North Bar was opened by John Gyngell and Christian Townsley in Leeds in 1997 with the shared vision of blending global craft beer and local breweries, interesting wines and spirits, great quality food, and eclectic music and art. North Bar quickly became renowned for its alternative approach, quirky style and excellent, friendly service - winning the prestigious ‘Best place to drink in Britain’ in the Observer Food Monthly Awards in 2006.

They have since expanded the North Bar family of bars to eight venues in Leeds and the surrounding area: from Preston Bar nestled in leafy Oakwood, to the cycling hub at North Bar Social in Otley, to their slick city centre taproom on Sovereign Square. 

In 2015 they founded North Brewing Co; a global brewery, with an independent heart, born out of a love of food, drink and hospitality.

At North they brew beers that excite them: From clean, crisp Pilsners to be drunk in the sun, to hazy hoppy IPAs, to twists on traditional cask styles. They have been invited to showcase their beers across the world, pouring at festivals in Berlin, Shanghai and California, with their beers being sold in over 30 countries. They have collaborated with breweries from Cornwall to Brooklyn, playing an integral role in shaping the modern beer scene in the UK.

In 2021 North relocated to Springwell, a 21,000 square foot brewery in North Leeds. The site at Springwell produces 2.8 million pints of beer a year and is home to their flagship taproom. The taproom showcases their beers alongside street food, a considered low and no alcohol list, and North’s keg cocktails. A regular program of events including art fairs, pop up film screenings and tap takeovers and beer launches, attracts people to the area, and has enabled Springwell to quickly integrate into the local community. 

In 2022 North launched Field Recordings – an experimental brewery drawing upon their rich history with beer. These limited edition beers are released across the country at specialist craft beer bars and bottle shops.