The Chemic Tavern

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor
Courtesy of the Chemic Tavern

We are a historic real ale pub situated in the heart of the Woodhouse residential area, just over a mile north of Leeds City Centre.

Established in the early 1840s, The Chemic is named after Johnstons Chemical Works, a local factory that produced Vitriol – also known as Sulphuric Acid. The factory was demolished in the 1890s, but the pub has endured as a popular community hub, welcoming creatives, musicians and local residents for decades.

Community spirit is at the heart of everything we do here at The Chemic. In addition to a spacious main bar area featuring an ever-changing lineup of real ales, ciders, wines and spirits, our Tap Room is often used for community meetings, live performances and private hire events.

Open seven nights a week, with regular events including folk night, open mic and Monday Night Quiz, The Chemic guarantees you a friendly welcome and a truly authentic local experience. In 2015, we were proud to be listed as an Asset of Community Value by Leeds City Council – helping to secure our place as a cornerstone of the local social scene for many years to come.

9 Johnston StreetLeedsLS6 2NG View map
Telephone: 01132457670 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday2:00pm - 11:30pm
  • Tuesday2:00pm - 11:30pm
  • Wednesday2:00pm - 11:30pm
  • Thursday2:00pm - 12:00am
  • Friday2:00pm - 12:30am
  • Saturday2:00pm - 12:30am
  • Sunday2:00pm - 10:30pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near The Chemic Tavern

Tracy Chevalier
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Tracy Chevalier at University of Leeds

Bestselling author Tracy Chevalier – best known for her second novel, Girl with a Pearl Earring – is visiting Leeds to introduce her latest book The Glass Maker.

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Sound Out Leeds 2024/25

Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.

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