21 of the Best Bars in Leeds
Leeds is a melting pot of indie bars, pubs and clubs that really bring the city into its own. With tons of innovative ideas from creatives and cocktail connoisseurs alike.
Scattered amongst period architecture, railway bridges and speakeasy hideaways lie some of the best bars in Leeds, filled with some of the finest northern charm to welcome you in.
Best Bars in Leeds
CrowdedHouse
Taking up levels 5 and 6 of Leeds’ Trinity Shopping Centre, CrowdedHouse is the place to be for rooftop cocktails and late-night vibes.
Oozing with laid-back and social vibes, CrowdedHouse is the perfect all-day venue, whether it’s a morning coffee or a weekend cocktail. Unfussy and well-delivered, this is a must-visit when in Leeds.
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
The Banksia
Lower Briggate’s favourite bar, Banksia, is the ultimate stop for after-work drinks, catching up with friends or even a little boogie with their live music on a Saturday.
With a wine list and cocktail menu that will put anyone in the mood, the next time you’re in Leeds and looking for a tipple, definitely head to Banksia.
2 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 4AE
Agni at Uyare
Another rooftop gem amongst Leeds’ skyline is Uyare’s Agni bar. Hosting lavish events and always having a great atmosphere is what makes this bar so special.
Their Spicy mango marg is an absolute favourite, and for very good reason – so gather your friends and head up to this skyline paradise.
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU
Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie
The striking Fourth Floor Bar at Harvey Nichols is the perfect venue to impress VIPs or celebrate an occasion, featuring an impressive drinks menu and interior.
Whether it’s a signature cocktail or a glass of crisp rosé, there is no doubting that Harvey Nichols is a real treat when it comes to indulging in a drink with friends.
107-111 Briggate, Leeds LS1 6AZ
Domino Club
Domino Club is a hidden gem, with fantastic live music performances every night, a unique twist on classic cocktails that truly inspire, and an ambience that transports you back in time. Their ‘Southern Hospitality Special’ includes Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Aperol, Strawberry, Basil Oleo & Fresh lemon juice. These experienced bartenders truly know their stuff.
Domino is a community hub and since they opened their doors back in April 2017, they have proudly reinvested over £800,000 back into local musicians.
Vicar Lane, City Centre, Leeds LS1 6PG – 0113 513 2086
Rinse
Slow down the pace and treat yourself to a glass of natural wine in one of Leeds’ coolest bars. Located near the Corn Exchange, Rinse is the perfect place to unwind, people-watch, and catch up with friends.
Take a pick of their wide selection of wines, or be brave and let them pick for you – you won’t be disappointed!
9 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7DH
The Lost & Found
Get lost in a cocktail wonderland, with expertly crafted drinks you could’ve sworn you were at an English garden tea party. Fancy a martini served in a mini terrarium, or a bubble-filled gin concoction?
Sit amongst the collection of foliage and flora inside the Lost and Found which will make you never want to leave.Their list of ‘Lost Cocktails’ puts a twist on much-loved classics, including Picante Margarita, Pineapple & Ginger Mojito, Saronno Bramble and more.
12 Greek St, Leeds LS1 5RN – 0113 493 1061
3 Albion Place, Leeds LS1 6JL – 0113 493 1450
Roland’s
A relaxed vibe in the brick-hemmed courtyard underneath the railway bridge is Roland’s. At the quieter end of Call Lane, Roland’s offers a roof terrace and inside space for that Euro-cosmopolitan atmosphere.
With bottled and canned beers, cocktails, gins, whiskeys, wines, G and T’s, shots and more, there’s something for everyone. You can even order one for the road. Cheers!
39 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT – 0113 318 2964
Below Stairs
Topping the list of our best bars in Leeds is Below Stairs. As soon as you slip into this sultry booze cavern, you’re greeted with a complimentary drink to kick off your night. Specialising in cocktails, choose from a house-mixed favourite or even an off-the-menu classic.
Below Stairs specialises in storytelling through the art of mixology, so expect a tall tale as you sip something incredible that stirs your imagination. There are also 6 draught lines of the best craft beers and a range of small vineyard-produced wines for those who prefer the more simple of pleasures.
12 S Parade, Leeds LS1 5QS – 07810 177836
Belgrave Music Hall
As Belgrave tends to be the epicentre of trendiness, it’s no surprise it is on the best bars in Leeds list. Three floors of industrial decor, neon lights and the most amazing roof terrace in Leeds with plenty of outdoor seating.
As well as beers and ales on tap, Belgrave is home to Dough Boys, the ultimate pizza experience (Queen Brie is a personal fave) and Patty Smiths burgers where you can enjoy loaded fries and more to your table. Experience the cultural hub of live music, comedy, film and art markets.
Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP – 0113 242 2066
Blind Tyger
This drinking den is steeped in ye olde decor, bringing you right back to the prohibition (minus the no alcohol bit). With some curious cocktail ingredients crafted by the experts, this is an experience your tastebuds won’t forget.
Take ‘Tropic of Santiago’, a twisted Tiki drink, ‘Point Break’ a dry coconut martini, or even ‘God’s Own Cocktail’ in God’s own Country. A true Leeds gem and one of the best bars in Leeds.
