Tucked away just off Vicar Lane in Leeds city centre, The Templar Hotel is more than just a pub—it’s a cherished local institution, a survivor from a bygone era, and a place where the rich social history of the city is still very much alive. With its striking façade, traditional interior, and loyal community of regulars, the Templar is a standout among Leeds’ historic pubs and an enduring example of the classic English alehouse.
Over the years, The Templar has become known not just for its real ale and good prices, but for its authenticity—something increasingly rare in the world of modern, often corporatised, city-centre bars. This is a pub that still feels like a proper pub.
Historical Roots
The origins of The Templar Hotel date back to the early 19th century. It has long been a feature of the city, serving the people of Leeds through dramatic changes in the city’s landscape. The name itself—“Templar”—derives from the surrounding area, Templar Street, which may have historical links to the Knights Templar or, more likely, refers to later urban naming conventions of the 19th century. Regardless, the name adds a sense of intrigue and tradition that matches the pub’s aesthetic.
In 1928, the building underwent a significant transformation. The then-owners, Melbourne Brewery, commissioned the architectural firm Garside & Pennington to redesign the pub. The result was a beautiful, tiled structure that still stands proudly today. The front of the pub is clad in glazed Burmantofts faience tiles, produced locally in Leeds. This distinctive ceramic cladding, in buff and green, became a hallmark of the pub’s identity and earned the building Grade II listed status in 2019.
Architectural Significance
Walking past The Templar, you’d be hard-pressed not to stop and admire its façade. The glazed terracotta tiles, intricate signage, and detailed mouldings speak to a time when even the humble public house was built with care and pride. Large arched windows, decorative features, and clear signage advertising “Melbourne Ales” recall an era when breweries took immense pride in their buildings.
The pub’s architectural beauty continues inside. One of the few pubs in Leeds that retains its original 1920s interwar interior, The Templar is a marvel of design and craftsmanship. Patrons are greeted by dark wood panelling, a sturdy and well-kept original bar counter, fixed leather seating, old fireplace surrounds, and etched glass windows that filter warm light into the cosy bar area. There’s also a rare Art Deco-style stained glass window featuring the Melbourne Brewery logo—a bowing courtier—which adds a uniquely charming touch.
Because of this remarkable preservation, The Templar has become part of the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors, making it one of the most architecturally significant pubs in the region.
The Pub Experience
Despite its heritage status, The Templar is not a museum piece. It’s very much alive, functioning as a proper, working-class pub with an atmosphere that’s as down-to-earth as it is welcoming. Its appeal lies in its honesty and simplicity—a traditional pub that hasn’t sold its soul to trends.
You won’t find any fancy cocktails, overpriced artisan pizzas, or trendy decor here. Instead, you’ll get a well-poured pint, good company, and an experience that feels genuine. The prices are famously reasonable, making it one of the best-value pubs in Leeds city centre. Whether you’re a local popping in for a post-work drink or a visitor wanting to escape the corporate bars for something with a bit more soul, The Templar offers a timeless, unpretentious environment.
There’s a strong sense of community here, with many long-serving staff members, some of whom have worked behind the bar for decades. Regulars are greeted by name, and new visitors are made to feel welcome without fuss. The pub has managed to maintain a friendly, safe, and respectful vibe, even at busy times.
Ales and Beers
The Templar is well-regarded for its real ale selection. As a free house, it’s not tied to a specific brewery, which allows it to feature a rotating selection of real ales and guest beers. Popular choices often include Tetley’s Bitter, Kirkstall Brewery’s Three Swords, Bradfield Farmer’s Blonde, and a variety of seasonal specials.
The ales are well-kept, served by knowledgeable staff, and offered at prices that many would consider a throwback to another era. Beer festivals and themed events, such as the much-loved “Mildfest”, highlight lesser-known beer styles and support local breweries. The pub also serves lagers, ciders, spirits, and soft drinks, but it’s undoubtedly the real ale scene that keeps many returning.
Entertainment and Events
While The Templar is primarily a traditional boozer, it doesn’t shy away from a bit of entertainment. Live sport is a regular feature, shown on several screens throughout the pub. On match days—especially during Leeds United games—the atmosphere is electric, though never rowdy. It’s a space where people gather to enjoy the game over a pint, without the chaos often associated with football pubs.
There are occasional DJ nights, often with soul, funk, or old-school music. These events add a lively edge to Sunday nights and are surprisingly popular across age groups. You’ll also find quiz nights, charity raffles, and community-led events that help reinforce the pub’s role as a social hub.
Challenges and Preservation
Like many traditional pubs in the UK, The Templar has faced its fair share of threats over the years. In the early 2010s, there were concerns that the pub might be closed or redeveloped as part of wider plans for the Eastgate/Harewood regeneration area. Fortunately, community pressure, combined with advocacy from organisations like Leeds Civic Trust and CAMRA, helped to protect the pub.
In 2019, its Grade II listing by Historic England formalised that protection. The listing recognised both the architectural value of the exterior and the historical significance of the interior, safeguarding The Templar for future generations.
Further protection was added when the pub was granted Asset of Community Value (ACV) status, giving locals a say in its future and ensuring it remains a public space that serves the community.
Why It Matters
Pubs like The Templar Hotel are more than just places to drink—they’re part of the social fabric of their cities. In a time when so many traditional pubs have closed, converted, or been gentrified into something unrecognisable, The Templar remains defiantly true to its roots.
It’s the kind of place where older patrons drink alongside younger ones, where laughter echoes off tiled walls, and where history is felt, not just seen. It’s a cultural touchstone in Leeds, offering a sense of continuity in a rapidly changing urban environment.
Final Thoughts
The Templar Hotel is a rare gem. It’s a working pub with soul, one that wears its history with pride but never loses touch with the everyday lives of the people who drink there. For those who love real ale, appreciate heritage architecture, or just want to experience a genuine slice of Leeds life, The Templar is a must-visit.
Whether you visit for the beautifully preserved tiles, the excellent beer, the friendly faces behind the bar, or just a quiet pint in surroundings that whisper stories of a century past, The Templar delivers something few modern pubs can: character.
In the heart of a fast-paced, ever-changing city, The Templar remains steady, solid, and proudly traditional. It’s not just a pub—it’s part of Leeds itself.
