Whether you want a vibrant city centre cocktail terrace, a craft beer session with a DJ or a relaxed suburban hidden gem, Leeds has an elevated venue to match your vibe.
As a city, Leeds is blessed with some stunning open-air spots, from sky-high luxury lounges to secret courtyards hidden in plain sight. Whether you’re planning a sun-drenched Saturday session, an impressive date night, or post-work pints with a breeze, this definitive round-up has you covered. Read on to discover where to find the best views, the sharpest cocktail lists and the finest alfresco food spots in town.
Fancy making a day of it? Check out our guide to the best restaurant deals in Leeds.
The Woods
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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 – there’s a fantastic array of flatbreads from drunken chicken to baba ghanoush.
When does it get the sun? All day long!
Address: 5 Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PG.
Website: thewoodsleeds.co.uk
The Alchemist
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 Lavender Rain. Fancy a bite? Go for pulled beef donuts and tempura prawn lollipops.
When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon.
Address: Level 1, Trinity, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW.
Website: thealchemistbars.com
Azotea
Credit: Azotea Leeds
Towering above the city, Azotea’s rooftop terrace transports you to a vibrant South American dreamscape, complete with an extensive cocktail menu infused with tropical flavours.
The tiled deck is adorned with potted palms, beneath a canopy of fairy-lit wooden beams, where you can sit back on the lounge-style seats and enjoy a view of the city’s skyline, to a soundtrack of funky latin beats. Peckish? Take your pick from any one of their bold dishes, all inspired by South American staples.
When does it get the sun? From late afternoon onwards.
Address: Hyatt Place, Sovereign Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4DA.
Website: azotea.co.uk
Roland’s
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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, in fact Roland’s makes our list of the very best cocktail bars in Leeds.
When does it get the sun? When the sun is at its highest.
Address: 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
Website: rolandsleeds.co.uk
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 sitting.
Address: St Johns House, Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JE.
Website: parksidetavern.co.uk
The Rooftop Social
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With sun from every angle and breathtaking views over the Town Hall, The Rooftop Social 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 drink draft beers from Modello to San Miguel. Prefer cocktails? You’re in luck – they have all the classics, from Aperol Spritz to Pina Colada, plus frozen favourites for when temperatures soar. Make ours a Frozen Mango Margarita!
When does it get the sun? All day long!
Address: 27 Park Cross St, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2QH
Website: therooftopsocial.co.uk
Harvey Nichols’ Fourth Floor Bar
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 an alluring 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, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AZ.
Website: harveynichols.com
Crowded House
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As one of Leeds’ newest and best-kept secrets, Crowded House is found on the top levels of Trinity Shopping Centre. Layered across two floors and capped with a stunning rooftop terrace, it blends elegant design with relaxed hospitality. It’s open year-round, meaning you can head up for a sunset session and settle in long after the stars come out.
The drinks flow easily, but it’s the elevated rooftop menu that really steals the show. If you’re feeling fancy, kick things off with fresh oysters served with a sharp mignonette or a creative Verdita granita and smoked pineapple. Following that, you can dive into a stellar lineup of small plates and mains – think truffle and black pepper potato churros, Korean fried chicken with kimchi watermelon, or a seriously indulgent native lobster roll.
When does it get the sun? From afternoon right through to a gorgeous sunset view.
Address: Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW.
Website: crowdedhouseleeds.co.uk
Green Room
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 giant tiger bread hogies courtesy of Granny G’s, 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, West Yorkshire, LS1 2DE.
Website: green-room.com
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 toe-tapping tunes courtesy of 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 Pilsner. Prefer cocktails? Take your pick from a carefully curated menu that changes with the seasons.
When does it get the sun? All day long!
Address: 19a The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
Website: headrowhouse.com
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
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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, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JP.
Website: belgravemusichall.com
Sky Lounge
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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, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BR.
Website: leedsskylounge.co.uk
BOX 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, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AD.
Website: theboxbar.co.uk
