The 10 Best Bars In Leeds England

Leeds, England is best known for its University and thriving student scene. Lots of students and a lively local crowd means that the bar scene is buzzing. This fantastic city has everything, from creative cocktail bars and sophisticated night lounges, to loud and fun bars with a crazy party atmosphere. Read on to discover the 10 best places to grab a drink in the city.

Brudenell Social Club

Bar, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, British

A perfect place to spend an evening, an afternoon, or even a whole day, the Brudenell Social Club is famous among Leeds’ bar scene for hosting some of the most incredible musical acts over the last few decades. Starting life as a gentlemen’s club in 1913, with cabaret shows and bingo games being the main attractions, the venue has since developed into the vibrant bar it is today. Head over to view some of the best live music in the UK, from emerging local bands to established names such as Franz Ferdinand or the Kaiser Chiefs. The quality of the entertainment is only matched by the range of drinks, including an excellent selection of craft ales.

Alchemist

Bar, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, British

The extremely popular Alchemist has bar-restaurants in London, Manchester and Leeds, and simply its name brings to mind an air of sophistication and unbeatable cocktails. In the Trinity branch in particular, guests can relax with a drink in hand on the inviting terrace and admire stunning views of the fabulous city of Leeds. Head to Alchemist for a drink, or even a cocktail making class. It’s so popular that there is soon to be yet another Alchemist in Leeds city centre to cater for the masses of people who love to dine and drink there.

White Cloth Gallery

Bar

Another sophisticated choice, the White Cloth Gallery is not only a bar, but a place where emerging and established artists showcase their works, film screenings are held, and popular authors are invited for book signings. This multi-purpose location can even be hired out for events. Their popular bar boasts a tempting selection of classic spirits, as well as a varied cocktail menu, and three rotating cask ales amongst much more. If that’s not enough, they even offer their own cocktail classes. So for a little bit more than just a drink, White Cloth Gallery offers a unique bar experience.

Mojo

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Pub Grub, British

Particularly popular with the student crowd, Mojo is another bar well known for its fantastic cocktails. Their extensive cocktail menu features all of the classics, plus countless creative house favourites. They even offer mixology classes, which are popular with birthdays and hen dos. These master classes offer two hours of fun, cocktails, and expert bartender advice, as well as a finishing competition complete with prizes. Even on a normal night, Mojo is buzzing with fun and an extremely lively atmosphere all night through to early morning.

Sky Lounge

Bar, Pub Grub, British

Perfect for a relaxing evening, the Sky Lounge in Leeds is located in the luxury DoubleTree Hilton Hotel so, unsurprisingly, a night here might call for dressing up a little. This classy and modern city bar boasts spectacular views of the city’s skyline which are even more impressive by night. Guests are invited to relax on heavenly leather sofas whilst sipping a refreshing drink. Although beers might be somewhat absent from the menu, there’s a satisfying selection of cocktails, with over 20 different combinations, as well as 25 types of wine. A perfect location for a sophisticated and chilled evening.

Roxy Ball Room

Bar, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, British

A unique combination of bar and gaming areas, Roxy Ball Room is not only a casual drop in bar, it’s also available to book, and popular with large groups who book weeks in advance to enjoy the luxury of drinks and games to themselves all night long. Most popular in this fun bar is the alternative VIP room, complete not with sophisticated lounges, but a pool table and ping pong table, as well as a self service bar.

North Bar

Bar, Pub Grub, British

Established in 1997, North Bar has since become the most popular bar for imported craft beers, with the most admired selection of beers in the country. Not only is North Bar a specialist in the finest variety of beers, it also boats an impression whisky and cocktail selection, as well as non-alcoholic choices. Fantastic drinks aside, North Bar is popular for its stage shows, impressive art exhibitions and, of course, tequila Tuesdays.

Mook

Cocktail Bar, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, British

Serving very popular 2 for 1 cocktails, Mook attracts a large, lively, and diverse crowd who flock here to enjoy a pre-drink cocktail before a huge night out, or just for a classy date. Boasting a tempting selection of well known cocktail classics, as well as their very own creative concoctions, it’s no surprise that visitors often stick around for several rounds. Mook is both a friendly and intimate bar, and lively nightclub all at the same time, with enough space for 300 people to drink and dance.

Bierkeller

Bar, Pub, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, British

For a unique, German-themed night head to Bierkeller, a bar which boasts a newly completed 200-plus seating area to accommodate its many fans who flock here after work or university to spend the night enjoying authentic German beers, and even a Bavarian inspired food menu. With an almost unrivalled beer collection, as well as popular sports programming, it’s the perfect German pub. Head there on weekends for an even greater party, enjoying live Oompah bands and entertaining DJs.

Distrikt

Bar, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, British

Pleasing guests since 2009, Distrikt is somewhat of a hidden gem, located underground. This relatively small bar makes up for what it lacks in size through its fantastic Latin American/Spanish tapas, as well as a tempting drinks selection. Distrikt is no ordinary bar, it doubles as a Salsa studio, with Salsa classes for beginners as well as the slightly more advanced every Tuesday at 7pm. Forget cheesy, forget cheaply produced food and drink, and forget commercial music, Distrikt bar opts for diversity, authenticity, and quality in food, drink, and atmosphere.

About the author

Rebecca Wilkinson

From her first ever trip to Spain at 10 years old, Rebecca became obsessed with Spanish. This passion for Spanish has since developed into a love for all things language and travel related and has inspired her dream of working for the Foreign Office. Now studying for a degree in Spanish and Arabic, Rebecca has visited Spain over 10 times, and has just spent a year living, studying and teaching in the historic and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes. An adventurous and ambitious individual, Rebecca hates to be stuck in one place for too long, so next stop Nigeria! When not studying, she loves to spend time with her friends and supportive boyfriend and metaphorical rock Ayman, usually smoking shisha, and is passionate about gymnastics.