The Original Oak (Headingley, Leeds)
A roomy, social Headingley pub with a large beer garden, casual pub food and a lively, sport‑friendly atmosphere.
A lively, student-friendly pub on Otley Road in Headingley known for a roomy interior, an expansive beer garden and a varied menu of pub classics; it combines bright, social energy with regular sport screenings and an easygoing local character, making it a reliable stop for drinks, casual meals and sunny outdoor gatherings.
A brief summary to The Original Oak
- 2 Otley Rd, Leeds, Headingley, LS6 2DG, GB
- +441132751322
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-11 pm
- Thursday 10 am-11 pm
- Friday 10 am-11 pm
- Saturday 10 am-11 pm
- Sunday 10 am-10:30 pm
Local tips
- If the weather’s fair, aim for the beer garden — it’s the pub’s standout feature and fills quickly on sunny weekends.
- Expect peak noise during evening match days; visit midday or early afternoon for a quieter experience.
- Food is classic pub fare—order popular sharers or burgers for generous portions that pair well with the drinks list.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Local Bus
Public bus from central Leeds: frequent services to Headingley along the Otley Road corridor take approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic; services run every 10–20 minutes during daytime but can be less frequent late evening. Single fares are typically in the range of £2–£4 per person (cash or contactless accepted). Buses stop along Otley Road; short uphill walks of more than 1 km may be required from some stops.
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Train + Short Walk
Regional train to Headingley station from Leeds city centre takes about 6–10 minutes; from the station it's roughly a 15–25 minute walk across varied urban pavement (terrain gentle but can be busy). Train ticket prices vary by operator but expect £2–£4 for short, off‑peak single journeys. Services may be less frequent in early morning and late evening.
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Taxi / Rideshare
Local taxi or rideshare from Leeds centre generally takes 12–20 minutes depending on traffic; fares typically range from £8–£15. Taxis drop off close to Otley Road but expect congestion at peak times and limited parking immediately outside the pub.
The Original Oak location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Original Oak
Street‑corner character and first impressions
The Original Oak occupies a prominent corner position on Otley Road in Headingley and presents itself as a bustling, contemporary neighbourhood pub. Inside, the space feels roomy rather than cramped: a mix of wooden tables, bench seating and high tops creates different zones for groups and solo visitors. The bar itself is a clear focal point, often stocked with rotating taps and a selection of bottled choices; soft background lighting and uncomplicated décor keep the atmosphere casual and unpretentious.Beer garden and seasonal life
One of the pub’s defining features is its sizeable beer garden, which functions as an extension of the interior on warm days. The garden is arranged with picnic‑style seating, a few planted borders and space for large groups, making it ideal for lazy afternoons and weekend gatherings. In summer the outdoor area takes on a festival‑like energy with shared tables, sunlit chatter and the occasional barbecue or outdoor screening — it’s where the pub’s sociable personality comes most clearly into focus.Food, drinks and the menu character
The Original Oak offers a straightforward menu of pub favourites: burgers, wings, sharers and salads alongside a roster of set deals and value plates. Food is presented as hearty and unfussy rather than gourmet; portions tend to be generous and the selection is designed to pair easily with ales and lagers. The drink offering emphasises approachable mainstream beers and a handful of rotating craft taps, plus a selection of wines and spirits to suit varied tastes.Atmosphere, crowds and regular activities
Expect a lively soundscape: chatter, laughter and sports commentary are constant elements, particularly on evenings and match days. Large screens in the main bar and garden make this a local spot for televised sport, while weekend evenings bring a student‑leaning buzz. Staff interactions are a key part of the atmosphere — brisk service and friendly banter help keep the tempo upbeat during busy periods.Design details and practical features
The pub’s interior mixes practical furnishings with modest decorative touches: local posters, chalkboard specials and visible beer pumps contribute to an honest, working‑pub aesthetic. The layout is straightforward, with clear sightlines between bar and seating areas; lighting levels are practical for dining and socialising. Practical features you’ll notice are plentiful seating options, accessible bar service and a layout that accommodates both families in daylight hours and more animated groups after dark.What to expect from a visit
A visit to The Original Oak is centered on sociability rather than quiet contemplation. It’s a place to meet friends for a casual meal, watch a game with a crowd, or take advantage of the beer garden on a sunny afternoon. The character here is reassuringly familiar: pub staples, a friendly if bustling atmosphere and spaces that adapt easily from daytime lunches to lively evening crowds.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Leeds War Memorial
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Statue of John Harrison
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Holy Trinity Church
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The Talbot Hounds Fountain
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Time Ball Buildings
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Leeds Corn Exchange
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Temple Works
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Leeds Minster
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Royal Armouries Museum
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Leeds Dock
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Experience the lively atmosphere of Leeds Dock, where scenic waterfront views meet a variety of bars, restaurants, and green spaces for a perfect day out.
