Drinking in the history: brewers, boozers & the Band of Hope

A special two-part walking tour on Saturday 21 June

​

I’m teaming up with Simon Jenkins – author, journalist and former British Beer Writer of the Year. He takes tours of his own in Leeds to share his love of brewing, pubs and beer. He suggested that we should join forces to offer a unique insight into the social and cultural history of our city. 

  The morning tour begins at the City Varieties in White Swan Yard, and we gradually wend our way south, by way of some fascinating stories and a couple of drink stops, before we stop for lunch at the wonderful old Adelphi beside Leeds Bridge. The afternoon tour takes us south of the river and into the city’s industrial heartland of Holbeck. 

  You’ll learn how Briggate once offered a pub crawl like no other – and also about the rise of the temperance movement and its mission to save souls from the demons of drink. There will be tales of tragedy and sadness, innovation and enterprise, skulduggery and death.

  Join the morning or afternoon tour (£18) or be with us for the full day (£30). We must point out that these prices do not include the food and drink along the way. 

  To join us for the full day - and take advantage of the discount - book separately for the two events, but use the discount code FULLDAY216 when booking for the afternoon tour.

I offer a mix of some favourite tours developed over the years & new topics - more info & booking here

Commission your own special tour?

Choose: 

• a general introduction to the city - with start and finish to suit you

• one of the topics you can find here

• a theme that fits with the interests and stamina of your family/friends

• a route that will strike a chord with your organisation's focus - such as engineering history, greening of the city, an aspect of architectural history. (I've taken on some interesting challenges). 

​

Give me a call: 07712 739153

​

​Want reassurance that this will be worthwhile and enjoyable? Read some of the reviews left by walkers since early 2019. 

​

Stuck for a gift idea? Give a tour voucher

• as a welcome to Leeds

• as a birthday, anniversary or Christmas present 

   Request a voucher with the name of the recipient(s) - you can specify the wording and choose a topic or leave it up to the guest to choose.

​

Walking through the centuries

  New to Leeds? Or lived here for ages without learning much about your city? Visiting for the weekend? You have visitors staying?

  Come with me from earliest times to the present day - Kirkgate to the West End. I'll explain how a little town where cloth was traded became the regional capital and a major centre for financial services, healthcare, cultural activities, learning and digital creativity.

  What was the importance of 'fulling'? What is the 'Navigation' and why was it so vital to Leeds? Why was Leeds well placed to become an early industrial town? When did Leeds become a city? These and many more questions will be answered.

​