Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Boasting 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 – Leeds has a wealth of music venues to match. From suburban social clubs and former textile mills to co-operatively run DIY spaces and its recently built arena, the city has plenty of exciting spaces to offer its young, outgoing population. We pick out a few of our favourites…
Here are our picks
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, 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.
The Wardrobe, 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, 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, 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, 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.