The Best Rooftop Bars in Leeds

We’ve scaled the heights to bring you Leeds’ finest rooftop bars.

Written on Food and Drink

When the sun shines, there’s nowhere better to be than the best rooftop bars in Leeds – here are our favourites that will soon become yours!

Where do you want to be when the sun shines? For us, it has to be up on the best rooftop bars in Leeds, with a beer or cocktail in hand. Luckily for you, that’s what we’ve done when the sun has shined, so we’ve got the inside track on where you should go for everything from craft beer sessions to cocktail soirees and champagne toasts, all from the most incredible terraces in the city.

The Woods

The rooftop terrace beer garden at the Woods in Chapel Allerton

© Copyright Leeds-List 2024 by Oliver Dixon Photography

There are two outdoor areas at The Woods, but the top spot is taken by the incredible roof terrace – with views out across Chapel Allerton, it’s one of the best anywhere in Leeds. Here you can sit out under the rays or shelter away under parasols with heaters for when the temperature drops.

Love vino? Look no further than their extensive offering of hand-picked wines. Beer aficionado? Their real ale selection will leave you spoilt for choice. Don’t forget to eat, though – the sourdough pizzas are delicious.

When does it get the sun? All day long!
Address: 5 Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 3PG.
Website: thewoods-leeds.co.uk

The Alchemist

The Alchemist, Trinity Leeds

This south-facing, horseshoe terrace is a real sun trap. Enjoy the sweeping views of Boar Lane, before settling down at one of the high tables that wrap around the bar. Here, parasols protect you from the elements and heaters keep you toasty long into the night.

They’re famed for their theatrical cocktails – try the Insta-worthy Lightbulb Moment or the experimental magic of the Piña Co-Lava Lamp. Fancy a bite? Snaffle bao buns and tempura prawn lollipops.

When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon.
Address: Level 1, Trinity, Leeds LS1 6HW.
Website: thealchemistbars.com

The Canary

The Canary

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You might expect all rooftop bars in Leeds to be sky high, but not at The Canary, this is one for those who aren’t a fan of heights. You’ll find it on top of shipping containers that have been converted into Leeds Dock’s coolest drinking spot. With views over the rippling waters and a fairy-lit, industrial chic decor, it’s a fine place to enjoy a few scoops.

So, what’ll it be? They have a selection of decent craft and global beers on tap, alongside wine, spirits and cocktails. Hungry? Burgers, salads and loaded fries await.

When does it get the sun? Best in the early evening.
Address: The Dockside, Leeds, LS10 1EG.
Website: canarybar.co.uk

Roland’s

The rooftop beer garden of Roland's bar in Leeds

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Roland’s roof terrace is so well hidden, you’d never even know it was there. Follow the staircase from the courtyard and you’ll find yourself in a petite sun trap with room for just 30 people, which makes it one of the coolest rooftop bars in Leeds.

Long benches and high stools line the walls, with a few garden tables thrown in for good measure. If you fancy craft beer, you’re well looked after, but it’s the Guinness that steals the show here, it’s one of the best in the city. Not your bag? You can also enjoy wine and expertly mixed cocktails.

When does it get the sun? When the sun is at its highest.
Address: 39 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BT.
Website: rolandsleeds.co.uk

Parkside Tavern

Parkside Tavern

Credit: Kristina Harrison

Parkside Tavern has a huge rooftop terrace above the pool room. It’s covered with astroturf to give you the sense of a beer garden on high. Sit down on one of their long picnic benches and look out over Merrion Street Gardens while you try their extensive line-up of quality local ales on keg and cask.

There’s plenty of wine, spirits and cocktails too – you can even get a feed while you’re there, with hand-stretched pizzas that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

When does it get the sun? All day long, depending on where you’re sat.
Address: St Johns House, Merrion Street, Leeds, LS2 8JE.
Website: parksidetavern.co.uk

IF Rooftop

A woman with purple hair sat in the sun at If Rooftop.

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With sun from every angle and breathtaking views over the Town Hall, IF Rooftop is one of the best sun traps in Leeds. This rooftop bar is covered in a mix of astroturf and paving, with a mish-mash of picnic tables, benches and garden tables to sit at, all surrounded by plants.

As DJs soundtrack your visit, you can sup craft beer from much-loved breweries. Prefer cocktails? You’re in luck – they have all the classics, from Aperol Spritz to Sangria.

When does it get the sun? All day long!
Address: 10-12 East Parade, Leeds, LS1 2BH.
Website: ifupnorth.com

Harvey Nichols’ Fourth Floor Bar

Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Botanist Gin Terrace

The rooftop terrace at Harvey Nichols’ Fourth Floor Brasserie gives you the perfect vantage point over Briggate. There are a handful of swish tables laid out on an astroturfed terrace, complete with heaters and collapsible parasols.

Fine wines are their speciality. There’s a tempting array of champagne, from Bollinger to Louis Roederer, but they also have a tempting cocktail menu. Hungry? Grab a sweet treat or indulge in their refined menu of seasonal dishes from the Fourth Floor restaurant menu.

