Blind Tyger

Travel through an unsuspecting doorway next to Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen, and you will find the cocktail bar, Blind Tyger. A snug gem tucked into Cross Belgrave Street, bold flavours back up a solid cocktail list where every drink is lovingly made and has a clear theme. 

A wall full of liquors, garnishes, spirits and flavours.

First opened in 2014, Blind Tyger was originally created out of a back of house space at popular cantina Sandinista. Its name nods to an old prohibition term for American speakeasies – more than fitting, considering its humble, hidden origins – considering it was built into a backroom at Sandinista after its kitchen, offices, and toilets were relocated. 

The stylish cocktail bar sits upstairs, offering quality drinks to the drinkers of North Leeds. Once you’ve passed through the Sandinista entrance, a set of stairs lead you up to a well-furnished snug room decorated with deep booths, William Morris-style wallpaper, and deep shelves filled with numerous trinkets and curiosities. 

It’s not all cocktails, although they are what Blind Tyger’s known for.

Inside, here you’ll find a wall full of liquors, garnishes, spirits and flavours. Blind Tyger creates some of the more experimental cocktails in Leeds from this collection. The bar has both style and substance in their approach to cocktail making. The menu also offers a tribute to the bar’s Yorkshire location in the form of, rhubarb and red berry-infused, “God’s Own Cocktail”, essentially a Yorkshire twist on the ever-popular pornstar martini. However, if you want to get more hands-on with your night, cocktail masterclasses are also available on a bookable basis.

It’s not all cocktails, although they are what Blind Tyger’s known for. As well as a good list of house signatures and well made cocktail classics, if you fancy steering in a different direction you can also rely on some excellent tequilas and other premium spirits, plus a short but tasty selection of cold beers both from the fridge and on draft. 

Blind Tyger is a snug gem of a cocktail den tucked into Cross Belgrave street. It’s perfect for a quiet but sophisticated drink. However, if you are planning on going with a group it is advisable to book a booth as it isn’t a large place. Go, enjoy, and thank us later.