The Ship Inn sits at the end of a narrow ginnel off Briggate, opposite Harvey Nichols and next to Queens Arcade. Over three hundred years old, this wood-panelled pub remains one of Leeds city centre’s most characterful drinking spots — a proper local hidden in plain sight among the shopping crowds. Step through the arched entrance marked “Ye Olde Traditional Pub Leeds” and you find a cosy bar pouring up to six cask ales from local breweries alongside an honest menu of pub grub served every lunchtime.
There are vegetarian friendly food options available.
Location Details
- Tel: 4411 324 68031
- Queens Arcade, 71 Briggate, LS1 6LHGoogle Map Directions
Take a look around
The Food
The kitchen serves food daily from opening until half two, turning out a menu of proper pub classics built around locally sourced ingredients, including suppliers from Leeds Kirkgate Market.
The pie of the day is a clear favourite — changing daily and drawing regulars back time and again. Pair it with chunky chips and a side of roast gravy for a textbook pub lunch. The loaded chip bowls bring comfort food in generous portions: hunter chicken piled with BBQ sauce, bacon, and melted cheddar, or steak au poivre with rump strips, fried onions, and pepper sauce.
From the grill, the carnivore combo stacks rump steak, butterfly chicken, gammon, and sausage on a board with chunky chips and salad. The beer battered fish arrives golden and crisp with mushy peas, tartare sauce, and a lemon wedge — a fitting match for one of the cask ales.
Sandwiches and baguettes make up the lighter side of the menu. The homemade fish finger baguette with tartare sauce is a standout, alongside the steak baguette loaded with melted cheddar and fried onions, and the roast pork with sage stuffing and gravy. Vegetarian options run through the menu, clearly marked: jacket potatoes with creamy garlic mushrooms, veggie lasagne with garlic bread, cheesy loaded chip bowls, and a daily homemade soup with crusty baguette.
A Discover Leeds & City Roam Collaboration
Start your Leeds AdventureExplore Leeds in a whole new way
The Drink
Cask ale is at the heart of what The Ship Inn does. Up to six hand-pulled ales rotate on the bar, all sourced from local breweries — a programme backed by Cask Marque certification, CAMRA membership, and a place in the Best Beer Guide. The chalkboard outside lists whatever is pouring that day.
Beyond the cask pumps, you can choose from a large selection of world beers and draught lagers, plus a wine list focused on value for money. The range covers bottled imports from across Europe and beyond, sitting alongside the rotating local cask lineup. Soft drinks and non-alcoholic options round out the offering for those not on the ale.
The Place
The bar’s centrepiece is a curved wooden counter finished with a polished brass handrail, set against black-and-white chequerboard floor tiles that run the length of the room. Dark wood panelling lines the walls, broken up by bookshelves and nautical memorabilia — brass fittings, moody lighting, and the kind of patina that only comes from three centuries of use. Globe pendant lights cast a warm amber glow overhead, and bar stools line the counter for those settling in.
The scale is intimate — a small bar with a separate dining area — which only adds to the atmosphere. On Tuesday evenings, the “Something For Tuesday” open mic night fills the room with live music from eight thirty, welcoming musicians and singers of all levels. In summer, a handful of tables outside offer a spot for al fresco drinking in the sun, with heating for cooler evenings.
The Location
Tucked down a narrow passageway off Briggate, The Ship Inn is easy to walk past if you do not know it is there. The ginnel entrance sits opposite Harvey Nichols and beside Queens Arcade, placing you right in the centre of Leeds’ main shopping strip. The Grand Theatre and the Victoria Quarter are both a short walk away.
Where to Park
There are 3 car parks within 483 meters of here.
NCP The Core
NCP The Core is 322 meters away. It has 313 parking spaces. This is a pay-display car park. The height restriction is 2.05 meters. There are 4 blue badge spaces available. The car park features include patrolled, lifts. Payment can be made by card, cash, app.
Q-Park Albion Street
Q-Park Albion Street is 322 meters away. It has 343 parking spaces. This is a pay-display car park. The height restriction is 1.85 meters. There are 4 blue badge spaces available. 4 electric charging points are available. The car park features include lifts, help-point, cctv, lighting. Payment can be made by card.
Crown Street Car Park
Crown Street Car Park is 483 meters away. It has 60 parking spaces. This is a pay-display car park. The car park features include patrolled, single-level, cctv, lighting.
Opening Times
Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat in at The Ship Inn?
Yes you can eat in/dine in at The Ship Inn.
Does The Ship Inn have a beer garden?
No unfortunately The Ship Inn does not have a beer garden.
Does The Ship Inn offer takeaway?
Unfortunately The Ship Inn does not offer a takeaway delivery service.
Can I order The Ship Inn delivery in Leeds with Deliveroo?
No, unfortunately delivery is not available for The Ship Inn through Deliveroo in Leeds.
Can I order The Ship Inn delivery in Leeds with Just Eat?
No, unfortunately delivery is not available for The Ship Inn through Just Eat in Leeds.
Can I order The Ship Inn delivery in Leeds with Uber Eats?
No, unfortunately delivery is not available for The Ship Inn through Uber Eats in Leeds.