When does it get the sun? Early afternoon.
Address: Victoria Quarter, 107-111 Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6AZ.
Website: harveynichols.com

Green Room

The rooftop terrace at Green Room in Leeds city centre

Green Room’s elevated sun trap makes it one of the best rooftop bars in Leeds. It’s all festoon lights, long bench tables and swathes of green plants. From Thursday to Saturday there’s a DJ on the ones and twos and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to drinks.

Beer comes from local breweries like Kirkstall – we always go for a Virtuous – as well as cocktails, wine and a bespoke menu of gin goblets. Hungry? They serve a mean brunch offering from Braizin’ Squad, while North Star sort the coffee – what could be better?

When does it get the sun? Early in the afternoon.
Address: 36 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 2DE.
Website: green-room.com

Headrow House

People sat in a beer garden at Headrow House

You’ll find two incredible rooftop bars in one at Leeds stalwart Headrow House. The first promises long benches, collapsible parasols and overhead heaters, with a toe-tapping soundtrack provided by live DJs. The second is another floor up on Kennedy Meadows, with a mix of covered huts and open benches.

Steal your eyes away from the sensational city views to enter craft beer heaven – expect local and global favourites including tank-fresh Budvar. Prefer cocktails? Take your pick from a small yet tempting menu that changes with the seasons.

When does it get the sun? All day long!
Address: 19a The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU.
Website: headrowhouse.com

Cuckoo

The beer garden roof terrace at Cuckoo in Leeds

A Call Lane classic that’s as mad as a box of frogs, Cuckoo doubles as one of the best rooftop bars in Leeds. Head through the curtains, up the stairs and out onto a terrace of dreams, a wee sun trap for late afternoon tipples.

The fairground decor has seeped its way into the menu which takes you on a rollercoaster of cocktail combinations – Rhubarb Bramble anyone? Beer lovers have plenty to enjoy, and you’ll also get a 6-inch pizza for free on any drink order before 9pm.

When does it get the sun? Late afternoon.
Address: 37 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BT.
Website: cuckooleeds.co.uk

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

People sat on the rooftop at Belgrave Music Hall

© Copyright Leeds-List 2024

The roof terrace at Belgrave Music Hall is iconic. Grab a perch at one of the colourful picnic tables or under the covered perimeter, weather dependent, and get ready to soak in one of the best beer garden atmospheres in Leeds.

If you like craft beer or real ale, you’re in luck with Kirkstall and Five Points on the taps, but they also do a fine line in classic cocktails – you can never go wrong with a Margarita, can you? Patty’s Burgers and Dough Boys’ pizza await if you get peckish.

When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon.
Address: 1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP.
Website: belgravemusichall.com

Everyman Cinema

The roof terrace from the bar at Everyman Cinema looking towards Trinity Leeds

Credit: Avenue White Photography

A hidden gem in the heart of Trinity Leeds, Everyman has its very own rooftop terrace bar. It’s a narrow strip of alfresco joy that looks out over the glass-domed roof, with both open and covered areas.

Low marble tables and comfy wicker chairs make this the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely drink, and the fact that no one knows about it means you’re more likely to find a spot. Their bar serves cold beers, classic cocktails and bottles of vino, best enjoyed with their Spielburger patty and bun combos.

When does it get the sun? All day long!
Address: Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AY.
Website: everymancinema.com

Sky Lounge

A view of Sky Lounge bar with tables and chairs in the foreground and the terrace and the Leeds skyline in the background

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Nowhere in Leeds has a view quite like Sky Lounge. At the very top of DoubleTree by Hilton, it offers views for miles around, in every direction. Kick back on the metal garden tables spread across the astroturf lawn, while you indulge in a bottomless brunch or afternoon tea.

Their drinks menu is extensive, with cocktails from around the world gracing its pages. Celebrating? Order The Perfect Ripple, a frothy, fruity gin-based drink and get a birthday/anniversary/congrats message printed on the top!.

When does it get the sun? All day long!
Address: Granary Wharf, Leeds, LS1 4BR.
Website: leedsskylounge.co.uk

BOX Headingley

People sharing drinks up on the terrace at BOX in Headingley

Rooftop bars aren’t just restricted to Leeds city centre – you can also find a belting terrace in Headingley at BOX. This is a must-visit spot for sun-drenched sipping in North Leeds.

Take a spot on one of the many benches that sit atop vast swathes of decking and plastic grass – there’s room for up to 130 people up here – and soak in the views. You can take your pick of cocktails, wine and craft beer. Hungry? Pizzas and burgers are sure to hit the spot.

When does it get the sun? All day long!
Address: 8 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2AD.
Website: theboxbar.co.uk

Cover image © Copyright Leeds-List 2024.
Image of Joseph Sheerin
Joseph Sheerin Senior Writer

Joseph was one of the longest-serving members of the Leeds-List team. He’s lived in Leeds for 15 years and knows the city like the back of his hand. From restaurants to gig venues, walking routes to coffee shops, he’s been there, done that and written about the experience.

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