Marvellous Margs, Mojitos & Martinis – The Best Cocktail Bars in Leeds

The Leeds cocktail reservoir shows no sign of drying up. There’s marvellously mixed liquor everywhere you turn in our city – here’s our picks…

Whether you’re someone who watches like a hawk as a mixologist fixes your Negroni or you’re happily ordering a tray of frozen Margs for the gang, cocktails bring joy into our life. And Leeds doesn’t disappoint – you can get unique concoctions in hidden bars or go mob-handed for happy hour drinks. Have at these!

Below Stairs

It’s all about storytelling at this subterranean drinking hole, with each cocktail designed to be more than just a taste sensation, but to be evocative too. While they always have the classics on offer, their current specialist menu, ‘Small Joys’, is a nod to the day-to-day pleasures that make life worth living.

Standout ‘Small Joys’ include, Bread and Butter which combines their own buttered bread infused vodka with corn liqueur for that moreish sweet and savoury fix, and Clean Sheets, a literal breath of fresh air with chamomile and lavender Chardonnay Vodka, vanilla Tonka Bean bitters served under a meringue pillow – there’s no shortage of imagination here. The vibe? Louche, relaxed, and the perfect place for a date or intimate catch-up with one of your BFFs.

The don’t-miss drink: Their Old Fashioned kicks it up a notch, blending two whiskies with a complex cognac.
Find it: Below Stairs, 12 South Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AL.

Smokestack

A long time after it first opened, Smokestack is still ‘funkier than a mosquito’s tweeter’ and a place to enjoy reliably funky music in the company of reliably good cocktails. Check out the soul, jazz and funk soundtrack as you sample their classics and unique concoctions.

The Daiquiris, Martinis and spritzes are all present and correct, but step off the beaten path and you’ll find the Hurricane Smokestack, which promises fireworks, rum and the unmistakable taste of Um Bongo. We’re sold.

The don’t-miss drink: If the sun’s out, the Smokestack Sling is tantalisingly tropical.
Find it: Smokestack, 159A Lower Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LY.

Roland’s

This friendly bar delivers craft beer, wine, terraces and dogs – what more do you need? Oh yes, cocktails. And the ones here do not disappoint, with new inventions popping up on the menu all the time – the staff also know their way around the classics like a Bloody Mary or Negroni.

Line your stomach with grub from their well-chosen food partners, spill out onto the terrace if the weather permits and sip on the very special 50/50 Martini, with Boatyard Distillery gin pepped up with a dash of Cocchi and refreshing Regan’s orange bitters. Wow.

The don’t-miss drink: Tequila, Orancello, elderflower, citrus and peach? The Golden Hour tastes just as sunny as the name suggests.
Find it: Roland’s, 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.

The Alchemist

It might be a chain, but The Alchemist is far from a lazy one, still delivering a touch of theatre with its cocktails. There are two locations in Leeds, with the packed-in patrons testament to how enjoyable a night working your way through the cocktail list is at either one.

Premium spirits underpin the classics, while they’ve reinvented shots as Cosmic Oysters – these sweet shooters are served over ice and tipped back like a bivalve. Want some chemistry? The Colour Changing One does what it says on the tin.

The don’t-miss drink: The bong it’s served in screams ‘novelty’ but The Legal One is a lovely mix of Tanqueray, vermouth and tropical flavours.
Find it: The Alchemist, Trinity Leeds, Trinity, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW & Yorkshire House, Greek Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5SH.

Farrands

It’s just a little off the main drag, and that’s part of what gives Farrands its charm. It feels like a cosy hideaway from the chains, with exposed brickwork and genuinely lovely staff making it ideal for date night or a more relaxed evening with friends who want to catch up over some charcuterie.

The bar is deeply stocked, and it’s that great range that underpins one of Leeds’ most imaginative cocktail lists. Tap into twisted classics such as their takes on a Paloma or Negroni, then head to the signature section for gems like Neeps & Tattie’s, a blend of Scotch whisky, thyme vermouth, saline and maple roasted parsnip cordial.

The don’t-miss drink: Do a kindness to your tastebuds and the children of Martin House when you order My Favourite Day. The fundraising pick is a refreshing mixture of rum, watermelon rind wine, lime and seaspray, topped with a watermelon caviar garnish.
Find it: Farrands Bar, 18 Swinegate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4AG.