Rodley Nature Reserve
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Explore the serene beauty and diverse wildlife of Rodley Nature Reserve, a hidden gem in Leeds perfect for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.
Unmissable attractions to see
Headingley Enterprise & Arts Centre
0.2 km
A vibrant community arts and enterprise centre in Headingley, Leeds, blending creativity, workspaces, and social spaces in a historic setting.
Headingley Rectory
0.2 km
Discover Headingley Rectory, a charming historic church nestled in the vibrant Leeds suburb of Headingley, blending heritage with community spirit.
Sparrow Park
0.3 km
A small, tranquil green triangle in Headingley offering peaceful respite, birdwatching, and community gardening near Leeds’ bustling Cardigan Road.
Hinsley Hall
0.4 km
Historic conference centre and cozy B&B in Leeds’ leafy Headingley, blending heritage charm with modern comfort and tranquil gardens.
Headingley Carnegie Pavilion
0.4 km
Modern cricket pavilion blending heritage and hospitality in the heart of Leeds’ iconic Headingley Stadium complex.
Headingley Bear Pit
0.5 km
Explore the turreted, castle-like Headingley Bear Pit, a rare Victorian relic from Leeds’ historic zoological gardens.
Woodhouse Ridge View point
0.5 km
A serene urban woodland viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over Leeds and the Meanwood Valley’s natural beauty.
AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium
0.6 km
Historic rugby league stadium in Leeds, home to Leeds Rhinos, blending tradition with modern stands and a vibrant local atmosphere.
Beckett Park
1.0 km
A historic and vibrant green space in Leeds offering sports, woodland trails, and scenic views for all ages and interests.
Woodhouse Moor
1.4 km
A historic and accessible urban park in Leeds, offering green space, community allotments, and vibrant local culture just a mile from the city centre.
Queen Victoria's Statue
1.5 km
A dignified tribute to Queen Victoria, standing proudly in Leeds’ Woodhouse Moor since 1905, celebrating royal heritage and local history.
Elephant Rock
1.8 km
Explore Elephant Rock in Leeds: A captivating natural formation offering stunning views and rich local history amidst serene landscapes.
The Hollies
1.9 km
Discover a peaceful 30-acre garden and woodland sanctuary in Leeds, rich with history, rare plants, and tranquil walking paths.
Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve
1.9 km
Discover a thriving wildlife sanctuary blending industrial heritage and natural beauty on the edge of Leeds.
Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills
1.9 km
Step inside the world’s largest former woollen mill and explore Leeds’ rich industrial past through fascinating machinery and historic exhibits.
Essential places to dine
De Baga Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic Goan and southern Indian cuisine in a vibrant, welcoming setting at De Baga, Headingley’s celebrated Indian restaurant.
Signature Bar and Restaurant
0.1 km
A stylish dining and social hotspot in Leeds’ lively Headingley, known for excellent cocktails, diverse cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Kuala Lumpur Café Headingley
0.2 km
Experience authentic Malaysian cuisine in a cozy, friendly café setting with vibrant flavors and warm hospitality in Headingley, Leeds.
TADA
0.2 km
Authentic Japanese flavors meet stylish comfort in Headingley’s beloved TADA, a top choice for sushi, ramen, and bento delights.
The Cat's Pyjamas
0.2 km
Experience vibrant pan-Indian street food in a cosy, lively setting at The Cat's Pyjamas in Headingley, Leeds.
Santorini Bar & Grill
0.2 km
Experience authentic Greek and Turkish flavors in a lively, welcoming setting at Santorini Bar & Grill in Leeds’ vibrant Headingley district.
Poco Sicilian Street Food Headingley
0.2 km
Authentic Sicilian street food in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, serving vibrant flavors in a casual, welcoming setting.
Heaney & Mill
0.5 km
Cozy modern British dining in Headingley with standout Sunday roasts and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Salvo's
0.6 km
Authentic family-run Italian dining in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, serving classic pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and warm hospitality since 1976.
Casa Alba
0.9 km
Authentic Italian flavors and cosy ambiance await you at Casa Alba, Headingley’s beloved dining destination.
Zucco
1.1 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm family hospitality in the heart of Leeds’ Meanwood at Zucco, a cozy spot for sharing plates and fine wines.
FINT
2.5 km
Scandinavian-inspired dining with vegan-friendly options and a cozy, stylish atmosphere in central Leeds.
