Local Guides World
Top Bars in Leeds, United Kingdom
Top Rated Bars in Leeds
Top Reviewed Bars in Leeds
Santiago Bar
Pret A Manger
Sandinista Leeds
The Stone Roses Bar
Headrow House
The Hop
Santiago Bar
Verve
The Shed Bar
Farrands Bar
The Watermark Bar
Smokestack
Reviews
Nice pub / bar. Good decor, spacious, Osdet brewery tap.
Visited early in the day in winter so not so busy. Nice pint of White Rat.
Would come back next time I'm at the train station.
Visited early in the day in winter so not so busy. Nice pint of White Rat.
Would come back next time I'm at the train station.
This place offers the BEST SERVICE I have ever experienced in the UK. The staff are lovely, genuinely polite, friendly and FANTASTIC 😍 The cocktails are spectacular and the atmosphere wonderful 😊 well done to everyone and the management too!
Great place for pre drinks if you love alternative/rock
Such a lovely atmosphere and the staff were super accommodating and gave us chocolate covered strawberries.
Such a great bar, first time in with some friends and wow what an atmosphere. Great rock bar, great service and not badly priced either, looking forward to going back
Music venue upstairs accessible from below. Food served at the left hand end of the bar. Multiple beers at a reasonable price. Toilets upstairs, disabled downstairs. Nice staff serving near the river. Quick access to the train station.
I hired the downstairs Mariachi bar for my 30th, incredible venue, amazing staff and brilliant drinks, I couldn't have asked for more!
Farrands was a great place to enjoy a drink or two with family and friends after a lovely dinner. The atmosphere and music were great too, as were the ever smiling staff who were attentive throughout. We'll be going back and thoroughly recommend this place.
Fantastic team and great service! Looked after the Fearns team for a Christmas party and couldn’t have asked for a better venue. Such lovely and friendly staff and really great drinks selection. Thanks a million!
Fantastic place with a nice atmosphere. Really enjoyed the drinks on offer. Staff were very accommodating to our large group.
Very chill bar, good seating and atmosphere. Highly recommended for a drink or two!
This is our third time popping in for a cocktail. They always come to great you and the drinks have been excellent.
It has a lovely cozy feel. We will keep on going.
It has a lovely cozy feel. We will keep on going.
Awesome bar with the tiniest performance room upstairs (and all the better for it). Saw a three band bill there, and they were literally in touching distance. It was loud and hot and amazing.
One of my favourite bars in the city centre with great music and staff
Love the Shed, always quick friendly service and good friendly atmosphere. Great if you like rock music!
There was a lad and woman working behind the bar. Absolutely amazing service. Had a good laugh with them and they had good character. Sometimes the people make the place and this was one of those times. Shame I can't remember their names but it was 25.11.23 on the bottom bar. Give them both a promotion!!!
Great atmosphere, above average cocktails, lacklustre service. Train staff on the job which is ok but delays service across the board. Left something to be desired. If you’re a light weight perfect spot.
The place is a disgrace,
I was viciously assaulted outside the bar in front of several people after a bouncer decided to knock some poor guy out minding his own business.. right outside the front door.
I went to help the guy and three bouncers jumped on me to restrain me even though I’d done nothing..
I was walked around the corner, laid facing down in police handcuffs and then I was strangled to the point of near death. Police were there and left me to be assaulted..
I didn’t no what was going on I was vulnerable clearly in that situation obviously because you lot have the power to assault people day to day.
You all have a duty of care and you all stood there and watched me be assaulted and removed from town/my night out.
Let me just say people
Avoid this shocking establishment
Your not safe, no one is looking out for your welfare and the place is a sticky sweaty dive..
The bouncer that did it
Why don’t you come to mine and try strangle me??
Coz you wouldn’t you coward.
Ladies watch yourselves going to this place… you are not safe.
All doorman we’re watching this happen to me and did nothing but smile laugh and humiliate me..
Shutting it down Would be the best thing for it. Take my review seriously people it’s the truth and your are not safe to enjoy yourselves..
COWARDS 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
PS I don’t who’s actually wrote these reviews but I believe they are false ones. It needs shutting down.