Blind Tyger

What is it about cocktails bars and stairs? Whether ascending or descending, they add a certain frisson to the drinking ahead. Blind Tyger is all dark wood and not particularly comfy seating, but the seriousness of the cocktail offering will keep you in there all night.

They update regularly, but expect instant classics such as Ramblin Season, their fragrant take on a Tom Collins that adds hints of blackberry and rosemary The speakeasy vibe elevates the taking of a drink here into something like a shared secret.

The don’t-miss drink: The Lisbon Tart is the alcoholic custard drink you didn’t know you needed.
Find it: Blind Tyger, 5A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JP.

Tiki Hideaway

Planning a first date somewhere romantic? This is not the place. Want a wild time drinking fun cocktails in a retro 1950s Tiki setting? My friend, you have come to the right drinking den. Tiki Hideway is FUN in all caps, a riot of colour and mischief.

No matter the weather inside, it’s party paradise once you step inside with 2 for £15 frozen Pina Coladas or Strawberry Daiquiris fuelling the fun. With your crew? The Dead Man’s Chest is a totally tropical rum-infused sharing cocktail that will sate six to eight of you.

The don’t-miss drink: The Zombie is justly famous – with absinthe on board, it’s limited to two per guest.
Find it: The Tiki Hideaway, Call Lane Social, 38 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DT.

Neighbourhood

It’s time to get glammed up for an assignation at this Greek Street cocktail destination. Neighbourhood is the kind of place where a quick one turns into a night working your way through the menu in a place that has a real buzz until the wee hours.

They’ve got all the classics, so you can kid yourself that the caffeine in your Espresso Martini is keeping you sober. Their extensive signature cocktail list kicks off with a Cherry Cola Bomb that combines rum, vodka, gin and tequila in a way that’s thoroughly explosive.

The don’t-miss drink: The Bakewell Tart Sour – it’s a drink and dessert all in one.

Find it: Neighbourhood, 5 Greek Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5RW.

Cuckoo

Arrive at the colour-crazed Cuckoo before 9pm and you’ll get a complimentary pizza with your drink – and boy, will you need it. This place is turned up all the way to 11, from rooms bedecked with pink glitter to mysterious wardrobes and fairground styling.

The drinks also make this one of the most playful cocktail bars in all of Leeds, with the like of Candyfloss Carnival, Solero Sunshine and Marshmallow Martini proving this place has a sweet tooth. Serious cocktail connoisseurs should not apply.

The don’t-miss drink: It’s a classic – the Quackiri comes with a little rubber duck swimming on the surface.

Find it: Cuckoo, 37 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.

The Maven

Venture up the stairs past the gorgeous tiles and The Maven’s mini-labyrinth of rooms awaits. It’s a place that can be quiet early doors and unbelievably raucous with a packed dance floor a mere couple of hours later. It also delivers cocktails at a reliably high level.

They’ll knock you up the classics, but they also aren’t afraid to change it up. Their latest menu is Synergy & Surprise, a liquid exploration of familiar flavours, pairing traditional combinations with something more experimental. For example, there’s mint chocolate in the form of whiskey, velvet wine, cacao & vanilla liqueur and Branca Menta, and an unorthodox offering of mint and cinnamon where vodka, cinnamon syrup, citrus, grapefruit and fresh mint marry for a refreshing and complex cocktail.

The don’t-miss drink: Try the cocktail tasting experience – five tasters of their finest and most innovative creations.
Find it: The Maven, 1-3 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7DH.

Jake’s Bar

Jake’s is a Leeds stalwart, its unsung heart its own copper still called Tabitha. It has been providing homemade liqueurs and more for over 15 years, the secret sauce behind many a fine night in this local landmark. It also helps that the friendly, knowledgeable staff are always dabbling.

You might be lucky enough to chance upon a brand new drink when you arrive, with recent hits including the Honey Cake, a heady melange of Brugal 1888 rum with Beesou Honey aperitif, fig & nutmeg cordial topped with a butter biscuit and dehydrated fig. The specials menu is where the team really let loose their imagination.

The don’t-miss drink: The berries, chocolate and Ciroc megamix that is the Sundae Best.

Find it: Jake’s Bar, 29 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.

