Dry Dock

Marooned on a hill close to the universities, Dry Dock has carved out a reputation as a fixture for students and locals alike over the last thirty plus years. Not only is it known to be a great neighbourhood craft gastro pub, it is also famed amongst students as the final stop on the Otley Run pub crawl.

A sand and gravel barge turned watering hole, today the docked boat still maintains many of its authentic features. Doubling up as a bar and restaurant during the day and a party boat by night, it was considered something of an eyesore when it first arrived in 1993 but has since won the hearts of locals  – not to mention the 1995 Publican’s design award.

Visitors can sit snugly inside, or enjoy an al fresco drink under large parasols on the converted deck in finer weather (or not-so-fine weather, it is still Yorkshire after all). Drinks choices are wide-ranging, with a decent selection of cocktails, shot-tails (cocktail-inspired shots), draught and bottled beers, wines and spirits to choose from. 

A popular spot for watching football or other sports matches, there are plenty of TVs to catch all of the action on as well as a host of different events running at the pub during university term times. Regular fixtures for students include speed quizz Mondays, karaoke night Tuesdays and drag Thursdays, not to mention the infamous Otley Run, a 19-stop pub crawl usually undertaken in fancy dress with Dry Dock as its final destination.

Open from breakfast until the early hours, Dry Dock is also well known for its boozy bottomless brunch offering. Offering two hours of non-stop drinks alongside a brunch dish of your choice for £30, food options are varied – spanning full English fry ups, pancakes and avocado toast, plus a wide-ranging selection of crafted burgers and pizzas with plenty on offer for veggies and vegans. Drinks choices, meanwhile, include a large selection of cocktails, beers, and spirit mixers, as well as Prosecco, softs and spritz.

Located in LS2 opposite Leeds Metropolitan University, it’s a bit out of the way from the main stretch but worth a visit for a good time. Ignore the naysayers who dismiss it as ‘just’ a student pub, Dry Dock has something for everyone.