This isn't just any off license ... This is Beer Ritz…read more.. Leeds' best kept secret (it isn't actually! A pal of mine from darn sarf raves about it) If you haven't been yet, unless you're teetotal just get yourself there and try something different ! It's brilliant and it's round the corner... Well it's on a corner actually !

For whatever reason, it has become normal to be a wine connoisseur but weird to be an expert on…read morefine beer. This is sad state of affairs, as beer is in truth a more exciting, more wildly varying beverage that manages to remain as masculine as possible. Beer Ritz (laaavely play on words isn't it) is an absolute haven for beer lovers. With what seems like millions of varieties from all corners of the globe, beer taps on the counter and hugely knowledgeable and friendly staff, it is the stuff dreams are made of. A trip here makes your evening in with the boys all the more cultured (and lethal on some occasions) and is definitely worth it.

Ingenuously located in the midst of studenty Burley Road lies AM2PM, an off-license that has…read moreabsolutely cornered the market in recent times. Whenever you enter this shop, day or night, weekday or weekend, it is likely to be full of students stocking up on some of the bargain deals which apply to beer, wine and spirits. However, this is more than just a Bargain Booze styled offie aimed at giving students their cheap fix. It actually stocks a jaw droppingly huge amount of varied spirits, especially vodkas, of which there is an incalculable amount coming from all over the globe. It's hugely popular, not just because of the fact it sells the answer to life's problems with such style and honesty, but also because of how friendly and unique the characters behind the counter are. Brilliant.

AM2PM provides drinks and entertainment....i'm talking about the people behind the tills…read morehere....what a laugh it is to come in. Even if you don't want to buy and alcohol i'd pop in just to be entertained for a few minutes. I like trying different spirits and here I can try a large selection of different ones from around the world at a snip of the price you'd find in a supermarket or 'rhytham and booze' type joint. I'm a fan of red wine and there's always deals on this here too. It really is always bustling with students stocking up on deals and bargains. If you're having a party and need to stock up then i'd definitely have a look into this place above the other alcohol shops in Leeds. Your purse will thank you for it.

It may be worth a visit to Kirkstall Lane off-license just to view the curiosity that is the…read moresmallest magazine collection I have ever seen (about five in total)!! The minimalism of the magazine shelf made it almost resemble some sort of art exhibit...a postmodern reflection on our obsession with celebrity ...or something. I don't know whether this was just a one -off due to some mix up with their suppliers but how very unusual! So if it's a New Scientist or Private Eye you're after, I suggest you don't get your hopes up! This is a pretty small offie and thus only just covers the basics, but all the ingredients of a standard offie are there...just not much choice. They do sell greetings cards, but with the bare minimum of bases covered...so if you like to put thought and care into greetings card purchases, I guess you ought to look elsewhere. However, compared to their other offerings, their booze section is quite extensive and worth a perusal. Though not offering endless choice, the stock they do have is very neatly presented and the owners obviously take pride in their little shop.

Kirkstall Off License is essentially that. Accomidating for the residents who live just on the edge…read moreof Headingley, particularly for those who cannot be bothered to venture to supermarkets and the student centre. Right opposite the stadium, it is not an incredible shop, but does sell the staple things you'd need if you were just nipping to the shops for one of two items. Their booze selection is alright, though nothing to write home about, which left me wondering what it is that sways a shop from labeling itself as an off license rather than a newsagents- whether it is their stock or what would keep the punters coming- and as it is predominantly students a-lurking, I guess there lies the answer... Having said that, I do quite like the fact that Kirkstall Lane, though a measely 5 minute walk from Headingley does have its own little community, with off license, doctors surgery and pharmacy all within close proximity.

Nice shop nice owner overall great local place if you live nearby recco it low prices good qualityread more

This is one of those great little shops that just scream local at you as you go in…read more You know what I mean - the sign on the door that says 'only two kids in at one time', the broad Yorkshire accent of the counter guy, and the fact that it sells everything from sweets to spirits. It's not been open that long, and it's not in the most favourable location for an off license/corner shop, but it still does a good business because of the friendly, unpretentious service and nature of the products. If you're driving past and in need of a snack or a stock of booze/smokes, it's definitely worth calling in...just make sure you don't take more than two kids in with you at any one time.!

It was great to go and check out Northern Monk's centre of operations, as I've rarely seen their…read morebeers west of the Pennines. The Old Flax Store where they're based is a Grade II listed mill and located in the industrial Holbeck area towards the outskirts of the city centre. Spread over three levels: their brewery on the ground floor; The Refectory and bottle shop on the first floor and event space (Chapter Hall) on the top floor, it's been lovingly restored both inside and out. Despite how separated they are from the main hub of bars and restaurants, there were quite a few people enjoying their afternoons here with a beer, hot drink or bite to eat (they serve food throughout the day). With a small selection of board games (alas, pretty much all of them had vital parts missing), I'd advise bringing your own if you fancied entertaining yourselves in this chilled out space for a while before you ventured onwards. Tip: they have a small free car park out front for the designated drivers.

Northern Monk Refectory is a fantastic spot for food and beer. It's situated in Holbeck so it is a…read morelittle bit of a walk south of the city, about 10 minutes, but this distance at least when I've been there recently means it's not overwhelmed by the crowds you would expect on a Friday or Saturday. Those that venture out are discerning and looking for a quality beer and great food and that's what you receive from the guys at Northern Monk and their food collaboration with Grog and Grub. The bar features 20 draught beers (not sure whether this number includes their 2 on handpump) it is about 50% their own beers and 50% guest, with this number of beers they do a good job covering a range of styles so you should not be at a loss to find something you like. In fact all the beers I had were very nice Track Sonoma, Curveball Pirate Porter, and Northern Monk Salt Lime Wit.