Music Venues in Leeds

Chris Horkan

When it comes to music venues in Leeds, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The city boasts a strong musical heritage – producing diverse artists such as Alt-J, Gang of Four, Kaiser Chiefs, The Sisters of Mercy, Scritti Politti, Soft Cell and The Wedding Present – and Leeds has a wealth of gig venues to match. From suburban social clubs and former textile mills to co-operatively run DIY spaces, secluded recital halls, and its recently built arena, the city has plenty of exciting spaces to offer its young, outgoing population.

The venues below are among the best in the north, rivalling its near neighbour Sheffield, and faring well when set alongside further afield cities such as Liverpool and Manchester. Some you’ll have heard of, such as the nationally renowned Brudenell Social Club but we heartily recommend checking out the listings at the multi-storey Belgrave Music Hall to see some of the most delightful architecture in Leeds, as well as The Wardrobe in Leeds’ Arts Quarter.

Of course, there are plenty more than just these, including smaller spaces such as Headrow House, where you can catch plenty of excellent up and coming acts, and the superb DIY co-operative Wharf Chambers. Meanwhile, fans of impeccable acoustics should visit The Venue at Leeds Conservatoire for some of the best chamber music in the city. If you’re looking for the next big thing, or just an enjoyable night out soundtracked by some of the finest acts in the UK and beyond, you’re guaranteed to have a great night out in this wonderful city.

As for specific music venues in Leeds themselves, here are a few of our all-time favourites. There are no doubt many more in Leeds, but these are the most reliably excellent destinations for quality music.

Our top picks

Brudenell Social Club

Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen's Road, Leeds, LS6 1NY - Visit now

Perhaps Leeds’ most beloved music venue, the Brudenell is a lively and fun-loving place that often hosts two shows simultaneously. The members-owned and run club often punches above its weight when it comes to booking household names, as well as interesting up-and-coming artists.

Belgrave Music Hall

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

This music hall and canteen recently opened in the former site of Leeds Children’s Palace – a three-storey recreation hall and nursery school. As well as multiple bars, kitchens and a roof terrace, its 300-capacity event space plays hosts to the likes of Dinosaur Jr, Broken Social Scene and A Certain Ratio – plus plenty of rising stars.

Belgrave music hall Leeds
Belgrave music hall Leeds

The Wardrobe

The Wardrobe, 6 St. Peter’s Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS9 8AH - Visit now

Located in the city centre’s eastern Art Quarter, The Wardrobe features a bar and kitchen on its ground floor plus a cosy dedicated event space in the basement. Dance, jazz and world music regularly feature on The Wardrobe’s gig calendar, while the venue hosts popular club nights and comedy too.

Wharf Chambers

Wharf Chambers, 23-25 Wharf Street, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS2 7EQ - Visit now

This workers’ co-operative encouraging potential event organisers to become members (at the cost of £1) in order to book its event space. This DIY approach means the venue’s calendar benefits from an exciting and diverse programme – with alternative acts including The Ex, DUDS, Damo Suzuki and Omni among recent bookings.

Headrow House

Headrow House, Bramleys Yard, 19 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU - Visit now

This former textile mill in one of Leeds’ historic yards is a labyrinthine four-story venue that boasts three bars, a restaurant, three outdoor spaces and a 150-capacity event space. Given it’s relatively small size, it’s the ideal place to catch a new artist on the up.

Howard Assembly Rooms

Howard Assembly Rooms, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, Yorkshire, S1 6NU - Visit now

This Victorian performance space has recently been restored to its former grandeur. Programmed by Opera North, it hosts non-opera concerts too – with Joan As Police Woman, The Handsome Family, Simone Felice and Bill Ryder-Jones all in the calendar for 2018.

A Nation Of Shopkeepers

A Nation Of Shopkeepers, 27-37 Cookridge Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AG - Visit now

Situated in the heart of the city, A Nation of Shopkeepers is a multi-functioning 850-capacity space incorporating an intimate gig venue. A great spot to catch emerging bands before they ascend to larger stages, this place also boasts top craft beers and cocktails, a wide menu of sumptuous food, and a lush enclosed courtyard around the back.

A Nation of Shopkeepers

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