I was viciously assaulted outside the bar in front of several people after a bouncer decided to knock some poor guy out minding his own business.. right outside the front door.
I went to help the guy and three bouncers jumped on me to restrain me even though I’d done nothing..
I was walked around the corner, laid facing down in police handcuffs and then I was strangled to the point of near death. Police were there and left me to be assaulted..
I didn’t no what was going on I was vulnerable clearly in that situation obviously because you lot have the power to assault people day to day.
You all have a duty of care and you all stood there and watched me be assaulted and removed from town/my night out.
Let me just say people
Avoid this shocking establishment
Your not safe, no one is looking out for your welfare and the place is a sticky sweaty dive..
The bouncer that did it
Why don’t you come to mine and try strangle me??
Coz you wouldn’t you coward.
Ladies watch yourselves going to this place… you are not safe.
All doorman we’re watching this happen to me and did nothing but smile laugh and humiliate me..
Shutting it down Would be the best thing for it. Take my review seriously people it’s the truth and your are not safe to enjoy yourselves..
COWARDS 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
PS I don’t who’s actually wrote these reviews but I believe they are false ones. It needs shutting down.
This place could be really good, if it could just find it's personality.
I was in the bar queue and got barged out of the way by an angry emo girl, then got served by the downbeat tattooed girl, then sat down opposite a past middle-aged couple tonguing, while sat to the side of a early-twenty-something pair, then stood to the side while a 3 or 4 year old girl walked past on the way to the toilet.
What is going on in here?
I was in the bar queue and got barged out of the way by an angry emo girl, then got served by the downbeat tattooed girl, then sat down opposite a past middle-aged couple tonguing, while sat to the side of a early-twenty-something pair, then stood to the side while a 3 or 4 year old girl walked past on the way to the toilet.
What is going on in here?
Nice vibe.
Good music
Good music
Fantastic bar with lovely food
We met for cocktails and drinks.. Cannot fault the service and great atmosphere. Credit to Jill. (lovely Irish girl who served us) Such friendly, helpful service. Also very attentive despite it being a busy night. Thanks to all for a great experience. Will definitely recommend. We didn't eat but it looked fab.
Made a reservation a few weeks ago for 6 people 3-5pm, Maddie emailed and confirmed the res, turned up to find the bar closed. They'd changed opening hours and not told us. Finally got hold of someone to find out what was going on about 3.30 by which time we had gone elsewhere. Drinks are normally amazing in here so dontru it if you can, it was my partner's birthday and this is his favourite bar, so it was a real shame we couldn't go on one of his very rare Saturdays off.
We attended a surrogacy UK social here last week in half the upstairs area. A shame the toilets are upstairs so it meant the public were in and out of the area all the time. Clean ish loos apart from a water spillage . Nicely decorated . The pie, mash and peas are bloody gorgeous. Well worth the money. Nice views of the surrounding locks, canal boats etc. Music was a bit load for us to be able to talk without having to shout so I came away with a headache but nice for a short visit.
Didn't eat there but the place was awesome, great beers and the prices were reasonable. Service was spot on (Ana was brilliant ) 👏 There were 20 of us there from 3:30 till 8pm just drinking and having a blast ! Great place
Headrow House is a great venue with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The black security guy is exceptionally nice, providing a sense of safety and comfort to all visitors. The bartenders are also very welcoming, creating a pleasant and enjoyable experience for customers.
However, one area that could use improvement is the DJ. The music selection may not always meet everyone's taste or expectations. Enhancing the DJ's skills and diversifying the music played could greatly enhance the overall experience at Headrow House.
However, one area that could use improvement is the DJ. The music selection may not always meet everyone's taste or expectations. Enhancing the DJ's skills and diversifying the music played could greatly enhance the overall experience at Headrow House.
Smokestack brings the essence of New Orleans to the centre of Leeds. It’s a speakeasy styled hangout that pulses with live funk, soul, blues and jazz music long into the night.
