With a cool decor, foot-tapping soundtracks and craft beer on tap, these awesome indies are worth seeking out…
It’s time to give some love to Leeds’ fantastic but sometimes overlooked indie bars. From craft beer specialists to rock ’n’ roll drinking dens, these five bars are full of cool quirks that set them apart from the rest of the city’s lively nightlife scene. So the next time you’re heading out for a few drinks, break the mould and give them a try. You won’t regret it.
Doghouse
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Doghouse is a charming drinking den nestled on Kirkgate, decked out with shabby chic furniture, an industrial style bar and local artwork. They have a fantastic selection of international craft beers on offer, with a line-up of tempting hand-pulls alongside bottles from Barcelona, Mexico and the USA. Prefer something local? You’ll always have wonderful Yorkshire cask and keg ales to choose from here. You shouldn’t leave hungry, either – they have a belly-filling menu of amazing bagels to hit the spot. Anyone for a Philly cheesesteak bagel? We love it!
Doghouse, 93 Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DJ.
Roland’s
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You can escape from the usual rowdiness of Call Lane at Roland’s, a relaxed, stylish little bar that’s a little different to its neighbours. Good drinks and good music are the order of the day, so expect quality beers and well-crafted cocktails served to a playlist of easy-listening classics. There’s always something new and intriguing to try, whether it’s a bottle of Spanish Daura Damm beer or their fruity, gin-based Happy Accident cocktail. The hidden beer terrace is a peaceful spot in the heart of the city and leave room for amazing pizza from Homeboy.
Roland’s Bar, 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
Northern Guitars
Credit: Liliane Hannah
You can’t get more rock ’n’ roll than Northern Guitars, a bar and guitar shop rolled into one. Gig posters and prints of rock gods are plastered across the walls, and at the bar you’ll find great local beers like Kirkstall’s Virtuous and Leeds Best alongside craft ales, ciders and spirits. A music-centric bar needs a killer soundtrack, and they don’t disappoint, with everything from The Clash to Bowie blaring out of the speakers. You can even catch free gigs and shop for your next toy upstairs while you’re here, so if you’re a music lover, it’s a must-visit.
Northern Guitars, 41 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
Outlaws Yacht Club
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If you haven’t been to Outlaws Yacht Club yet, you need to pay this casual hang-out a visit ASAP. You can enjoy a relaxed drink, play retro board games and browse local art as you settle in on their comfy sofas. Their craft beers are carefully selected and their cocktails are seriously inventive, so you can sup everything from fruit beers to a Jammy Rodger – our favourite fruity mix of spiced rum, lime, coconut, pineapple and blackcurrant. Pair your pick with their pork pies or a grilled cheese, flick through the record racks and enjoy DJs on weekends.
Outlaws Yacht Club, 38 New York Street, Leeds West Yorkshire, LS2 7DY.
Brew Society
During the day, Brew Society is a suave coffee shop brewing up North Star coffee, but by night it opens up into a magnificent watering hole. You’ll find it a few minutes from the train station (perfect for post-work bevvies), all dark mahogany, rich blues and bric-a-brac on the walls, making for a laidback but undeniably cool feel. Inside you’ll find 13 rotating beer lines – one visit could see you supping Northern Monk’s Eternal, the next Kirkstall Brewery’s Drop Hammer. They’ve even got a stacked fridge full of wines and every spirit under the sun.
Brew Society, 26 Aire Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4HT.
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