Rita’s

If you love a Marg as much as we do, then run (don’t walk) to Rita’s. It’s in the name – they’re experts in all things Margarita and the casual, playful vibe of the bar makes it the ideal place to get tequila tipsy with your nearest and dearest.

They’ve got four signature Margarita flavours including a spicy one that will get your lips tingling and a fruity one that tastes like a tropical escape. They also offer a fantastic variety of other cocktails including a refreshing Blue Lagoon and a sharp and sweet Snakebite. Feeling adventurous? Throw caution to the wind and order a Hurricane – the Wray & Nephew will blow your mind.

The don’t miss drink: Try their £6 Margarita Slushie on a hot summer’s day. It’s served in a red cup and guaranteed to have you reminiscing about those messy house party memories.
Find it: Rita’s Leeds, 42 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3HQ.

Brooklyn

As befits a bar called Brooklyn, there’s plenty of NYC hip-hop attitude on display in this Call Lane cracker. It’s in the soundtrack, but also in the cocktails, with Gin ’n’ Juice, Ice-T and Lil’ Kim Sling drinks proving that their pun game is strong.

Order up a Kanye Zest sharing jug with its Limoncello and Prosecco combo, and lounge on the leather seating, or join the dancers once the drinks work their magic and the club bangers get even the most persistent wallflowers moving.

The don’t-miss drink: The Big Poppa is a remixed zombie served flaming.
Find it: Brooklyn, 50 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DT.

Sky Lounge

Cocktails are served with one of the best views in Leeds at Sky Lounge, atop the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. There’s a wraparound balcony from which to soak up the city vistas, and low tables inside ideal for either intimacy or late-night partying.

They’ll expertly mix you up a tried-and-trusted gem like a Dark & Stormy or French 75, but they’ll also set your tastebuds dancing with their own favourites. Have the Mula – Pisco, strawberry syrup, lime juice and ginger ale – then go and watch the city lights twinkle.

The don’t-miss drink: The refreshing apple and rhubarb hit of Betty Browns.
Find it: Sky Lounge, 2 Wharf Approach, Granary Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BR.

Redondo Beach

It may not have the largest cocktail menu in Leeds, but Redondo Beach has a certain charm and, on a sunny day, you can head out to the terrace and enjoy your libation of choice on one of the city’s best rooftops.

It’s an Aperol Spritz in a plastic glass on a roof kind of place, but that doesn’t mean their seasonally-changing cocktail list doesn’t hold some serious delights for a more dressed-up weekend night out with friends or your special someone. What’s more, you can enjoy two cocktails for £13.50, all day, everyday!

The don’t-miss drink: Their very own Redondo Kiss – vodka, raspberry liqueur, lime and apple.
Find it: Redondo Beach, Headrow House, Bramley’s Yard, 19 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.

The Botanist

Another chain that has managed not to dilute its offering, The Botanist is true to its name with some floral-forward drinks and a menu that pairs with it perfectly. There’s a spacious, dog-friendly interior, and outside terraces for al fresco cocktailing. It’s a verb.

Competitively priced spritzes slake thirsts on hot nights, while live music provides the accompaniment on weekends to the Buttered Coconut Old Fashioned, a sure-shot of a drink built around Maker’s Mark bourbon, toasted coconut and salted honey syrup.

The don’t-miss drink: Garden Gimlet is a palette-pleasing pairing of cucumber gin and homemade lime and elderflower cordial.
Find it: The Botanist, Trinity Leeds, 67 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW.

Distrikt

After 15 years in the game, Distrikt is still packing in the good, fun-seeking people of Leeds. Descend into the basement and you’ll be met by non-cheesy music – both resident and visiting DJs – played on a sound system that makes every beat block-rocking.

Drinks-wise, take your pick of a huge range of Mojitos and Margs – frozen pineapple is a winner, but you’ll be spoiled for choice – or bespoke creations like the Apricot Cosmo or a Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini that is, frankly, genius.

The don’t-miss drink: The Smokin’ Hot Paloma spices up mezcal with chilli, agave and fruity elements.
Find it: Distrikt, 7 Duncan Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DQ.

Dirty Martini

The perfect place for a post-work staff do or to kick it with a bunch of friends, Dirty Martini isn’t the shy and retiring type. Got up with hints of Art Deco and plush seating, it’s a place for parties and people watching.