These guys take great pride in their cocktail list, and after one or two have gone down the hatch it’s clear to see just why. Shaking up a liqueur storm with their premium southern-styled spirits, these mixed drinks offer quirky twists on forgotten classics. Rum-lovers need look no further than South of Soho, while the Parisian absinthe-laden Corpse Reviver No.2 packs one hefty punch. There’s plenty in store for the craft beer and wine connoisseurs too.
These guys take great pride in their cocktail list, and after one or two have gone down the hatch it’s clear to see just why. Shaking up a liqueur storm with their premium southern-styled spirits, these mixed drinks offer quirky twists on forgotten classics. Rum-lovers need look no further than South of Soho, while the Parisian absinthe-laden Corpse Reviver No.2 packs one hefty punch. There’s plenty in store for the craft beer and wine connoisseurs too.
Great bar with good music. Very friendly staff and laid back door staff.
Amazing service as always! Celebrated my friends birthday with the most amazing cocktails & nibbles. We will be back!
Fantastic Bar - great music- great location- wonderful cocktails 🍸
Great food and really good cocktails
Been here many times. I don't drink and they have many lovely mocktails. If you want something not on the menu, ask and the staff will try their best
went to stone roses last night after indie Thursdays and it was great, bar staff were polite and Louis was lovely. Il definitely be back next week!!!!
The bouncers Clint and Jay are legends of Leeds. They’re extremely welcoming as you enter Headrow. Such a good bar, multiple floors and vibes throughout. Cocktails are a little grim but they’re so strong that it doesn’t matter after you’ve got a couple down you. The more you drink, the nicer they get. Super lovely staff and id 100% recommend for any student and anyone visiting leeds.
A really nice bar in the centre of Leeds. There is a good selection of drinks and the rooftop seating is a great space to have a drink with friends and socialise.
Made to feel incredibly unwelcome. £11 for a large white wine is ridiculously excessive. Felt the bar staff were incredibly impolite and looked down on me. This was my first visit there will not be a second.
Great cocktails, but best reason is the music. Mix of Northern Soul and Mowtown.
The coffee subscription is still good value, even though it has recently gone up to £30 per month. The coffee is good quality and there is a good selection.
Most of the staff are very friendly, work hard, and build rapport with customers.
They also work under pressure when the queue is out of the door at peak times.
Most of the staff are very friendly, work hard, and build rapport with customers.
They also work under pressure when the queue is out of the door at peak times.
Popped in for a quick pint, can't complain. It was very quiet but it was 17:30. Would come again.
Nice place with good cocktails. Only let down by some of the punters, who looked like they should be drinking cheap beer in a 'spoons somewhere (why don't people make the effort when they go out to a nice place?!?). The staff were very professional, friendly, and competent - they really make the place I think, and are the main reason we'll be going back
If your a young person this hipster bar will be up your street. Serves everything you would expect st the bar and cheap cocktails though I suspect that the cocktails were more sugar filled than alcoholic.
I love Pret Leeds station. Staff service is superb! I am a regular customer with coffee subscription and staff makes me feel at home! Spot on with my coffee preference , friendly and efficient. Top of the range service . Just want to say a big thank you all.
Brilliant bar. Good drinks including the cocktails, not overpriced or pretentious like more and more Leeds bars are becoming. Great music too and always good service.
Awesome cocktails, friendly staff - loved it, highly recommend!
Absolutely love this place; it's a dive bar with the best atmosphere. I've been going for around 10 years. Live music, fantastic drinks selection, awesome staff. The Long Island Iced Tea is nothing short of incredible... nowhere else makes it as good. Making your way to the toilets is always an adventure on a busy night, you make so many new friends on the stairs!
Awesome alternative bar In the grand arcade. Kitted out really well with random cool oddities.
Staff were absolutely superb, friendly, welcoming with a great music taste.
Will deffo be back!
Staff were absolutely superb, friendly, welcoming with a great music taste.
Will deffo be back!
Best cocktail bar we have visited in Leeds. Kieran the bar man really knows his stuff when it comes to making cocktails to suit your palate. The atmosphere is great with chilled music.
