Farrands

Sitting in the Holbeck area a few streets back from the main cut and thrust of the city centre, this stellar independent cocktail and wine bar is a favourite amongst locals for its elevated drinks list, attentive service and cosy indoor-meets-outdoor settings. 

Boasting a stylish main bar area and a raised terrace, Farrands is dog friendly and – unlike a lot of bars in Leeds – accepts reservations for table service drinks only. Whilst food isn’t the main event, alongside its creative cocktail list the bar has curated a small snack menu of artisanal Yorkshire cheese and charcuterie boards, alongside crisps, olives, bread and oils to keep you going.

Inspired by the team’s favourite ‘untranslatable’ words from around the globe, each signature drink here is designed to stir up a different feeling or emotion that has been perfectly captured by another language. Examples include the Japanese “Itadakimasu”, uttered in humble thanks before a meal, or the French “Flaner”, loosely used to describe wandering aimlessly, especially through a city. 

The cocktail menu also includes a map of the world, linking each word with its country of inspiration. Traverse the globe as you try the hangover-curing Hubba, a sugary-sweet mixture of ice cream washed rye whiskey, strawberry, cranberry and watermelon inspired by “Avoir mal aux cheveux” (a headache so bad your hair hurts), or sip on the “Spaghettata”-inspired Pastafarian cocktail, a combination of gin, tomato water, lime, tomato crisp and cardamom.

Beyond an imaginative signatures list, you’ll also find a good selection of twisted classic cocktails like rhubarb Tommy’s margaritas and tart cherry negronis on offer here. Of course, if you want a straight-up classic, the team is more than capable of making that too. Drinkers at Farrands can also sample a list of ‘tiny tipples’, with 50ml servings of classic margaritas, gin martinis and daiquiris for £4.50 each or as a flight of three for £10 – perfect as tiny cocktails in their own right, or as ‘side slammers’ if you’re in a party mood. 

Wine lovers are in equally good hands here, with a globe-trotting selection of fine wines, knowledgeable staff, and the option to create pick-and-mix tasting flights with three glasses available for £15. For those keen to learn more about wine, the bar also hosts regular tasting evenings with nibbles on the first Wednesday of the month, exploring new themes and regions each time.