Got company? A Martini Wing Tree will run you £70, with a mixture of Espresso, Chocolate, Pornstar and even a Lychee and Coconut Martini yours for the choosing. Elsewhere on the menu a Mango Margarita is misleadingly refreshing – it also packs a punch.

The don’t-miss drink: The Ginger Whiskey Sour is a surefire winner, with Four Roses bourbon and a hit of ginger.
Find it: Dirty Martini, 31 King Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2HL.

Restaurant Bar & Grill

With a prime City Square location, Restaurant Bar & Grill is a hit with both the post-work crowd, and those arriving from the suburbs by train to kick off their night out in Leeds. You can eat, you can brunch and you can most definitely do cocktails.

Espresso Martini fan? They do it four ways, including a deeply addictive Salted Caramel take on the classic. Resting Spritz Face, meanwhile, is a brilliantly named mix of Aperol, strawberry aperitif, Prosecco and pomegranate and elderflower cordial that screams ‘al fresco’.

The don’t-miss drink: Smokin’ Tokyo is the pick of their Old Fashioned menu, with honey and smoke accessing the Nikka From The Barrel base.
Find it: Restaurant Bar & Grill, The Old Post Office, 3 City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2AN.

Ten Bar

Ten Bar does the simple but important things very well indeed. A buzzing but not over-the-top atmosphere, a dress code that makes you think about what you want to wear rather than rocking up in Sports Direct bargains and, vitally, solid cocktails.

Don’t expect crazy inventions – it’s a short-but-sweet list of crowd-pleasing classics like Sex on the Beach, Long Island Iced Tea and Pina Coladas. The good news? They hit the spot and you don’t spend ages waiting for a nineteen ingredient drink to be made.

The don’t-miss drink: The shooters are a lot of fun – Apple Pie mixes vodka, cider, cinnamon and whipped cream.
Find it: Ten Bar, 10 Duncan Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DL.

Manahatta

Manahatta promises – and delivers – a wild old night. Leave the athleisure wear at home and get glammed up for a bar that draws rich inspiration from New York. It’s the kind of place that starts the evening chilled and then quickly escalates until everyone is having a wild old time.

It’s 2-4-1 cocktails every day except Saturday (they have to be the same one), so you can double up on their Spicy Marg that blends premium tequila with chilli liqueur, yuzu sake and pineapple. The cocktail tree sharers are perfect for party hour.

The don’t-miss drink: Sip on something scandalous with the Booty Call, a blend of red berry vodka, raspberry, peach, orange, pineapple and cranberry – if temptation were a tipple, this would be it.
Find it: Manahatta, Minerva House, 29 East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5PS.

Flight Club

You might imagine cocktails would be an afterthought at a place built around its fun social darts offering but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the drinks at this Park Row playground. Cocktails, slushies, signature shots – they all hit the bullseye.

For a showstopper, order one of their trophy cocktails, served in a giant cup and made for four to share – choose from the rum-oriented Champions Cup or the vodka-based Triumphant Trophy. The Paradise Paloma slushy is perfect for when things get too hot on the oche.

The don’t-miss drink: All Night Negroni is a rocks drink to be taken seriously – Roku gin, vermouth and pink grapefruit.
Find it: Flight Club, Sovereign House, 1-2 South Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5QL.

Electric Shuffle

You don’t have to play shuffleboard to enjoy a drink in Electric Shuffle, but it sure does make it lot more fun. Beat your mates, order up some small plates, share a pizza dripping with cheese – surely by now you’ve worked up a thirst for an array of cocktails?

They do the same sharing trophy cocktails as their sister bar Flight Club, but the menu is also packed with gems like the Rose Shimmy with Lanique rose liqueur and raspberry, topped up with a good glug of sparkling Champagne.

The don’t-miss drink: With rum, tequila, mango, coconut and passion fruit, the Paradise Paloma cocktail slushy is totally tropical.

Find it: Electric Shuffle, 123 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5RD.

Neon Cactus

Tacos, a veritable lake of Margaritas, Mexican decoration turned all the way up to Frida Kahlo fever dream levels – Neon Cactus is an in-your-face, south-of-the-border experience that just happens to be plonked down in little old Leeds.

