» Main Index

  » Search This Site

  » Submit Update

  » Contact Us

Home > Yorkshire > Leeds > LS1 > Nags Head

Nags Head

Picture source: Peter Ashworth


The Nags Head was situated at 81 Vicar Lane and is now used as a Betfred betting shop.
During the period 1973–1977 I went to the Nags Head on more than thirty occasions: it was our city centre local. The reason was simple – the quality of both the Tetley mild and bitter, dispensed from hand pumps. The Nags was one of three pubs still owned by Musgrave and Sager, whose premises were located on Marlborough Street, off Kirkstall Road. Originally a brewer and pub owner, Musgrave and Sagar ceased brewing in 1958 continuing as bottlers. Their only other remaining pubs were the Town Hall Tavern and the Old Unicorn in Bramley.
The Nags Head was a no-nonsense, old-fashioned inner city boozer, patronised primarily by the older generation, predominantly male and offering few airs and graces, just a relaxed atmosphere and quality beer. The long bar served a single L-shaped room. An area to the far side of the bar served as a tap-room offering both darts and dom[ino]s and this is where we usually congregated. A fully-enclosed yard to the rear was the beer garden or more precisely an outdoor drinking area. Snacks such as pie and pies were served at lunch time. Service was uncompromisingly efficient and despite the pub's reputation, there were rarely any disturbances. Any hint of disruption was dealt with promptly and effectively and anyone unwise enough to persist would be ejected unceremoniously and left sprawling on Vicar Lane. The Nags Head closed in 2003. The premises are currently occupied by a Bookmakers.
David Jameson, Beer Leeds magazine, Spring 2025

Do you have any anecdotes, historical information, updates or photos of this pub? Become a contributor by submitting them here.
Contacts:
You can also make email contact with other ex-customers and landlords of this pub by adding your details to this page.
Name Dates Comments
Julie Ellis 1985/1990