Great atmosphere and actually some of the friendliest bouncers I've encountered. Would recommend if you are after this genre - no point getting in till after midnight
Awesome cocktails and a lovely laid back atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon - both Milo and Eddie were incredibly knowledable and really nice. Was an absolute education to see them concocting a new cocktail. Can't wait to come back.
I'm not sure what to make of this place yet only been once. The staff need to smile more that's for sure and the atmosphere I dont know it felt edgy!
Great team work in this Pret , impressive watching how many customers they serve!!!
Well done!9
Well done!9
A very pleasant place off down the steps near just running along the railway arches it’s just on the way to fibre but it’s on route to hospital or from hospital it’s a very pleasant spot just tucked off the main drag it’s ideal if you’re on a tour of Leeds & don’t want to visit the usual spots has this is different away from all the hussle n bustle of city life plus they do a good pint of Guinness the service was pleasant I would recommend if you fancy some where different plus funky vibes to the place .
Roof area: beautiful.
Stairs: many (but don't worry there is a lift.)
Cocktail list really detailed and flavorful
Stairs: many (but don't worry there is a lift.)
Cocktail list really detailed and flavorful
Great little place to meet up with friends. Good music but not too loud that you can't hear each other. Card only though.
Great bar for alternative, rock & metal music fans. Staff are always friendly & there's a vast drink selection.
The bouncer physically kicked me to the ground while I was taking my last step on the stairs. I was already following him to go out.
It was clearly unnecessary and my head got seriously injured.
I mean, if I was refusing to go out, it would be totally fine for him to do so.
But he did it when I was taking my last step to get out (ON THE STAIRS), he was totally just doing it for fun cause he thinks he can take no responsibility.
Here is an advice for him, make sure your target is actually drunk next time!
It happened at about 12:30 am on 29th July 2023 btw.
It was clearly unnecessary and my head got seriously injured.
I mean, if I was refusing to go out, it would be totally fine for him to do so.
But he did it when I was taking my last step to get out (ON THE STAIRS), he was totally just doing it for fun cause he thinks he can take no responsibility.
Here is an advice for him, make sure your target is actually drunk next time!
It happened at about 12:30 am on 29th July 2023 btw.
Had a great evening in the Shed Bar! Bar staff super friendly and approachable, drinks well priced, toilets clean and plenty of them. Even the door staff were great. If we are ever back in Leeds, we will most definitely return!
Found this gem in the city centre. A brilliant venue. Great music and wonderful atmosphere in there.
Excellent store, very friendly staff, super welcoming and helpful.
All the usual pret suspects with regards to food and drink, however there is a current standout for a late breakfast in my opinion, the BLT baguette 🥖 is my idea of heaven, salty, savoury and a great start to the day with your coffee choice.
Very clean, entrance from street and station internal door. Overall very nice relaxing place, in between trains.
All the usual pret suspects with regards to food and drink, however there is a current standout for a late breakfast in my opinion, the BLT baguette 🥖 is my idea of heaven, salty, savoury and a great start to the day with your coffee choice.
Very clean, entrance from street and station internal door. Overall very nice relaxing place, in between trains.
Thanks, the staff are awesome, the service is super fast, I think it’s nice when you remember me and know my order, it brightens me day, if I could give tips I would. It feels like home. The subscription is a great idea, i don’t abuse it, just have 2 or 3 drinks a day, any more is to much.
My team and I came here on our staff do last night and it was amazing! A nice relaxed vibe, great music and really friendly bar staff.
The man behind the bar was lovely and even made me a French martini which was perfect. Overall was a great visit and we will definitely be back again!
The man behind the bar was lovely and even made me a French martini which was perfect. Overall was a great visit and we will definitely be back again!
Bar man could do with remembering he's chosen a job in hospitality
If he doesn't like serving folk, he should change jobs. Miserable sod
Shame as the music and vibe seemed good
If he doesn't like serving folk, he should change jobs. Miserable sod
Shame as the music and vibe seemed good
I'll admit, this is a place I rarely go, but always tell myself that I need to go to more. The music and vibe are right on point, the cocktails brilliant, the crowd friendly, and the staff are impeccable. Pop on up for a cocktail and a dance - you won't regret it.