In other words, it’s fun squared. They’ll do you a more-than-decent salt-rimmed Marg, but it turns out they’ve also got untold ways to turn tequila into any manner of cocktails both long and short.

The don’t-miss drink: What happens when you smash together a Pina Colada and a strawberry Margarita? Miami Vice, that’s what.

Find it: Neon Cactus, 35 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.

The Brotherhood of Pursuits & Pastimes

Watching sports on big screens doesn’t have to be accompanied by cooking lager, which is what elevates The Brotherhood above your average Sky Sports drinking hub. Here, you’ll find good beers and, essentially, good cocktails.

The classics – your Tom Collins, your Espresso Martini, your Negroni – are the ball-winning midfielders, while the liberos upfront are the likes of Headingley ’81, with Bombay Sapphire, cucumber, mint and elderflower slotting home a refreshing winner.

The don’t-miss drink: Legendary barkeep Dick Bradsell’s Bramble is on the menu. If you know, you know.

Find it: The Brotherhood, 54 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.

Browns

Browns has a different vibe and audience to many of the Leeds cocktail bars on this list. While it’s the basis for many a fine night out, you’re just as likely to bump into a family reunion or a graduation celebration here.

You may want to lean over and tell the ladies who lunch or the business folk deep in discussion that there are killer cocktails to be had. Maybe recommend the Raspberry Sidecar, with Courvoisier, Cointreau, raspberry, lemon and sugar.

The don’t-miss drink: Spice up your life with the Pineapple Picante’s meeting of Patron Silver tequila and green chilli liqueur.
Find it: Browns, 70-72 The Headrow, The Light, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 8EQ.

Eat Your Greens

Part organic restaurant, part bar, part greengrocers, Eat Your Greens is an unusual proposition that just works. It’s open in the day, but then becomes a chilled evening spot where you can dine on baked monkfish or oysters and slurp on a cocktail.

Lovingly made classics are what you can expect here, with an approachable Negroni, a moreish Whisky Amaretto Sour and the inevitable Espresso Martini elevated with the inclusion of of Portobello Road vanilla vodka.

The don’t-miss drink: Featuring a tasty trinity of orange wine, mango and brandy, their Orange Wine Sangria packs a serious punch.
Find it: Eat Your Greens, 42 New York Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DY.

Power, Corruption & Lies

A Call Lane hotspot that took over Norman’s and turned into a whole new place to be, PCL knows how to look after its customers – imaginative cocktails and the modern-day crack that is bao buns.

The classics are served up admirably, but then you’ll get a crazy outlier like Why You Wanna Treat Miso Bad with miso-infused Nikka from the Barrel whisky with sesame, bitters and Frangelico – a rich, complex drink that’ll have you smacking your lips.

The don’t-miss drink: The Pink Smoky Disco was a winner the second it first hit the bar – tequila, lime, grapefruit and chilli cordial, rosemary foam. Boom!
Find it: Power, Corruption & Lies, 36 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DT.

The Domino Club

The Domino is swimming in cool cachet before you even get to the excellent cocktails. Enter the secret entrance, descend the stairs and you may be met by the squeal of a sax or a daring drum solo. Head for the rear, grab a booth and get ready for cocktail fireworks.

A highball of La Jour is a good place to start – Boatyard gin embraces its partnership with Yuzu Curacao, vanilla and plum liqueur, Velvet Falernum, citrus and soda. But really, there are no bad choices here – it’s a place that treats cocktails as seriously as it does music.

The don’t-miss drink: Their Espresso Martini is next level. Wheat vodka, cold brew coffee and Guinness stout syrup turbocharge this version.
Find it: The Domino Club, Grand Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PG.

Revolución de Cuba

You know exactly what you’re getting at Revolution’s Latin-influenced sister bar – good times, funky music, a fun crowd and enough rum to drown a thousand pirates. It’s become a Call Lane classic, and a key stop-off on many a big Friday or Saturday night out.

Nachos, tacos, burgers and Cuban sandwiches will provide ballast for cocktails that lean towards the easy and slurpable. Mojitos and Margs come in various guises, while you can’t go wrong with a Pineapple Daiquiri or their fun, fire-fuelled version of a zombie.

The don’t-miss drink: With friends? Share the fruity, tropical rum bongo Teapot.
Find it: Revolución de Cuba, 64-68 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DT.