MYTHOS Chapel Allerton
2.6 km
Authentic Greek dining with vibrant flavours, a Mediterranean atmosphere, and welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces in Leeds’ Chapel Allerton.
The Woods, Leeds
2.7 km
A welcoming Chapel Allerton pub serving excellent pizzas with friendly service in a vibrant Leeds neighborhood.
Hern
2.7 km
Seasonal, ingredient-driven dining in an intimate Chapel Allerton bistro with organic wines and a warm, minimalist atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flavour Like Fancy
0.3 km
Vibrant Headingley gift shop brimming with bold, handmade treasures from local UK makers—perfect for unique finds that spark joy and support indie creativity.
Style LTT
0.3 km
Chic womenswear finds in Headingley's lively heart: soft, stylish pieces for every day, blending comfort and contemporary flair amid buzzing cafes and parks.
Pablos Friends Shop
0.4 km
Discover unique local goods and gifts at Pablo's Friends Shop in Headingley, Leeds, a charming destination for authentic Yorkshire finds.
Legs&Limpy
0.4 km
Whimsical threads for Leeds' lively souls: quirky clothing that moves with Headingley's beat in a cozy crescent hideaway.
varelas.clothing
0.5 km
Unique fashion finds in Headingley's vibrant heart, where personal style meets eclectic Leeds suburb charm on Raven Road.
Holton Apparel
0.5 km
Explore Holton Apparel in Headingley, Leeds, for unique and stylish clothing that captures the essence of local fashion.
LW Home & Decor
0.5 km
Explore LW Home & Decor in Headingley, Leeds for unique furniture and accents that elevate your home aesthetics with local charm and style.
Melts
0.7 km
Uncover Headingley's artisanal treasures at Melts, where local crafts and unique handmade finds bring the neighborhood's creative soul to life on bustling Headingley Lane.
North South Vintage
1.0 km
Discover authenticated luxury vintage in Headingley's beating heart: handpicked designer gems, vinyl vibes, and sustainable style await at this incense-scented flagship.
Vintage Boutique
1.1 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures and personalized service in the heart of Headingley, Leeds’ vibrant boutique scene.
Eco Queen
1.4 km
Sustainable gifts and eco-elegance in Chapel Allerton's heart: chinaware, candles, and custom baskets for mindful living.
Angels Too
2.7 km
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Chirpy
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Glasshouse Gallery
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Digital Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
BOX Headingley
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A multi-level sports bar in Headingley with rooftop beer-gardens, big screens, shareable pub food and social games for groups and match nights.
The Gin Room
0.2 km
Savor Headingley's premier gin sanctuary: vast collections, flawless pairings, and cozy vibes in the heart of Otley Road's nightlife pulse.
The Head of Steam Headingley
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New Headingley Club
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The Headingley Taps
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Manahatta Headingley
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Arcadia Ale House
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The Golden Beam - JD Wetherspoon
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Hyde Park Book Club
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The Three Horseshoes
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Woodies Craft Ale House
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Savor Yorkshire craft ales amid industrial chic at Headingley's go-to pub, where hearty grub, live tunes, and Otley Run vibes create unforgettable evenings.
Brudenell Social Club
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Beck and Call
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Bricklebank's Cafe & Bar
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Chapel Allerton’s cosy café-by-day, lively bar-by-night serving coffee, brunch and cocktails in a warm, intimate setting on Stainbeck Lane.
Canteen
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
New Inn
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Traditional Headingley pub with roaring fires, cask ales, and community spirit on lively Otley Road—a cozy cornerstone of Leeds life.
Popworld - Leeds
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The Warehouse
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PRYZM
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The Key Club
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Home Nightclub Leeds
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The Lab Nightclub Leeds
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Disco Stu's
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ULTRA
3.5 km
Experience Leeds’ vibrant nightlife at ULTRA, where electrifying beats and dynamic dance floors create unforgettable late-night memories.
The Space
3.5 km
Dive into Leeds' basement beats at The Space, where funky house and urban rhythms fuel non-stop dancing till dawn in a sleek underground haven.
The HiFi Club
3.5 km
Leeds' underground gem for live music, comedy stardom, and late-night grooves—independent vibes since 2000.
Wire
3.5 km
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Arabian Night Lounge
3.5 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Baracoa Luxe Bar
3.6 km
Glamorous Call Lane haven blending luxe cocktails, beer garden chills, and pulsating club nights in Leeds' vibrant heart since 2010.
The Backroom
3.6 km
A chic speakeasy-style nightclub in Leeds with handcrafted cocktails, eclectic music, and vibrant weekend nightlife beneath a historic railway bridge.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly