When it comes to independent drinks, Wakefield and the Five Towns are rapidly gaining momentum as a highly respected brewing and distilling location. From award winning gins distilled right on the waterfront to a growing brewing giant. Whether you are planning on joining a monthly taproom tasting session, looking to stock up your fridge with proper Yorkshire craft cans, or hunting down a small-batch bottle of gin, our district has it covered.
Forget the mass-produced lagers, we’ve mapped out the absolute best local breweries, artisan distilleries, and dedicated craft beer hubs across the region.
Breweries
Ossett Brewery | Ossett
The daddy of the local independent scene, Ossett Brewery has grown from a tiny microbrewery into a major regional operation while keeping its roots firmly at its massive, modern home in Ossett. Known for crisp, reliable beers like Silver King and Ossett Blonde, they supply countless pubs, including local favourites the Hop and the Bingley, and are growing from strength to strength based on the quality of their brew.
Lost Cause Brewing Co | Castleford
Founded by a pair of craft beer industry heavyweights with over 40 years of combined experience, this modern independent brewery focuses entirely on fresh, full-flavored pales, West Coast IPAs, and fruit sours. Operating from their dedicated brewery and taproom on Whitwood Lane, their core Citra pale ale, Lully, is an easy-drinking staple on the local craft scene. They hold regular tasting events at their place in Whitwood with a rotation of great street food on offer too.
Jolly Boys’ Brewery | Wakefield
Established in 2014, this highly regarded regional brewery has taken a major step forward by becoming the official Brewery in Residence at the newly transformed WX (Wakefield Exchange). Operating out of their flagship outlet, The Exchange Tap, they brew and pour their signature cask ales, crisp lagers, and limited one-off specials directly to city-centre drinkers in a fully accessible culture hub.
Fernandes Brewery | Wakefield
While operating within the wider Ossett Brewery family tree, Fernandes maintains its completely unique, historic microbrewery footprint. Tucked away down Avison Yard in a beautifully restored old maltings building, it produces traditional, full bodied seasonal real ales that can be ordered and enjoyed immediately right above the plant at Luis Bar.
Luddite Brewing Co | Horbury Junction
A fantastic independent six barrel microbrewery built directly into the Calder Vale Hotel. The owners completely transformed the building into a dedicated taproom, making it the perfect spot to try their small batch cask ales right at the source, complete with a highly welcoming, dog friendly community atmosphere, and a wonderful beer garden
Horbury Brew Co | Horbury
Steeped in traditional real ale heritage, this independent microbrewery operates directly out of the historic Cherry Tree Inn. The focus here is entirely on producing clean, exceptionally drinkable cask pints. Their brewing lineup spans from vibrant, hop forward session pale ales like Now Then and Horbury Gold to complex, seasonal dark varieties like Tiramisu, a smooth, silky chocolate and coffee session porter. It is a true celebration of local brewing craftsmanship.
Lab in the Garage Brewing | Castleford
A true independent nanobrewery operating out of Castleford that excels in experimental, small batch brewing. They specialise in a versatile mix of classic real ales, robust West Coast IPAs, and playful seasonal recipes, like their highly sought after Rhubarb Patch Pups.
Five Towns Brewery | Outwood
Run by highly respected local brewing figure Malcolm Bastow, this multi award winning microbrewery operates on a small scale from Outwood in the north of the district. Known for its punchy recipes and exceptional quality, their beers are a highly sought after guest tap fixture across Yorkshire. Mi Usual is a crisp session pale ale featuring a vibrant blend of Nelson Sauvin, Comet, and Citra hops, while One At T’End steps things up as a robust American-style IPA loaded with tropical, citrus, and grapefruit flavours. If you prefer darker profiles, Owt’ll Do offers a unique, easy-drinking dark mild infused with rum, and Nowt delivers a massive, full-bodied stout packed with intense roasted malt and deep coffee notes.
Morton Collins Brewing Co | Sandal
Housed inside the historic Star Inn in Sandal, this microbrewery operates a tight 200 litre brewing kit just meters from where you drink. Founded by Ged Morton and Sam Collins, their production focus is strictly traditional, supplying the pub’s pumps with ultra fresh, small batch casks. Their flagship pour, Star Bitter, is a classic caramel and malt forward session bitter highly rated for its unexpectedly juicy texture and clean bitter finish. For dark beer fans, Stanley’s Delight offers a smooth, traditional session stout packed with deep, roasted malt profiles without the aggressive bitterness of modern craft stouts. Keep an eye out for their rotating seasonal specials and premium golden ales like Amber No. 9.
Chin Chin Brewing Co | South Elmsall
This independent microbrewery seamlessly bridges the gap between old-school Yorkshire cask drinking and modern, experimental craft styling. Their lineup shifts effortlessly from flawless, traditional session biters to rich, decadent dessert stouts. For traditionalists, Club Bitter is a standout best bitter hopped with Fuggles and East Kent Goldings, delivering a chestnut coloured pour with a chocolate malt nose and a crisp, malty, drying tea finish. For hop lovers, Bodhi, a West Coast IPA brewed as an official collaboration with neighboring Five Towns Brewery, packs a punchy, tropical aroma of Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops backed by a sharp, resinous hoppy bite. Meanwhile, dark beer enthusiasts hunt down their legendary Cow Whisperer (Chocolate Hazelnut Edition), a velvety-smooth milk stout that balances rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors with the creamy sweetness of added lactose.
Distilleries
Forged Spirits | Wakefield Waterfront
Located at Tileyard North, this is the city’s premier artisan spirit maker. Aside from producing an award winning premium range of gin, vodka, and rum, they operate a stunning 1920s Prohibition style speakeasy bar called The Distillery, where you can view their 300 litre copper still in action through a massive arched window while sipping craft cocktails. They also host regular distillery tours and a public Gin and Rum School.
Pomfret | Pontefract
Pontefract’s definitive artisan spirit brand leans heavily into the rich historic roots of the market town. Famous for putting a contemporary twist on local heritage, they specialise in small-batch distilling, most notably using traditional botanicals, including liquorice root, wild gorse, and locally sourced honey to craft their signature local gins. They currently also have a Valencian orange gin in stock too.
The Craft Beer Hubs
Bier Huis | Ossett
While not a production brewery itself, this award winning independent bottle shop is a legendary fixture for local craft beer hunters. The shelves are packed with hundreds of curated cans and bottles from across the globe, with a heavy emphasis on championing independent Yorkshire breweries and local spirit makers.
Yorkshire Craft Beers | Castleford
Situated within the beautiful and historic Queen’s Mill on the banks of the River Aire, this dedicated craft beer shop and bar serves as a fantastic regional hub. It features an extensive, rotating line up of beers from independent producers across the county, making it a reliable spot to drink on site or build a takeaway box.
House of Ales | Pontefract
A premier independent real ale and craft beer specialty bottle shop located in the heart of Pontefract. It offers local drinkers a rotating, hand picked inventory of modern IPAs, traditional stouts, and regional craft spirits from independent makers.