The Lost & Found

The Lost & Found affects an air of a Colonial-era gentleman’s club, a vibe only slightly undermined by a location in Leeds city centre. It matters not, because the cocktails do their job to perfection, whether you’re after an OG classic or something they’ve dreamed up themselves.

It’s a place where you can order up plates of fun food to share and an Aeperol tree for four of you – a classic spritz served with style. There’s a bit of theatre with the presentation, but the drinks definitely have substance to match.

The don’t-miss drink: The Popcorn Old Fashioned is a brilliant twist on a fan favourite, sweet and sophisticated, it’ll leave you wanting seconds.
Find it: The Lost & Found, 12 Greek Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5PT & Leeds Club, 3 Albion Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6JL.

Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Bar

The Fourth Floor at Harvey Nicks has long been a haven for those seeking good food and drink, home to the brasserie, the food market, wine shop and the petite-but-sweet Fourth Floor Bar. It’s not a wild night out kind of place, but who said you can’t have a cocktail break when out shopping?

Drop the designer bags, give your feet a rest and order up some Korean fried chicken while you ponder whether to start with the Apricot Mojito or the Passionfruit Southside. There’s a limited menu, but that ensures that every cocktail is perfectly made with premium spirits.

The don’t-miss drink: With Sipsmith, St. Germain liqueur, lemon juice and elderflower Cordial, 1 Love is bringing the feels and the flavour.
Find it: Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Bar, 107-111 Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AZ.

Banyan

A few Banyans have disappeared from the Leeds landscape in recent times, but this City Square stalwart is still going strong. It’s based in the old post office building, and it’s much more fun to queue for colourful cocktails than for stamps or a new TV licence.

There’s a big terrace that really makes the most of the City Square improvements, best viewed with an addictive salted caramel Espresso Martini or a clever orange and fig spritz. All the classics are here too, plus a menu of nibbles to make you feel more virtuous.

The don’t-miss drink: You’re here for a good time, not a long time, so get a Rhubarb and Custard cocktail tree in for you and yours.
Find it: Banyan, 2 The Old Post Office, City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2ES.

IF Rooftop

Rooftops aren’t just for summer. The one at IF used to be, but with heaters and covered areas added, it has now become a year-round destination, even if the frozen drinks don’t quite hit the same way in mid-January as in mid-August. But no matter the month, the great skyline views remain the same.

It’s no-frills – wooden benches, strings of light, the menu reads ‘we serve all the drinks’. Yet the atmosphere is great, they show major sporting events and you’ll feel on top of the world as you sip on a Sangria or a frozen Margarita closer to the clouds.

The don’t-miss drink: Don’t go for mad mixology – it’s all about the hard slushes, whatever the time of year.
Find it: IF Rooftop, 10-12 East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2AJ.

Lazy Lounge

Lazy Lounge is on our underrated bars list – and we stand by that. This great place for a cocktail in Leeds still isn’t getting enough love. Maybe its Wellington Street location makes people think of it as primarily an after-work joint, but it’s a top spot any day of the week.

There’s loads of comfy seating on the ground floor, a cool mezzanine and – here’s the headline – over 300 gins and 100 whiskies. Cocktails are well priced – £8 is a bargain these days, 2 for £12 even better – and well made, drawing on that huge library of spirits. Give it some love, people.

The don’t-miss drink: Lazy Island Iced Tea is a rum, tequila and fruit party in your mouth – and everyone’s invited.
Find it: Lazy Lounge, West Point, Wellington Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4JY.

Tabula Rasa

Tabula Rasa isn’t always super-easy to get into. And there’s a good reason for that – it’s ace. This is the place to be for cocktails on another level – and a clue as to why many of the city’s most celebrated chefs can be found at the bar here after their shift.

The not particularly comfy seating makes it the kind of place you pop into for one or two then move on, but even the briefest of stays will be accompanied by a perfectly made cocktail such as a statement Negroni or their own imaginative take on an Old Fashioned.

The don’t-miss drink: Laphroaig 10, Cocchi Americano, hints of ginger, honeycomb and applewood smoke – Crime & Punishment is what Dostoevsky would drink.
Find it: Tabula Rasa, 8 Eastgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7JL.

