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, 32 New Briggate, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS1 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

Where to go in Leeds

The Warehouse In Holbeck
Leeds
Event venue
The Warehouse In Holbeck

Run by acclaimed theatre company Slung Low, The Warehouse in Holbeck is home to boundary-pushing performance and community projects.

Leeds
Music venue
Project House

What do you get when you bring together some of the best-loved names in the worlds of music, culture, food and drink in Leeds?

Leeds
Music venue
Old Chapel Music Studios

Old Chapel is a music studio which has been supporting early career bands since the 80’s, giving some big name their first break.

South Asian Arts
Leeds
Event venue
South Asian Arts

South Asian Arts (SAA-UK), since its conception in June 1997 has long been recognised as the centre of excellence in Indian classical music and dance.

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
Music venue
First Direct Arena

The First Direct Arena is a 13,781 capacity entertainment-focused arena located in the Arena Quarter of Leeds, West Yorkshire.

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
Music venue
Headrow House

Home to regular arts and live music events, with djs, live gigs, comedy shows, and more, visiting this four-storey venue is a must.

Leeds Visitor Guides

Spas in the North West

If you find yourself in the North West of England looking for a spa day, look no further, check out our guide featuring our favourite spots.

Belgrave music hall Leeds
Bars in Leeds

Leeds has a reputation as one of the North’s best party cities, and that’s largely down to its fresh, exciting bar scene. Here are our faves. Hic

Ossett Brewery Exterior
Brewery Tours in Leeds

Leeds has long been a city built on beer — from its industrial-era brewing giants to the new wave of craft innovators reshaping the scene today.

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.

Restaurants in Leeds

Discover the best food in Leeds by using our handy expert guide to the finest restaurants in Leeds and its surrounding areas

Leeds Central Library Literary Places in Leeds.
Literary places in Leeds

There's plenty to spout about when it comes to literature in Leeds, including a number of regular nights and a thriving festival scene.

Leeds Art Gallery, galleries in Leeds
Art Galleries in Leeds

Leeds and its surrounding region is bursting with some of the best galleries and art centres in the North – and they're beginning to reopen.

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.

Production Two
Brewery Tours in the North

Brewery tours across the North offer more than just a behind-the-scenes look at hops and fermenters. They’re a window into the region’s character.

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.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Cinema in the North

This month we recommend a season of Film noir, cult Australian movies and a huge celebration of DIY community cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

This season’s theatre is gloriously eclectic: from radical cabaret and reinvented classics to new musicals and boundary-pushing performance.

Author portrait
Literature Events in the North

Our latest round-up features plenty of one-off live literature events to wrap your ears about, so get those diaries ticking over...

Sprints
Music in the North

10 fresh shows across Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, threading together noise, ritual, euphoria and release in all their messy, beautiful forms.

Detail of an abstract sculpture, with burned materials and rusty chicken wire at the centre, with rusted metal bars bent around it.
Exhibitions in the North

Chocolate fountains, beautiful batiks and medieval marginalia - this month's supersized Exhibitions Guide has it all.