Whatever your excuse to head out for a pint or two, Wakefield’s wide range of pubs makes it the perfect boozing spot. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s our guide to the very best pubs in Wakefield. From well-loved city centre establishments to idyllic country pubs, steeped in history.
Pubs in Wakefield
The Kings Arms
Located in the picturesque outskirts of the city centre. The Kings Arms in the village of Heath will take you back in history with every building dating from the 15th to 19th centuries. Inside the grade ll listed pub, you’ll find a maze of cosy rooms and snugs entirely lit by gas lamps.
The Kings Arms prides itself on its reputation for serving high-quality home-cooked food using locally sourced produce along with a wide selection of real ales.
The stunning location, picturesque beer gardens and intimate atmosphere make The Kings Arms one of the best pubs in Wakefield whatever the weather.
Heath, Heath Common, Wakefield, WF1 5SL – 01924 377527
The Hop
Located on the cobbled Bank Street, The Hop was Ossett Brewery’s first live music venue. The pub has a beer garden situated within its own private courtyard that will make you forget you’re even in Wakefield city centre. The heart of The Hop is real ale, and a selection of their offerings include Yorkshire Blonde, Excelsior, and Silver King.
There are two stages in the venue with the downstairs playing host to a variety of local cover bands each weekend. Whilst the stage upstairs has previously been used by a range of top bands and comedians such as Pulled Apart by Horses, Embrace and Sarah Millican. If you fancy some real ales, great entertainment and a city centre location, The Hop is a favourite of our best pubs in Wakefield guide.
19 Bank Street, Wakefield, WF1 1EH – 01924 367111
Brewers Pride
Part of Ossett brewery and around the corner from the brewery headquarters itself, Brewers Pride is the perfect place if you want a locally brewed pint.
They serve fantastic food, which can be enjoyed either in the pub or upstairs in Millers Restaurant. Their homemade pies are definitely worth the visit alone and the right accompaniment to a locally brewed pint or two.
Head down for their weekly quiz night every Monday at 9 pm. The prize is a gallon of Ossett beer!
Low Mill Road, Ossett, WF5 8ND – 01924 262077
The Castle
The Castle pub is located just south of the city, named after the famous Sandal Castle. The interior oozes style that gives a real chic, country pub feel, together with open fires crackling in the winter months. There are many different accommodating areas, the outdoor beer garden is the perfect spot for al fresco dining and drinks in the warmer months.
The restaurant has a high-quality menu featuring dishes inspired by the seasons. There’s a great selection, whatever your appetite, together with one of the cities best Sunday lunches. The Castle in Sandal has something for everyone.
343 Barnsley Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 6AS – 01924 256981
George & Crown
If you’re looking for city-centre drinks then the George and Crown is a must. Down the quant cobbled alley, just off the main drag, The former Red Bar has been renovated by its new owners as one of the jewels in our guide.
The botanical vibe, twinkling lights and exposed brickwork make for one of the most inviting interiors, together with a great selection of craft beers, cocktails and spirits, served by a super friendly team to make your visit all the more inviting.
If it’s a quick mid-week pint, weekend catchup with friends or pre-dinner drinks. The George and Crown is the perfect pitstop of the best pubs in Wakefield.
3 George & Crown Yard, Wakefield, WF1 1UQ
The Cricketers Arms
The Cricketers Arms is a multi-award-winning CAMRA pub situated in the village of Horbury. It is a carefully restored Edwardian pub practically bursting with character.
The bar has eight real casks ales with a permanent feature from Timothy Taylor’s brewery alongside seven other rotating guest beers from only the best brewers across the country. They also have four rotating dedicated craft lines of Huddersfield’s Magic Rock Brewing craft beers, continental lagers, and fruit beers.
Behind the bar, there’s an extensive range of gins, tequilas & spirits to celebrate any occasion. There is no food, big screens or bandits, just great drinks and good conversation.
22 Cluntergate, Horbury, Wakefield, WF4 5AG – 01924 267032
Luis Bar at Fernandes Brewery
Having recently re-launched as Luis Bar at Fernandes Brewery, the brewpub has taken on a new lease of life. Under its new name the pub remains one of the most popular pubs in Wakefield and now offers Ossett and the in-house brewed Fernandes ales alongside a menu of craft beers from SALT, plus cocktails on tap such as their Passion Fruit Vodka and Salted Caramel Espresso Martini.
The venue is steeped in history, historically it was the malt store for the original Fernandes Brewery that was located next to Chantry Bridge. Lovers of real ales should look no further, with over 10 hand-pulled beers to enjoy. Luis Bar is a strong contender as one of the best pubs in Wakefield.
5 Avison Yard, Wakefield. WF1 1UA – 01924 369547
The Pledwick
The Pledwick is a gastropub located on the outskirts of Newmillerdam village and the lake and country park that are adjacent. This makes it the ideal place to visit after a walk or visit to the local nature reserve.
