These bars top the list when it comes to the coolest places in Leeds to grab a drink.
Planning a date with a new beau? Organising a night out for your mates? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Leeds is heaving with awesome drinking establishments, but when you really need to impress, there are only a select few that make the cut. We’ve rounded up the coolest bars in Leeds, from an underground jazz speakeasy to a music-loving bar above a Japanese restaurant. Take a look…
Neon Cactus
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Neon Cactus is a colourful riot of tequila, tacos and feet-thumping tunes. It feels more akin to a vibrant Mexican cantina 5,000 miles away rather than a bar slap bang in the middle of Call Lane. Margaritas are the name of the game here, and they come every which way, be it classic, Tommy’s or even with coffee. Pair it with a taco or two before dancing the night away to a roster of hip hop classics and you’re winning.
Neon Cactus, 35 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
Behind Closed Doors
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With an ethos of ‘sex, rugs and funk & soul’, there’s a reason why Behind Closed Doors is one of the coolest bars in Leeds. Ring a bell, enter through a secret door and immerse yourself in a 1970s wonderland, with suggestive mannequins, vintage erotica and funky lighting at every turn. And for cocktails? How does a Wannabe Chockstar, infused with vanilla vodka, raspberry puree, white chocolate liquor and espresso sound?
Behind Closed Doors, 2 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DN.
Holding Patterns
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Did you know that Holding Patterns is one of the only specialist audiophile spots in the north of England? Tucked away downstairs on Albion Street, the hip bar is home to a specialist hifi system, which locally sourced DJs and guest selectors use to bring the vibes every Friday and Saturday. Cocktails cover everything from Spicy Margaritas and Negronis to Espresso Martinis and so much more.
Holding Patterns, 2 Albion Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6JL.
The Maven
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What makes The Maven one of the coolest bars in Leeds? It could be that it doesn’t have any external signage, only an inconspicuous door and the tiled stairs within. Perhaps it’s the well-dressed mixologists making creative (and endlessly quaffable) concoctions from behind the bar. It might even be the decor – we’re talking dark walls adorned with kooky artwork and cosy leather booths. And then there’s the soundtrack, which will have you dancing all night long. Let’s face it, though, it’s all of the above.
The Maven, 1-3 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7DH.
The Domino Club
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The Domino Club is the coolest of cool bars. It’s an underground speakeasy, for a start. You’ll find the entrance at the back of Lords Barbering with only a neon sign hinting at the secrets within. Inside, head down the stairs and you’ll discover a timeless jazz and blues bar with parquet floors, leather booths and dark wood panelling. At the brass-top bar, they serve a mix of classic and original cocktails with only the best ingredients, while a different live performer sings the blues or gets funky on stage every night.
The Domino Club, 7 Grand Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PG.
Tabula Rasa
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Tabula Rasa marries sophistication and cool vibes. Striking teal walls, arched mirrors, velvet seats and a shimmering gold ceiling – this is an elevated night out experience. They serve aperitive drinks to go with your charcuterie board, cocktails to sip and savour and even hot drinks to get you through the day. For something intoxicating, try the Pablo Picasso – it’s bright blue, garnished with a shock of pink candy floss. Swirl it in your drink and watch it magically change colour from blue to lilac to purple.
Tabula Rasa, 8 Eastgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7JL.
Outlaws Yacht Club
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From the height of sophistication to the effortlessly laid back atmosphere of Outlaws Yacht Club. It’s a hip European-style cafe bar, record shop, and exhibition space, a perfect hangout for those creative types. You can even get your hair cut at their in-house salon if the mood takes you! Grab a pint of their pale ale, pick out a board game and sit down to play. Refuel with their legendary grilled cheese (it’s got three different cheeses in it), nibble on bar snacks or treat yourself to a slice of cake.
Outlaws Yacht Club, 38 New York Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DY.
Hello Music Lounge
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Hello Music Lounge is in the same building (and run by the same people) as House of Fu, so it’s no surprise it made it into our list of the coolest bars in Leeds. First, you have to buzz to get in. Then you have to climb a lot of stairs. When you get to the top, you’re greeted with a tiled bar, stacks of records and a quality sound system playing a wide range of cool tunes. There are cocktails, a selection of wines from the organic-loving Wayward and even Japanese whiskeys to fuel your night out.
Hello Music Lounge, House of Fu, 15-19 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
Roland’s
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Somewhere between industrial warehouse and your gran’s country home, Roland’s has a laid-back, rustic feel. It’s a small space, but they’ve got three different areas to choose from. It could be the cool main bar, the quaint covered courtyard or the intimate secret terrace, lit by twinkling festoon lights. To drink? It has to be a cocktail (their espresso martini is one of the best in Leeds) Hungry? Grab a slice from in house pizza slingers Homeboy Pizza Co. Top tip – they love pooches as much as they do people.
Roland’s, 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
Below Stairs
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Below Stairs, as the name suggests, is tucked away under an office building and down some stairs. If you didn’t know what you were looking for, you would probably never stumble upon it naturally, which makes it all the more thrilling that you’re there. Inside, there’s herringbone floors, subway tiles and industrial touches. It’s well known for its experimental – and completely delicious – cocktails. Try the Path of Excess, a tasty concoction of gin, coffee, jasmine and salted caramel ‘caviar’.
Below Stairs, 12 South Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AL.
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