moved back to the UK and set about creating the Little Valley Brewery. Their range of beers is eclectic and they have something available for all tastes. They’ve recently rebranded but they’re still a very recognisable brand.
Our Favourite Beer:
Withins Pale – a light and floral beermade from cascade hops (alc 4.2%)
Contact: 01422 883888
Opening Times: Monday – Friday:
Available to visit: Yes
Timothy Taylor
Knowle Spring Brewery, Queen’s Rd, Keighley BD21 1AW
Timothy Taylor’s is one of the oldest breweries on this list. It was established in Keighley in 1858 before moving to their present site”The Knowle Spring” in 1863. They cite their success and longevity to their ethos of not accepting any less than the best.
They’ve won countless awards in their long history, including CAMRA’s Beer of the Year and the Brewers’ Championship “Draught Beer Cup.” Although they’re already a well-established brand, they’re going from strength to strength and are not scared to experiment with new ideas!
Our Favourite Beer:
Landlord! A classic.
Contact: 01535 603139
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Available to visit: Yes
Atom Beers
Malmo Rd, Hull HU7 0YF
Atom Beers are a fantastic company which focuses on the science behind creating an exceptional beer. Although they’ve only been in business since 2014, they’ve made a big impact, receiving rave reviews from fans.
They’re extremely passionate, and their back to basics, minimalist branding is refreshingly
Our Favourite Beer:
Schrodinger’s Cat – a US amber beer full in body and a strong malt backbone (alc 3.5%)
Contact: 01482 820572
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm; Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Available to visit: Yes
Scarborough Brewery
Unit 21B, Barry’s Ln, Scarborough YO12 4HA
Scarborough Brewery is a family owned micro-brewery operating on the Yorkshire Coast in the seaside town of Scarborough.
Having been in operation since 2009, they’ve developed an eclectic and
You can find them in craft beer bars and pubs all over Yorkshire. Their branding, as you may expect from a seaside based company has a distinctive nautical theme with a creative, colourful twist. Their range covers everything from Porter to Golden Pale Ale and everything in between.
Our Favourite Beer:
Old Sailor – an award winning American style golden pale ale packed with hops.(alc 4.9%)
Contact: 01723 367506
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Available to visit: Yes
Magic Rock Brewing
Willow Park Business Centre, Willow Ln, Huddersfield HD1 5EB
Magic Rock Brewing really pops on the shelves due to their unusual, dare I say “quirky” and impactful branding. It screams creativity and what’s even more impressive, is that the creativity of their artwork is mirrored in the taste and execution of their beers. They started out in Huddersfield in 2011 and have always focused on delivering great beers.
The success of Magic Rock Brewing resulted in them moving to a bigger facility which features a 4,000 sqft Tap room and canning facility. If you’ve not tried their beers yet, what’re you waiting for!
Our favourite beer:
Common Grounds – a triple coffee porter with hints of toffee and vanilla (alc 5.4%)
Contact: 01723 367506
Opening Times: Tuesday – Thursday:
Available to visit: Yes
Rudgate Brewery
Rudgate Brewery Ltd , 2 Centre Park, Marston Moor Business Park, Tockwith, York YO26 7QF
Rudgate Brewery was established in 1992 and its original home was a former ammunition building at RAF Marston Moor Airfield. The name of the brewery comes from the roman road ‘rudgate’ which runs through the airfield. This road led the Vikings through the Vale as they defeated the Romans and the Viking-themed branding of Rudgate Brewery pays homage to this.
The brewery has expanded and developed into a more modern facility since 1992, and the brand has received several industry awards including the CAMRA Overall Champion of Beer in 2009.
Our favourite beer:
In celebration of their 25th anniversary, Rudgate launched their Oak Aged Ruby Ale. It’s a rich and nutty ale with an ABV of 5.6%
Contact: 01723 367506
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Available to visit: Yes
Kirkstall Brewery
100 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds LS3 1HJ
During the 12th century, Cistercian monks founded Kirkstall Abbey and began the area’s brewing legacy with the construction of their brewhouse. In the 19th century, the old Kirkstall Brewery started life, following the traditions laid down by the monks of the abbey. Today’s Kirkstall Brewery was established in 2011, near to the locations of both of Kirkstall’s original breweries but has since moved to a more modern facility.
They have had a truly exciting year, launching new beers and new experiences for their customers, including a Brewery Tap that enables people to try beer fresh from their brewery.
Our favourite beer:
Dissolution IPA was brewed in memory of the dissolution of Kirkstall Abbey by Henry VIII in 1539. It’s a classic india pale ale with a hoppy kick and a citrus finish.
