Bars in Leeds

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

As you’d expect from a city as vibrant and exciting as Leeds, the bar scene is among the best in the North.

Leeds has a young population, thanks to its University and the thriving businesses which employ many young professionals. The city boasts not one, not two, but three ‘Main Drags’: Call Lane, Merrion Street, and Greek Street, where you can find booming nightclubs that stay open until the small hours. Around the big clubs, you’ll find the bars, likely to be buzzing with live music and comedy over the weekend and throughout the week as well.

One of the defining features of Leeds’ nightlife is the vast range of real ale and craft beers brewed in and around the city and flowing nightly from the tap. Leeds is a long-time centre of the brewing industry, with a beer history going all the way back to medieval times and beyond. Today, Northern Monk, Wilde Childe, and the Northern Brewing Company are just a few of the big names in beer operating in the Leeds metropolitan area.

That being the case, there are plenty of places to go to savour beer as an art form, and the overall culture is perhaps a bit more savoury than in other somewhat binge-drinking oriented city centres – though, should you wish, you can of course have a wild one.

And if you’re after sophisticated wines, spirits, and cocktails, fear not, as these coexist merrily with all the beer, in venues such as the Thewlis, the Alchemist, and the Maven,

The LGBT scene in Leeds is massive, with drag shows and gay and lesbian bars that guarantee a good night out in safe, respectful spaces.

So, whether you’re looking for vast bustling spaces or intimate backdoor dive bars, this city has them all. Here’s our pick of the best bars in Leeds.

Our top picks

Belgrave Music Hall

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

Arguably the most high-profile bar in Leeds, this 1930s venue has three floors including the city’s best roof terrace. Originally built as a children’s nursery school, these days it attracts an older but just as lively crowd, albeit with slightly less vomiting.

Belgrave music hall Leeds
Belgrave music hall Leeds

North Bar

North Bar, 24 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU - Visit now

North is one of Leeds’ more intimate drinking dens, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in drinks, with a huge range of craft ales. With over twenty years in the business, they could well be the first craft beer bar in the UK.

North Bar (C) Mark Newton Photograhy 2
North Bar (C) Mark Newton Photograhy 2

The Maven

The Maven, 1 Call Ln, Leeds, LS1 7DH - Visit now

Cocktail-lovers should make their way to The Maven, but keep your eyes peeled – this stylish cocktail bar is a true hidden gem, with no signage and subdued lighting giving it a real prohibition-era look and feel.

the maven bar leeds
the maven bar leeds

Blind Tyger

Blind Tyger, 5½, Cross Belgrave St, Leeds , LS2 8JP - Visit now

Blind Tyger is a snug gem of a cocktail den tucked into Cross Belgrave street and perfect for a quiet but sophisticated drink.

Blind Tyger.

The Decanter

The Decanter, 17 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JQ - Visit now

One of Leeds’ most stylish bars, The Decanter is one for the winos – or as we prefer to call ourselves ‘wine-lovers’. Located in the financial district, the space is all exposed brickwork, mahogany and plush seating.

The Decanter Leeds
The Decanter Leeds

Where to go in Leeds

Further North
Leeds
Bar or Pub
Further North

Kind of like your front room, but with better beers and no television, Further North was one of the first microbars to open in Leeds and remains a staple today.

Wax Bar
Leeds
Bar or Pub
Wax Bar and JukeJoint

The Wax Bar and JukeJoint is a trendy, funky new bar with an old school theme running right through the middle from the Americana jukebox, to the vinyl records and player, old-style radio, 1980s ghetto blasters acting, quite effectively, as bar shelves and the lampshades on the walls that have been made out of classic cassette tapes.

House of Fu Leeds
City Centre
Restaurant
House of Fu Leeds

A Japanese-inspired restaurant speciaising in ramen and handmade dumplings, with a karaoke cocktail bar and lounge upstairs.

Leeds
Bar or Pub
The Chemic Tavern

Historic real ale pub situated in the heart of the Woodhouse residential area, just over a mile north of Leeds City Centre.

The Tetley Bar and Kitchen
Leeds
Restaurant
The Tetley Bar and Kitchen

The Tetley Bar and Kitchen is a British restaurant based in the heart of Leeds, where all proceeds go towards supporting the venue’s artistic programme.

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
Bar or Pub
Power, Corruption and Lies

Forward-thinking restaurant and cocktail bar on Leeds’ bustling Call Lane. Named after the equally-excellent New Order album, but you knew that already, right?

Leeds
Bar or Pub
Blind Tyger

Blind Tyger is a snug gem of a cocktail den tucked into Cross Belgrave street and perfect for a quiet but sophisticated drink.

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
Bar or Pub
The Grove Inn Pub Leeds

When looking for some of the best folk music to be found in the north and a hearty local pint, the Grove Inn is the perfect pub.

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