Jamrock

This deliciously different bar is keeping the Jamaican flag flying on Kirkgate, with bottomless brunches, jerk chicken, salmon and tiger prawns (seriously, every foodstuff is improved with jerk spices) and cocktails that take their cue from tropical flavours and are big on rum.

What better way to wash down some curry goat? We can’t think of any that improve on their perfectly produced Daiquiri or the Reggae Rum Punch with Wray & Nephew dark rum and a panoply of sweet, fruity syrups to cut through the alcohol.

The don’t-miss drink: The Jerk Mangorita will keep your lips tingling with tequila, mango puree, chillies and a jerk-seasoned rim.

Find it: Jamrock, 31 Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DR.

Outlaws Yacht Club

One of the coolest bars in Leeds is also a cracker of a cocktail spot. Don’t get distracted by the hair salon, array of board games, record shop and impossibly good triple cheese toasties – all of these things are better when you’re also clutching a cocktail.

There’s a solid 10 or so to choose from, with highlights including the Jammy Rodger, a sweet and tart tipple made with spiced rum, coconut rum, blackcurrant jam, pineapple and fresh lime. The Kirkgate Market-Rita wins points for the name alone, but it also does not mess about.

The don’t-miss drink: Swap vodka for an earthier alternative with the Mezcal Mule.
Find it: Outlaws Yacht Club, 38 New York Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DY.

Psilo Bar

Parma Violet sweets split the crowd like Marmite, but the Martini they’ve created at the former Delirium & Revelry might just win over a few waverers. There’s gin infused with the confectionary classic, lavender gomme and a splash of lemon juice. It works.

It’s a drink as colourful as the space itself, a bar that takes its name from magic mushrooms and that revels in almost hallucinatory lighting. In other words, it’s a place for a laugh with friends, but will double up as a date night where the wild drinks make for a good talking point.

The don’t-miss drink: There’s a bracing citrus edge to the Ruby Revival, courtesy of the grapefruit and rhubarb gin.
Find it: Psilo Bar, Grand Arcade, 52 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.

The Bootlegger

There’s more than a hint of speakeasy to The Bootlegger on Park Row, but police aren’t about to swoop in as you dance the Charleston and drink bathtub gin here. It’s a place that feels intimate even when it’s swinging with a full crowd and a live band on.

Grab a seat, get yourself a platter of cheese and meat and then get a cheeky cocktail or three. There’s plenty of choice, although there’s a focus on sweetness and fruit that might not suit more serious cocktail aficionados. Worry not – they still do a mean Old Fashioned.

The don’t-miss drink: The Apple Crumble is definitely dessert in a glass, with a biscuit rim to set it off.
Find it: The Bootlegger, 18 Park Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5JA.

Carousel Bar

Carousel is a definite step up from the old Tiger Tiger site, delivering a hugely colourful night out pepped up with arcade games, munchable street food, photo booths, karaoke, beer pong, interactive darts, shuffleboard and, of course, cocktails. Yes, Carousel is a lot.

The cocktails are 2-4-1 all day Sunday to Friday, so you can double down on the zesty Pixel Punch, with Red Berry Ciroc, melon liqueur, watermelon syrup, lime, cranberry and apple juice. It’s all colourful, potent and totally in keeping with Carousel’s rainbow-hued approach.

The don’t-miss drink: It doesn’t matter what’s in it, they had us at ‘Boozy Vimto’.
Find it: Carousel Bar, 117 Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8DY.

Be At One

With three outposts in Leeds alone, it’s clear that Be At One isn’t the place to head for high-end mixology and a quiet date. Nope, it’s chain-tastic, but it’s also a lot of fun, as the crowds attest. With over 100 cocktails to choose from and a generous daily happy hour, it’s party central from the word go.

Want to go the tried-and-tested route? Your Long Island Iced Teas and June Bugs are all available, along with a range of frozen delights. They’ve got a separate cocktail range for each spirit of choice, so you can easily avoid tequila if is not your friend the morning after the night before.

The don’t-miss drink: French Quarter is a winner – pineapple rum, Cointreau, Courvoisier, Angostrua bitters, creole bitters and fresh pineapple.
Find it: Be At One, 6 Millennium Square, Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD, 19 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6EA and 5-7 Greek Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5RW.

Cover image credit: Credit: Elspeth Vincent/We Are The Allies