Contact: 0113 898 0280
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm; Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Available to visit: No
BAD Co
Unit 3, North Hill Road, Dishforth Airfield, Dishforth, North Yorkshire, YO7 3DH
After a stint travelling the USA, head brewer of Bad Co returned to North Yorkshire armed with a vast knowledge of brewing. After successfully testing his concoctions in the Blind Jack’s pub in Knaresborough Paul teamed up with David Brown, a local businessman and set about creating the brand of beers which is now available across the UK.
Since founding in 2014, the Bad Co has enjoyed great success, winning the covetted Gold Award for Overall Best Beer at York Beer and Cider Festival with their Comfortably Numb beer.
Bad Co is another exceptional example of how branding can make a beer stand out, their beers have a subtle rock n roll feel, which musters up thoughts of the open roads of the USA and is exceptionally cool.
Our Favourite Beer:
Comfortably Numb – an award winning IPA with kicks of mango. (alc 3.8%)
Contact: 01423 324 005
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm; Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Available to visit: No
York Brewery
12 Toft Green, York YO1 6JT
The York Brewery was founded back in 1996 within the historic city of York. It is among the top tourist attractions in the city which attracts many visitors each year. There ales are enjoyed in pubs across the UK and have won many awards, both locally and nationally.
They use traditional brewing methods, which makes their brewery tours all the more enjoyable.
Our Favourite Beer
Guzzler – A beautifully balanced, light gold beer with dominant hop flavours. (
Contact: 01904 621162
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday: 12noon- 11pm; Sunday: 12noon – 10pm; Monday: Closed
Available to visit: Yes
Brass Castle Brewery
10 Yorkersgate, Malton YO17 7AB
Brass Castle Brewery was founded in 2011 and is based in Malton. They made a big splash when they burst on to the scene, and won Champion Beer at the York CAMRA Beer Festival just two months after they launched.
The brewery is open to visitors who can
Our Favourite Beer:
Hoptical Illusion -a Comet and Citra Pale Ale (alc 4.3%)
Contact: 01653 698683
Opening Times: Tuesday – Thursday:
Available to visit: Yes
Yorkshire Heart Brewery
Pool Ln, Nun Monkton, York YO26 8EL
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard and Brewery is based out of Nun Monkton, a village between Harrogate and York.
The family-run company produces fine English wines as well as a range of easy drinking craft beers, which they produce with the intent of exhibiting the true taste of Yorkshire. They welcome visitors and host vineyard tours and tastings.
Our Favourite Beer:
Lightheart Pale Ale – A golden ale with hints of spice (alc 3.3%)
Contact: 01423 330716
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm.
Available to visit: Yes
Wold Top Brewery
Hunmanby Grange, Driffield YO25 3HS
Founded in 2003, Wold Top Brewery is based high on the Yorkshire Wolds “where the hills roll down to the North Sea.” It’s a family run business which is run by a family with a rich farming history in the area. They pride themselves on brewing superior quality beer from their home-grown barley.
Their farm extends 600 acres and in order to diversify their farmland, they began brewing their own beer… to wonderful effect! Since then, they’ve won an array of awards and have developed a big reputation for producing great quality beers.
Our Favourite Beer:
Against the grain – a full-flavoured bitter with a creamy head (alc 4.5%)
Contact: 01723 892222
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday: 8.30am – pm.
Available to visit: Yes
Horsetown Beer Company
30 Yorkersgate, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 7AW
The Horsetown Beer Company is found within the beautiful North Yorkshire town of Malton.
They boast a range of 10 real ale beers designed with the idea of celebrating the horse racing history of the region. Their beers are named after famous places and horses of the region.
Kelham Island Brewery
23 Alma St, Sheffield S3 8SA
Kelham Island Brewery is one of the most
They were the first new
Since then, they’ve grown
Our Favourite Beer:
Pale Rider -a golden hoppy pale ale which is the breweries flagship beer (alc 5.2%)
Contact: 0114 249 4804
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 8am – 4pm.
Available to visit: Yes
Bridgehouse Brewery
Bridgehouse Brewery began life within the Worth Valley as the Ryburn Brewery in Sowerby Bridge in the 80s. Harold Coburn who was the brewer at Ryburn moved to its new site in 2010 and now produces a core range of 8 beers along with a number of seasonal beers such as the Pumpkin Beer and Rudolph’s Ruin. Their beers are available in pubs across the north and are stocked in Wetherspoons, too.
Map of Breweries in Yorkshire
If your favourite brewery’s not included in this list…email us at declan.connolly@theyorkshiress.co.uk.
