Northern Monk Brew Co

Reviews

• Rowena H.

  star star star star star 3 June 2026

  Leeds' coolest new venues appear to have this formula: 1) take old mill/factory style building over three floors. 2) Make into bar/eatery/gig/food fest venue. 3) Win hearts and minds. (Okay, I can name three that do it, so surely it's a thing now.)
  
  I want to call it hidden, but really that's just hipster code for "not obviously in the centre of town". Because, Leeds is small. (I guess it does feel slightly clandestine, being just around the corner from Holbeck's main little run on Water Lane.) In any case, it's not exactly a trek to get to, but it's absolutely worth the extra effort.
  
  The beer? Clue's in the name, really. It's excellent. I can't recall all I've tried, but all I've tried I recall enjoying immensely.
  
  Love the set-up. The car park plays host to many a regular food fest (Veg Out, namely) and the various floors all have a unique feel and purpose. I think it's the top floor I usually end up on as the DJs there are always fantastic (okay I'm biased since my lovely friend Dan is a regular, but hey -- he's also great) and the ambiance is more "sit and chat". The floor below often has bands. Everything has a wonderfully designed feel. I love the art and the people and the all of it.
  
  I've STILL not managed to grab a bite from Grub & Grog, which is basically punishable by banishment at this stage. Even so, I've heard amazing things about their eats and I WILL get there eventually. (It's winter. I'm hermitting.)
  
  Summary: I love it. Of the three venues in Leeds that have this style (you know the other two), this one definitely has the fewest hipsters. Amazing beer, great music, fab staff, and I did a win on the bingo. Fab.

• Michael B.

  star star star star star_border 1 June 2026

  It was great to go and check out Northern Monk's centre of operations, as I've rarely seen their beers west of the Pennines.
  
  The Old Flax Store where they're based is a Grade II listed mill and located in the industrial Holbeck area towards the outskirts of the city centre.
  
  Spread over three levels: their brewery on the ground floor; The Refectory and bottle shop on the first floor and event space (Chapter Hall) on the top floor, it's been lovingly restored both inside and out.
  
  Despite how separated they are from the main hub of bars and restaurants, there were quite a few people enjoying their afternoons here with a beer, hot drink or bite to eat (they serve food throughout the day).
  
  With a small selection of board games (alas, pretty much all of them had vital parts missing), I'd advise bringing your own if you fancied entertaining yourselves in this chilled out space for a while before you ventured onwards.
  
  Tip: they have a small free car park out front for the designated drivers.

• Josh M.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  Northern Monk Refectory is a fantastic spot for food and beer. It's situated in Holbeck so it is a little bit of a walk south of the city, about 10 minutes, but this distance at least when I've been there recently means it's not overwhelmed by the crowds you would expect on a Friday or Saturday.
  
  Those that venture out are discerning and looking for a quality beer and great food and that's what you receive from the guys at Northern Monk and their food collaboration with Grog and Grub.
  
  The bar features 20 draught beers (not sure whether this number includes their 2 on handpump) it is about 50% their own beers and 50% guest, with this number of beers they do a good job covering a range of styles so you should not be at a loss to find something you like. In fact all the beers I had were very nice Track Sonoma, Curveball Pirate Porter, and Northern Monk Salt Lime Wit.

• Duncan W.

  star star star star star_border 20 May 2026

  Hidden a little bit out of the way is the northern monk brewery and tap room.  A board full of great beers mostly their own beers brewed on site however there is always a couple of guests on.
  My only beef pardon the pun Is their undecided approved to vegetarian/vegan approach to the menu. The brunch menu includes meat however we move on to the post much and not a burger or chicken wing in sight.  
  The staff are great and will let you try your way down the range of beers.  If in doubt just ask.

• Philip B.

  star star star star star 20 May 2026

  Good beer and good food (courtesy of Grub and Grog). One of the newest breweries and bars in Leeds, Northern Monk is a bit out of town and perhaps suffers from the "more than 5 minutes walk from high street" syndrome that tends to effect the Leodisians, but, if anything, that just makes it that much more special and off the beaten track.
  
  Nice building. Bloody good beer. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, and, from the looks of it, some really decent events (though I've yet to go to any). Oh, and it's kid friendly (a plus or negative depending on who you are).
  
  This was my first visit and my first beer here. Here's to a lot more!!