Feature image by Lia Underground
Leiden’s famous for its gorgeous canals, historic city centre, and being home to the oldest university in the Netherlands. However, if you’re keen for a good pint that isn’t Heineken, then you shouldn’t ignore its bustling craft beer scene.
I’ve done several years of (admittedly pleasurable) research to put this article together, so pull up a seat and get your bucket lists ready.
Beer fans, these are the best breweries in Leiden
Don’t let Leiden’s small size fool you, because its breweries punch well above their weight. If you’re looking for some good craft beer, ‘familiarise yourself’ (wink wink!) with these breweries:
Brouwerij Pronck: The biggest selection of beers in town
One thing I really love about Brouwerij (Brewery) Pronck is that they’ve always got new releases, limited edition beers, and seasonal specials. You’ll never get bored!
And, as a beer fan with fellow beer fans as friends/coworkers, I highly recommend Pronck’s ‘borrel boxen’ (drinks boxes) as gift ideas. You can choose between seasonal boxes with a variety of beer types and flavours, beer and cheese boxes, and more.
Available: IPAs, Blonds, Tripels, Ales, Non-alcoholic beers, Porters, Stouts, Witbier
Address: Langegracht 70D, 2312 NV Leiden
Het Stadsbrouwhuis: Home to a brewery and pub in one
Not only is Het Stadsbrouwhuis (The City Brewery) aptly named, but they’re also one of my favourite drinking holes in town.
In addition to a wide selection of craft beer by other microbreweries, they’ve always got a few of their own beers on tap. If you’re in town, I suggest dropping in and asking the bartender what they’d recommend, because their selection changes pretty regularly.
Available: IPAs, Blonds, Tripels, Ales
Address: Aalmarkt 1, 2311 EC Leiden
Leidsch Bierbrouwerij: Experimental takes on beer favourites
What began as a hobby for owner JW Fukkink has now evolved into a full-time craft beer business at Leidsch Bierbrouwerij (Leiden Beerbrewery).
From speculaas-flavoured beer to beer brewed from a 15th-century recipe, their selection is always a treat for your taste buds. While you can’t swing by spontaneously, I’ve found their beers available at many bars, pubs, and liquor shops in town.
Available: IPAs, Blonds, Ales, Witbier, Porters, Quadrupels
Address: Flevoweg 6 B, 2318 BZ Leiden
Leiden’s best bars and pubs for craft beer
While bars and pubs are obvious answers, I’m sure you’re wondering WHICH bars and pubs offer the best craft beer in town. Well, wonder no longer, because I’ve got all the deets:
Het Stadsbrouwhuis
If I haven’t raved about Het Stadsbrouwhuis enough, take this as your cue to pay this bar a visit. They’ve got a wide range of craft beers on tap, and a yummy selection of food and bar snacks. (And yes, they’ve got vegetarian and vegan options, too.)
Address: Aalmarkt 1, 2311 EC Leiden
De Stadthouder
Right alongside the beautiful Nieuwe Rijn canal is De Stadthouder, a charming mix of bar, restaurant, and place to while away an afternoon. Their sun-warmed terraces are lovely during summer, but their selection of beers is even better.
Address: Nieuwe Rijn 13, 2312 JC Leiden
North End
Our very own ‘English pub’, North End, is a must-visit if you’re keen on sampling beer from Leiden and washing it down with some delicious pub grub. Keep an eye out for their seasonal specials, which are pure fusion goodness.
Address: Noordeinde 55, 2311 CB Leiden
Lemmy’s Bier & Whiskycafé
Come for the beer, stay for the ambience! My best friend and I found Lemmy’s purely by accident, and we absolutely love their vast selection of beers and cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
Address: Morsstraat 24, 2312 BM Leiden
What are your favourite bars and breweries in Leiden? I’d love to sample them. (For science, of course. 😉)
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