If you’re looking for a bar that offers more than just a place to drink, then Leeds is the place for you. This historic city is packed with great bars which offer something different from your standard pub experience. From hidden cocktail dens to speakeasy-inspired establishments, there’s something for everyone. This list features some of our favorite bars in Leeds, as well as some smaller venues which are worth checking out if you’re after somewhere a little more intimate or unusual. Whatever your taste in bars is, we’ve got you covered.
1. The Library
The Library is a great place to begin this list. This bar and restaurant have well and truly established itself as a Leeds staple, having been open for over 15 years now. Its location in the heart of the city makes it a perfect choice for a mid-week drink, or for when you’re on the hunt for a good place to go for a Saturday night. The Library offers a full food menu, as well as a wide selection of cocktails and spirits. This makes it a good choice if you’re going out with a group of friends, as there’s something for everyone. If you’re after a more intimate night out, The Library’s rooftop terrace is a great place to head to. Up there you’ll find comfy seats, a fireplace, and an extensive drinks menu. The Library is a great example of what Leeds bars have to offer, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
2. Manifesto
This cocktail bar is one of Leeds’ best-kept secrets. If you haven’t been here yet, make sure you add it to your list of bars to visit. This bar is hidden away on a fact street in the city, and entry is gained by a buzzer at the door. Once inside, you’ll find a dimly lit space that’s worth the effort of tracking down. The decor is striking and is worth taking a look at. There’s a rotating wall of books, as well as a ladder which is used to climb up to the ceiling. You’ll also notice that the tables aren’t tables at all, but crates. The bar menu is full of delicious cocktails, and there’s a happy hour running from 5-7 pm every day. This is a great place to go if you’re after a low-key night that’s a little different.
3. Reggae shack
This bar is located just a couple of streets away from Manifesto. If you’re looking for somewhere to go on a weekend where you can really let your hair down, Reggae shack is a great choice. This bar has been open since 1983, and you can really tell. It’s a classic, no-nonsense space that’s decorated with reggae paraphernalia. There’s everything from reggae playing on the speakers to black-and-white photos of Bob Marley. This is a great place to go if you want to see authentic reggae in action; the bar hosts live music every weekend. If you’re after something a little more restrained, there’s a quiet area at the back of the bar where you can enjoy a more low-key night out. Reggae shack is a classic bar that’s well worth a visit.
4. The Leeds Student bar
This is a great choice for anyone who’s in Leeds as a student, or anyone who wants to relive their student days. This bar is located in the city’s Corn Exchange building and is open to everyone. It’s a great place to go if you’re hanging out with a big group of friends, or if you’re on a city break with a few other people. The bar hosts themed nights, as well as karaoke nights. It’s a great place to try to find someone to go on a date with, as it’s full of a wide range of people – from students to business people. If you want to enjoy a low-key night out at a bar that has a good vibe to it, then The Leeds Student bar is a great choice.
5. Dry bar
This cocktail bar is a great place to go if you’re after something a little speakeasy-inspired. The dry bar is located in an alleyway in Leeds city center, giving it a low-key and hidden vibe. This bar is decorated with artwork, giving it a relaxed and artistic feel. If you’re after somewhere to go on a weekend evening, Dry bar is a great place to head to. It hosts cocktail-making classes on the weekend, where you can learn the art of mixing drinks. The dry bar also has a happy hour running from 5-7 pm, where all cocktails are £5. This is a great place to go if you’re after a casual night out with friends, or if you want a low-key date.
6. Magnet & Co.
This is another great speakeasy-inspired bar in Leeds, that’s well worth a visit. If you’re after somewhere to go with a few friends or on a date, Magnet & Co. is a great choice. It’s located in an old shop, giving it a unique and interesting feel. The bar menu is full of delicious cocktails, and there’s also a food menu if you’re hungry. This bar is a good choice if you’re after something a little fancier than your average bar. There’s live music playing every night, so if you’re after a more lively night out, Magnet & Co. is a good place to go. It’s a great place to go if you’re after something a little different from your average bar.
7. Boiler Room
If you’re after something a little more unique and unusual than your average bar, Boiler Room is a great choice. This bar is part of the Leeds Beckett uni and is located in a building called the Student Union. Boiler Room is a great place to go if you’re after a lively night out but you don’t want to be tied to a certain time. This bar has a live DJ playing from 9 pm every night, but if you fancy a quieter night out, you can just go for drinks and head home whenever you like. Boiler Room is a great choice for anyone who’s into electronic music. It’s a great place to go if you want to enjoy a lively night out and you don’t want to be tied to a particular time.
8. Brund Coffee and Craft Beer Bar
If you’re after a good place to go for a quiet night out with a friend, Brund Coffee and Craft Beer Bar is a great choice. This bar is located in Leeds city center, making it easy to get to no matter where you’re staying. Brund Coffee and Craft Beer Bar is a great place to go if you want to relax with a drink and catch up with someone you know. There’s a wide selection of coffees and teas, as well as a good range of beers. Brund is a great place to go if you want a quiet night out with someone and don’t want to go to a standard bar.
9. Sumo Lounge and Restaurant
If you’re after somewhere to go with a group of people and want a good meal as well as a few drinks, Sumo lounge and restaurant is a great choice. This is a popular Japanese restaurant in Leeds city center, and it also doubles as a bar. It’s a great place to go if you’re after a lively night out but don’t want to be tied to a certain time. The Sumo lounge and restaurant hosts a DJ every night, making it a lively place to go. It’s a good choice if you want to enjoy a lively night out but don’t want to be tied to a certain time.
10. Cavern Club
This is a great choice for anyone who’s into music and wants to go to somewhere with a unique atmosphere. This bar is located in the Leeds town center and is famous for being a famous music venue. This is a great place to go if you’re after a lively night out and want to enjoy some live music. The Cavern club hosts live music every night, so there’s a good chance you’ll see something you like. If you
