Bars in Leeds

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

As you’d expect from a city as vibrant and exciting as Leeds, the bar scene is among the best in the North.

Leeds has a young population, thanks to its University and the thriving businesses which employ many young professionals. The city boasts not one, not two, but three ‘Main Drags’: Call Lane, Merrion Street, and Greek Street, where you can find booming nightclubs that stay open until the small hours. Around the big clubs, you’ll find the bars, likely to be buzzing with live music and comedy over the weekend and throughout the week as well.

One of the defining features of Leeds’ nightlife is the vast range of real ale and craft beers brewed in and around the city and flowing nightly from the tap. Leeds is a long-time centre of the brewing industry, with a beer history going all the way back to medieval times and beyond. Today, Northern Monk, Wilde Childe, and the Northern Brewing Company are just a few of the big names in beer operating in the Leeds metropolitan area.

That being the case, there are plenty of places to go to savour beer as an art form, and the overall culture is perhaps a bit more savoury than in other somewhat binge-drinking oriented city centres – though, should you wish, you can of course have a wild one.

And if you’re after sophisticated wines, spirits, and cocktails, fear not, as these coexist merrily with all the beer, in venues such as the Thewlis, the Alchemist, and the Maven,

The LGBT scene in Leeds is massive, with drag shows and gay and lesbian bars that guarantee a good night out in safe, respectful spaces.

So, whether you’re looking for vast bustling spaces or intimate backdoor dive bars, this city has them all. Here’s our pick of the best bars in Leeds.

Our top picks

Belgrave Music Hall

Belgrave Music Hall, 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP - Visit now

Arguably the most high-profile bar in Leeds, this 1930s venue has three floors including the city’s best roof terrace. Originally built as a children’s nursery school, these days it attracts an older but just as lively crowd, albeit with slightly less vomiting.

Belgrave music hall Leeds
Creative Tourist

North Bar

North Bar, 24 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU - Visit now

North is one of Leeds’ more intimate drinking dens, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in drinks, with a huge range of craft ales. With over twenty years in the business, they could well be the first craft beer bar in the UK.

North Bar (C) Mark Newton Photograhy 2
© Mark Newton Photography

The Maven

The Maven, 1 Call Ln, Leeds, LS1 7DH - Visit now

Cocktail-lovers should make their way to The Maven, but keep your eyes peeled – this stylish cocktail bar is a true hidden gem, with no signage and subdued lighting giving it a real prohibition-era look and feel.

the maven bar leeds
CT

Blind Tyger

Blind Tyger, 5½, Cross Belgrave St, Leeds , LS2 8JP - Visit now

Blind Tyger is a snug gem of a cocktail den tucked into Cross Belgrave street and perfect for a quiet but sophisticated drink.

The Decanter

The Decanter, 17 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JQ - Visit now

One of Leeds’ most stylish bars, The Decanter is one for the winos – or as we prefer to call ourselves ‘wine-lovers’. Located in the financial district, the space is all exposed brickwork, mahogany and plush seating.

The Decanter Leeds
CT

Where to go in Leeds

Leeds
Bar or Pub
The Chemic Tavern

Historic real ale pub situated in the heart of the Woodhouse residential area, just over a mile north of Leeds City Centre.

The Tetley Bar and Kitchen
Leeds
Restaurant
The Tetley Bar and Kitchen

The Tetley Bar and Kitchen is a British restaurant based in the heart of Leeds, where all proceeds go towards supporting the venue’s artistic programme.

A Nation of Shopkeepers
Leeds
Restaurant
A Nation Of Shopkeepers

Situated in the heart of Leeds, A Nation of Shopkeepers is a laid back bar, restaurant and events venue boasting a stunning, fully-contained outside courtyard.

Leeds
Bar or Pub
Power, Corruption and Lies

Forward-thinking restaurant and cocktail bar on Leeds’ bustling Call Lane. Named after the equally-excellent New Order album, but you knew that already, right?

Leeds
Bar or Pub
Blind Tyger

Blind Tyger is a snug gem of a cocktail den tucked into Cross Belgrave street and perfect for a quiet but sophisticated drink.

The Domino Leeds
Leeds
Music venue
The Domino Leeds

Live music isn’t the only attraction at The Domino. It also serves a range of inventive cocktails which are perfect to sip whilst watching the acts.

Leeds
Bar or Pub
The Grove Inn Pub Leeds

When looking for some of the best folk music to be found in the north and a hearty local pint, the Grove Inn is the perfect pub.

Dakota Deluxe Leeds
Leeds
Hotel
Dakota Leeds

Dakota Deluxe is arguably Leeds’ most luxurious hotel, featuring rainfall showers, lush suites and rustic drawing rooms.

Leeds
Event venue
Outlaws Yacht Club

A European style café/bar, exhibition space, record shop, hair salon and creative hangout tucked away on New York Street in Leeds…

Leeds Visitor Guides

Cinemas in Leeds Everyman Leeds
Cinemas in Leeds

From the latest art-house gems to the biggest blockbuster on the biggest screens, there’s a cinema to suit all needs in Leeds.

Marriot Leeds
Business Hotels in Leeds

Here are the best business hotels in Leeds, geared towards high-quality rooms at a bargain price - each boasting more than a few meeting room tables for you to bang your fist on.

Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds
Museums in Leeds

Discover the treasures waiting to be discovered as you work your way through our hand-picked selection of museums in Leeds.

Music Venues in Leeds

Boasting a strong musical heritage, Leeds has a wealth of music venues to match: from suburban social clubs and former textile mills to co-operatively run DIY spaces.

Walks in Leeds
Walks in Leeds

A round-up of the best walks in Liverpool, including the city centre, its many parks, and over the water by Creative Tourist.

Knave's Kitchen
Vegan Food in Leeds

Looking for the best vegan food in Leeds? Look no further. We have rounded up some of our top picks for cruelty-free eating in the city.

Theatres in Leeds
Theatres in Leeds

From family-friendly fun to unique productions, there's something for everyone in Leeds. Check out our guide to the best theatres in Leeds.

Luxury Hotels in Leeds

Got a few quid and not afraid to spend it? Live the life you deserve at one of Leeds’s best luxury hotels - here’s our expert guide to the best.

Whitelock’s Ale House Leeds
Pubs in Leeds

More than most, this Yorkshire city has a wide and varied selection of pubs, with authentic roaring fires and hearty pub grub. Here are the best in Leeds

If at First Main Image
Spotlight on

Black History Month in Manchester and the North

Discover the North West's best Black History Month events, including exhibitions, theatre and dance.

Take me there

Culture Guides