5 Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP – 0113 246 0770
Friends of Ham
This award-winning bar and charcuterie in Leeds is a mecca for lovers of great food, superb drinks and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The perfect spot to nibble on their unbelievably tasty small plates and sharing boards while sinking a few glasses of wine or craft ales. Downstairs their Underbelly basement bar serves a selection of classic cocktails and Underbelly twists to start or end, the night in style.
4-8 New Station St, Leeds LS1 5DL – 0113 242 0275
Tabula Rasa
In East Gate, Leeds, sits Tabula Rasa, a naturalistic and classy bar that had to make our list. Translating to a ‘blank slate’ this modern venue offers quality spirits and unique cocktails. Delicate garnishes add a finishing touch and make Tabula Rasa’s wide drink offerings picture-perfect.
If you’re not sold already, this bar has made the ‘Top 50 Cocktail Bars’ ranking, meaning you know that the show-stopping cocktails and atmosphere are going to make this one a night to remember.
8 Eastgate, Leeds LS2 7JL – 07593 902413
Water Lane Boathouse
The ultimate hang-out spot for a sunny weekend and a great place to eat in Leeds. Plentiful outdoor seating outdoors next to the River Aire Canal, watching longboats cruise by. The menu is just as good as the view, with a great selection of local beers, wines, and canal-side nibbles like pizza, burgers, salads and more. The perfect location to meet with friends in one of the best bars in Leeds and soak up some glorious northern sunshine.
Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS – 0113 246 0985
Headrow House
The five-story bar and bierkeller hosts live music on one floor, a cocktail lounge on the other, and at the top of five flights of stairs is the hugely popular roof terrace, adorned with massive neon sign – a favourite spot for those Instagrammers.
Cosy up in a heated terrace booth and watch the sunset over the Leeds skyline.
19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU – 0113 245 9370
Alchemist
With powerful potions and creative concoctions, everyone’s favourite bar, Alchemist, occupies a corner of Trinity shopping centre as well as a location on Greek Street. Offering smoky and bubbling chemistry experiments such as colour-changing vodka, bath bomb gin and smoking stiff ones served in a lightbulb for those eureka moments, this is truly a mad scientists lab to be buzzed about.
Greek St & Level 1 Trinity Shopping Centre – 0113 246 0540
The East Village
In the heart of Hyde Park, enjoy great cocktails and a cosy space to cuddle up to some fellow dive bar natives. Occasionally known to throw on live music, The East Village is the perfect spot to while away an evening in LS6.
It wouldn’t be the best bars in Leeds list if it didn’t have some local favourites, which makes East Village one not to be missed.
47-49 Brudenell Grove, Leeds LS6 1HR – 0113 226 3898
Turk’s Head
Tucked away in the secret back alleys of the aptly named Turks Head Yard is a sleepy drinking spot. Laced with garden lights and plants, this courtyard-style hangout offers Indie beers of all kinds, spirits and a sprinkling of cocktails. A proper British spot is one of the best bars in Leeds, where the locals come to let off some steam and sip on some equally great local beers.
6-8 Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB – 0113 245 3950
The Maven
Hidden away on Call Lane behind the Leeds Corn Exchange is one of the best bars in Leeds, The Maven, a must-visit speakeasy bar that’s a real hidden gem.
This cool and sophisticated bar gives you an unrivalled experience, offering a twist on classic cocktails all within their 1920s charming decor. Where chic meets roaring Gatsby-style, you can sip on a selection of spirits or cocktails made by their award-winning mixologists.
1 Call Lane, Leeds LS1 7DH – 0113 242 3966
Green Room
The Green Room only a few steps away from Leeds train station is a vibrant bar, social space and roof terrace that’s perfect for days in the summer months.
Gather with your friends or family and enjoy a spot of day drinking or dancing the night away to a curated line-up of DJs. All set within an impressive old building, the rooftop terrace is the place to be in the summer. Dance the night away in one of the best bars in Leeds.
36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE
Flight Club
Ever wanted to drink out of a trophy? Well here’s your chance at Flight Club, Leeds’ very first social darts experience bar. Taste what glory feels like with the humongous sharing goblets filled with a choice of two delicious cocktails.
If it’s not the breakfast of champions you’re after then choose between a variety of cocktails, adult slushies and beers, with characters such as Mother of All Mules, All Night Negroni and toffee apple Old Fashioned to fight off the hair of the dog. It’s a no-brainer that Flight Club is one of the best bars in Leeds.
Sovereign House, 1-2 S Parade, Leeds LS1 5QL – 0113 733 0770
Hungry for more? Check out our list of the best bottomless brunches in Leeds.
Elmbank Hotel York Afternoon Tea
Elmbank Hotel, The Mount, York YO24 1GE- Stunning York city centre boutique hotel
- Choose from Traditional, Sparkling or York Gin Afternoon Tea
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Sunday Lunch with Champagne at Hotel Du Vin York
89 The Mount, York YO24 1AX- AA Rosette award-winning bistro
- Start with their French Market buffet before enjoying a roast cooked over fire
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Silversmiths Sheffield Evening Dining & Drinks
Silversmiths, Sheffield S1 2NT- Renowned Sheffield city centre restaurant
- Expect colourful, modern plates of local produce
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Tasting Menu with Paired Wines & Champagne at Hotel Du Vin Harrogate
11 Prospect Pl, Harrogate HG1 1LB- AA-Rosette awarded Bistro in the heart of Harrogate
- SAVE 17% off
Written by
02/08/2024