Leeds has five breweries ranging size from small part time operations to parts of giant global brewery conglomerates. Tetley’s is undoubtedly the biggest and most famous with its beer being widely available throughout the UK – and beyond. Otley is a bit of a brewery town with two operations, Briscoe’s and Rodham’s, both are run by enthusiastic brewers who are committed to real ale. In the inner city we have Leeds brewery who have established a loyal following, so much it’s easy to forget they are a relative new comer. The newest though is Fox and Newt who are back brewing again.

Joshua Tetley and Son Limited was founded in 1822 on a site just south of the city centre and grew steadily over the years. A policy of “Quality pays” ensured its products were the best around. As with most breweries of this age a range of acquisitions saw the company prosper until it was itself taken over buy a larger brewer. In Tetley’s case its current owner is Carlsberg. The Danish firm are now planning on doing what horrifies many hundreds of loiners – to take Tetley’s out of Leeds. The brewery is expected to close in 2011, but it certainly won’t go down without a fight. You’ve got to hand it to them, Tetley Bittermen are a loyal bunch. CAMRA supports any initiative that will keep cask conditioned Tetley beers brewed in Leeds.

Recommended beer – Tetley’s Bitter (3.7%) a quaffable bitter beer, offering a fine balance of hops and bitterness leading to a clean smooth finish. Still a world-beater  – the ultimate session beer.

Briscoe’s is a one man operation which started brewing in 1998 on a tiny brew kit in the owner’s cellar and has been there ever since, barring a brief stint away in a local pub. Briscoe’s are not afraid to experiment and have brewed in many styles from light hoppy bitters through stouts to strong ales. Although difficult to track down the beers do run out fast, so catch them while you can.

Recommended beer – any that you can get hold of, not currently brewing any with great regularity. Local beer festivals are often the best place to find them.

Rodham’s came on the scene in 2005 and, as appears to be the tradition in Otley, is a one man band starting off in his cellar. Production has increased since the early days but only modestly. There are no regular outlet at present, but keep your eyes peeled in and around Otley.

Recommended beer – Old Albion (5%) a dark though not black strong beer with a mix of fruit and malt. A fine warming beer with just enough bitterness to complement the fruitiness.

Leeds Brewery started up in 2007 and in its short existence has built up a loyal following of drinkers young and old. Building up a small pub estate has meant that their beers have regular outlets as well as being frequent guest beers across the city. Their beer range is a pleasing mix of regular beers, seasonal beers and one-off specials. One of their pubs, The Brewery Tap, has its own brewery, look out for the lager it produces in any of the Leeds Brewery pubs.

Recommended beer – Leeds Best (4.3%) a wonderful beer with a well balanced mix of hops and bitterness. A lingering hoppy aftertaste leaves you wanting more.

The Fox and Newt started brewing again in 2009 under the Fox Beer Company name. The brewpub has had a real up and down history with brewing starting on at least four separate occasions. Its unfair to dwell on the past as the current incumbents are determined to make a go of things, note the stylish logo and pumpclips.

Recommended beer – any of their beers that you catch at the pub on  Burley Street LS3 1LD, try Clarendon Dark Mild a classic mild in the making.

The newest brewery in the Leeds area is WharfeBank, opened in Spring 2010 at an old mill building on the edge of Pool.

Recommended beer – no favourite has yet established itself, but one is bound to soon.