Leeds has a spectacular and varied cocktail scene, offering everything from stylish rooftop lounges with stunning city views and hidden speakeasies to award-winning bars and vibrant late-night venues serving expertly crafted drinks.
Sip sophisticated creations at Sky Lounge and The Alchemist, or venture off the beaten track to discover gems such as The Maven, Smokestack and The Domino Club. Read on for our pick of the best places to raise a glass in Leeds.
- Below Stairs has been voted one of the top cocktail bars in the UK three years running and is home to award-winning bartenders. From timeless favourites and seasonal specials to experimental creations and exclusive local collaborations, there’s plenty more to enjoy.
- The Banksia hosts an impressive stock of top shelf liquors, so your cocktails all feel premium, whether you choose a Classic Cocktail or a Banksia Original. Stick around for everything from light bites to dinner before heading up to your room at the Hotel Indigo.
- Domino Club is one of Leeds’ best music venues, an underground speakeasy hidden behind a barber’s shop, hosting jazz, blues and more every week. Their cocktail list perfectly matches the atmosphere, featuring smoky martinis, expertly crafted Old Fashioneds and other timeless classics.
- Tiki Hideaway is a cocktail paradise with layers of rum, fresh fruit, exotic spices and some cool Insta-worthy serving glasses. And even better, you can learn to make your own cocktails with their masterclasses!
- The Alchemist serves up some of the craziest cocktails, and there are two locations in Leeds to choose from – Greek Street or Trinity Leeds where you can enjoy a balcony view of the city. Every drink is a theatrical spectacle, with bottomless cocktails on their weekend brunch menu.
- Sky Lounge is a show-stopping venue with beautiful panoramic views, and some of the best cocktails in the city. The menu features classics like Cosmopolitan, Daquiri and a Negroni, plus you can get a message or picture printed on their Perfect Ripple for that special occasion.
- Speakeasy Smokestack, hidden in the heart of Leeds, is the spot for good drinks, great music and laidback vibes. Their cocktails are varied from highballs and classics to shooters and shots.
- Moods is a brand-new all-day café and bar in one of Leeds’ most important historical buildings, with a menu of classic, signature and brunch cocktails and even a choice of sorbets.
- CrowdedHouse, on the rooftop of Trinity Leeds, has an extensive drinks list with signature and non-alcoholic cocktails.
- Farrands is an award-winning independent cocktail and wine bar, where you can order a flight of cocktails alongside your Charcuterie board in their cosy indoor area, or for those warmer days, out on their terrace.
- Uyare, from the team behind Tharavadu, has a cocktail list of classics and Keralan twists with fruity and spicy varieties, all served in their Agni bar with rooftop views.
- The Bootlegger, on Leeds’ historic Park Row, is a premium speakeasy-inspired bar transporting you back to the glamour of the 1920s, with a cocktail menu of century-old favourites and modern creations. There are over 90 concoctions to choose from, with expert bartenders on hand to make sure you get the best drink.
- Pixel Bar is the perfect stop for gamers with a variety of consoles to choose from and a gaming inspired cocktail list including Mario, GTA, Kirby, The Witcher, Resident Evil and Pokemon.
- Roland’s is Call Lane’s classic cocktail bar, with one of Leeds’ most curated whisky selections. Serving up seasonal specials and all your favourites.
- Tailors speakeasy is a 1920s themed gin bar with a rack of vintage costumes so you can immerse yourself in the full experience, whilst trying some classic gin based cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I take a cocktail masterclass?
These venues offer cocktail mixology classes:
The Alchemist Trinity Leeds & Greek Street
Tiki Hideaway
The Bootlegger
Smokestack
Mojo Leeds
Boom Battle Bar
Harvey Nichols
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Is there any cocktail bars with live music?
The Domino Club has live jazz and blues every Wednesday to Sunday.
The Bootlegger has live music and open mic nights most weekends.