Spent a fair amount of time drinking cocktails here, worth a visit as staff and locals are friendly
Essie. Wow. What a woman and what a place. Incredible service by someone that truly cares about making people happy - girl knows how to really bring the sunshine. Thank you so much x
Awesome. Had really been looking forward to visiting whilst in Leeds. Obviously the music was the best. The atmosphere was fun and staff great. Loved it
Bianca and Zac was amazing!! made my night, her service was catered and fast. Would definitely come again and recommend to friends!!!
Very good pub in a couple of railway arches under Platform 17 of Leeds Station. Eight cask beers - and 1 cider - on handpump when I visited including a stout. Lots of outdoor seating some of it covered.
Busy, but not impossibly so, before the Spurs game at Elland Road.
Busy, but not impossibly so, before the Spurs game at Elland Road.
We visited for the Nimmo gig which was amazing. It's a cute, cosy venue which is great for intimate gigs and I really enjoyed the vibe of it all. My only minor issue is that we weren't sure where to go when we go into the venue, there is signposting on the door but still got a bit confused trying to find the venue room but a staff member helped us!
We called in here after having a meal at Bundobust, the bar was quiet, and it was cold too, more people did start arriving as we were leaving, the space is only small, perhaps it gets better later on into the evening. There are not many cider options either. Would have to try again to give it a more measured rating
Great to have this place back, was a staple through my uni days many moons ago.
Good food
Great drink options
Dog friendly
Good food
Great drink options
Dog friendly
I had the pleasure of being served by Ellie this morning. Her customer service was fantastic even in the morning commuter rush and it was so lovely to see such a kind smiling face behind the counter. Keep up the good work 😊
The secret is in the food quality, especially the chicken or tuna 🥗 salads, the sandwiches and of course, the ☕ coffees. They claim the coffee is organic. I found the latte a great taste. Being within Leeds train 🚉 Station, there is an option to go to McDonald's, Starbucks or even KFC 🍗 among others but Pret doesn't disappoint. Could do with larger portions of those tasty salad boxes though. If you are here a bit longer, there is free WiFi access too.
The hot drinks are nice with several options. The service is generally good, usually with a warm greeting, but not as good as others in Leeds who go above and beyond. No cold drinks is a bit of an issue but I understand that is the unfortunate direction Pret seems to be going. Overall it's a nice place to get a coffee before or after a train journey and it's certainly handy.
Fab little gem of a place.
The service is great. The food is literally cooked to order by Drew who literally works his backside off to prepare delicious dishes.
Can recommend the Alhambra beer too!
Definitely book a table as it gets busy at tea time.
The service is great. The food is literally cooked to order by Drew who literally works his backside off to prepare delicious dishes.
Can recommend the Alhambra beer too!
Definitely book a table as it gets busy at tea time.
A perfect place for an unusual cocktail and good company. The atmosphere is chilled and laid back with an emphasis on matching the perfect drink to the individual. Ellis and Jack were amazing and created the perfect cocktails for me and my friend. Highly recommend the espresso martini with a chocolate topping!
If I loved this place more I'd have to marry it. Where to start, amazing music non stop bangers all night and a great variety of indie and rock that spreads over several decades so there's music for everyone. Class opening hours meaning you can dance until the sun comes up. A great atmosphere and there's never any trouble. And last but not least the staff are top class. From Rich the bouncer, to the bar staff and management, all of them are a class act and nothing is ever too much bother. Left my bag last night with all my work stuff in and sent an email off and they got back to me later that day and we have arranged when I can pick it up even though it's not while they're open, they're happy for me to collect it on that day. Saved my life, my weekend and most likely my job. Can't speak higher of this great bar and the fantastic people who make it great. Best bar in Leeds by a mile!
An amazing venue with a beer hall and restaurant on the ground floor, music venue on the second floor, and a beautiful rooftop where you can sit and drink.
Highly recommended to see what's on, and stay for a gig.
Highly recommended to see what's on, and stay for a gig.
