The craft beer revolution is upon us. Gone are the days where it was cheap lager or cheerful ale – now you’re choosing between IPA infused with elderberry and a saison seasoned with saffron.
Little Leeds Beer House is the latest craft beer shop to emerge in Leeds, competing with other hops-hunting punks such as Tall Boys and Latitude, but its focus on UK beer means you’re unlikely to find their produce elsewhere.
‘A lot of microbreweries in London don’t have the capacity for national distribution,’ explains Richard Brownhill who owns the shop with Bryony Brownhill and James Phillips. ‘We’re among the first outlets to sell those beers in the country, never mind the North.'
While many view London as the capital of craft beer, Little Leeds Beer House showcases a large selection of local beers, moving beyond the traditional Yorkshire breed of bitter. Bottles from Leeds-based breweries such as Northern Monk, Zapato and Leeds Brewery line their shelves, but it’s the Liverpool-based Mad Hatter that causes the biggest stir.
‘Their flavour profiles are out of this word,’ says Richard. ‘Whether it’s a Carrot Cake Triple or a Tzatziki Sour, you never really know what you’re going to get.’
For those hankering for something a bit stranger, Little Leeds Beer House will be hosting a Meet-the-Brewer evening on October 22 with Mad Hatter. ‘Their styling is crazy but the quality backs up the craziness,’ he adds.
Being situated in the iconic Corn Exchange is also important to the independent spirit of Little Leeds Beer House. As one of the few corn exchanges in the country that still functions for trade, it was important for Richard to continue that tradition: ‘Leeds Corn Exchange is filling with independent businesses and we’d like to see it restored to its former glory.’
‘Corn exchanges are so often turned into music venues,’ adds his wife Bryony. ‘That Leeds Corn Exchange is still being utilised for retail is really special.’
Sorachi Photography
Little Leeds Beer House, Unit B3B, The Corn Exchange, Leeds, LS1 7BR.
Find out more about some of the breweries in Leeds.