It is best to visit on a sunny day in the summer months when it’s warm enough to visit outside for their large outdoor terrace and garden area. There are lots of green grass, open space and a play area for the children making it the perfect destination for families. Whilst in the winter months they have the fire on to host you for food from their menu including Sunday lunch with delicious homemade Yorkshire Puddings.
434 Barnsley Road, Wakefield, WF2 6QE – 01924 255599
Old Halfway House
The Old Halfway House is situated between two lovely towns of Ossett and Horbury just outside of the centre of Wakefield. It is a warm and welcoming pub that serves food daily. They have a fantastic range of drinks plus they have a Gin of the month where they showcase a flavourful gin to try.
The food menu has a selection of grill dishes, burger bar and home comfort including their pie of the day. They also have Afternoon Tea available every day between 12:30pm – 4:30pm from £10 per person. If you have children, then they are welcome with a number of games and activities available to keep them occupied whilst you treat yourself to a drink.
141 Westfield Road, Horbury, Wakefield, WF4 6ET – 01924 271636
Pubs in Wakefield district
Hark to Mopsey
Located just outside of Normanton town centre towards Wakefield is Hark to Mopsey. The pub is independent, family owned and run. They have several different cask ales available each week and a gin of the week is on offer each week. The weekly gin is announced every Friday so it is worth keeping an eye on the Hark To Mopsey Facebook page to see if there is anything appealing.
The pub has events to celebrate many different occasions such as their annual Halloween party and Christmas celebrations. Live sport is available during the season where they show local sports teams such as Leeds United and Wakefield Trinity.
Wakefield Road, Normanton, WF6 1BB – 01924 891689
The Kaye Arms
One of the best pubs in Wakefield district is set in the picturesque hills of wonderful, rural Wakefield is The Kaye Arms. It has recently been named as one of the 15 best pubs in the United Kingdom.
The pub’s selling point is its food and over the last forty years has gained a reputation for fantastic food and drink. The menu has a range of options using locally sourced produce including Woodland mushroom, chestnut & black garlic risotto and Black Sheep beer-battered fish.
It has always been a popular pub spot but following a recent full refurbishment it has increasingly become more popular.
29 Wakefield Road, Grange Moor, Wakefield, WF4 4BG – 01924 840228
The Blue Bell Inn
The Blue Bell Inn can be found in the gorgeous village of Wentbridge, just a few miles south of Pontefract. The pub has a wide range of cask ales that include Timothy Taylor’s Landlord & Black Sheep from Masham. A wine menu is also available with a hand-selected well-chosen list and gins are also available.
The food menu is available daily with different menus for lunch and dinner as well as a Sunday lunch menu including a homemade Sunday roast.
Within The Blue Bell Inn is a new pizza concept Blue Smoke that serves delicious sourdough pizza with artisan toppings that are available to eat in or takeaway.
Great North Road, Wentbridge, Pontefract, WF8 3JP – 01977 620697
The New Inn
If you were to imagine a warming village pub it would most likely look something like this. The New Inn in Walton prides itself on being a local village pub offering an extensive drinks range along with home-cooked food made with locally sourced ingredients.
Their newly refurbished exclusive dining area Lock Eleven, named after the Eleventh Lock on the former Barnsley Canal, is a fine dining restaurant that serves luxurious food including Pan Fried Sea Trout and Slow Braised Lamb Shank.
They have a market every Saturday morning from 9:30am with local vendors with local produce. So, you can shop local and pop in for a quick drink whilst you’re at it.
144 Shay Lane, Walton, Wakefield, WF2 6LA – 01924 255447
The Sun Inn
So, if you’re looking for one of the best pubs in Wakefield with spectacular views across the countryside then look no further. The Sun Inn is located in Flockton which is roughly halfway between Huddersfield and Wakefield. Perfect for the summer months sitting at the outside terrace looking out over Emley Moor.
Alternatively, get cosy inside by watching the open log fire or tasting their locally produced light lunch or a fantastic traditional dish in the restaurant. The pub has craft beer and up to four cask hand-pulled ales on offer. Whilst their premium gin and cocktail menu features Mocktails and Prosecco, so there is something for everyone.
62 Barnsley Road, Flockton, Wakefield, WF4 4DW – 01924 848603
Tap & Barrel
Last on our list of pubs in Wakefield, but by no means least is Tap & Barrel in Pontefract. They have a range of speciality ales and gins available. They have four regular beers available including Timothy Taylor Landlord and Bradfield Farmers Blonde, with a regular changing local cask ale. Don’t miss out on 2-4-1 Cocktails available until 7.30pm Monday – Saturday.
They have themed nights throughout the week such as Burger Wednesdays where you can get any burger on 2 for £13 and Fizz Fridays meaning a bottle of prosecco for £14.95 available all day and their resident DJ from 9pm.
13 Front Street, Pontefract, WF8 1AN – 01977 310719
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