There is a person that works on security here that has severe anger issues. On Saturday night I witnessed him drag a man to the ground for no reason, he was on another level of anger, if he would have treated a woman the same way he could have easily hurt her. or for argument sake the person he threw to the ground bang his head the outcome could have been very different shocking behaviour and needs something done about him.
Went for the two-for-twelve cocktails with friends. Good if limited choice and well made without all the pretentious w*nk you get in other places. Staff skilled and friendly. Music choices good if a bit loud for us oldies!
Probably one of the best niche bars I have ever been to with amazing staff. Pure history, the music, the vibe - it's everything.
If you want a nice night out - I'm talking chill jazz, real Southern Motown kinda music. No shortage of Marvin Gaye, Otis Reading and much much more.
It has another floor as well for parties they do on Saturdays. Excellent selection of spirits. They stocked my Bermuda rum which I'm proud of.
If you find yourself in Leeds and want a nice place to go for a drink (not your typical pub or bar). Come to Smokestack.
I will be returning.
If you want a nice night out - I'm talking chill jazz, real Southern Motown kinda music. No shortage of Marvin Gaye, Otis Reading and much much more.
It has another floor as well for parties they do on Saturdays. Excellent selection of spirits. They stocked my Bermuda rum which I'm proud of.
If you find yourself in Leeds and want a nice place to go for a drink (not your typical pub or bar). Come to Smokestack.
I will be returning.
Sprawling Ossett Brewery pub situated in the arches behind Leeds station offering the full Ossett range plus guests. Friendly bar staff, great beer and superb but unobtrusive music what's not to like? Easy to access from the south station exit. Worth missing your train for
Comedy Cellar every Tuesday from 8pm, Leeds' longest running and award winning free stand-up comedy night featuring established acts trying new material, first timers giving it a go and everything in between. You want a great night midweek that'll still have you in bed in time for work Wednesday morning, it's right here!
Fantastic little place. Amazing drinks, friendly staff and absolutely spot on music choices if you like alternative/rock type music. Absolutely loved the place. Interesting graffiti in the toilets as well if you fancy a laugh
Love this place! They might be the best cocktail bar in Leeds. Great staff with some real skills! 👌🏻
If you like rock music you will love this place.
Found the bar whilst looking for another a few weeks ago. I am so glad we did, we opened the door and the sound of rock music and the sweet smell of incense sticks burning greeted us and welcomed us. The staff were really good and friendly. The music was great and not to loud which is refreshing. So me and my missus didn't have to shout at each other when we were talking.
I would have stayed all night but we had a table booked at another bar and as we were leaving there were a group of musicians walking in so I presume there was music on later.
It is a place I am glad I found and I have and will recommend it.
Found the bar whilst looking for another a few weeks ago. I am so glad we did, we opened the door and the sound of rock music and the sweet smell of incense sticks burning greeted us and welcomed us. The staff were really good and friendly. The music was great and not to loud which is refreshing. So me and my missus didn't have to shout at each other when we were talking.
I would have stayed all night but we had a table booked at another bar and as we were leaving there were a group of musicians walking in so I presume there was music on later.
It is a place I am glad I found and I have and will recommend it.
Fantastic place with great music and even better cocktails , called in for one , ended up staying all night
Nice laid back place to spend time with friends and have a pint.If you like pizza you can also get half price off from the place next door if you tell them your drinking in the Hop.Only downside was it's cold so wrap up!!
Used to be great back when Mick and Chantel were running gigs, but has gone massively down hill lately. The drink prices are still extortionate, and the atmosphere has been ruined by the unreasonable bouncers and unfriendly bar staff who pick on groups. I understand the Merrion Street area has a bit of a reputation, but tarring all pub goers with the same brush and automatically assuming the worst is out of order. Avoid.
A great alternative bar in the heart of Leeds City Centre. Sadly my usual bars (Carpe Diem & Fab Cafe) closed down some years ago, but Santiago's is a great alternative. Bar staff are all very friendly and the music selection is en pointe!
Always a friendly reception here. Quite a large pub. Good selection of beers. Nice pizza and pies. It has outdoor seating too which is lovely in the summer. Looks over Granary Wharf.