The Alchemist Leeds
£££·City Centre·Leeds Station
Bars
Cocktail bars, wine bars, and the best places to drink
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Tequila BarHidden Speakeasy
Domino Club
££·City Centre·Leeds Station
A hidden basement tequila and mezcal bar beneath Grand Arcade with Day of the Dead decor, margaritas that pack a punch, and a properly secretive speakeasy vibe.
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Craft BeerThe Pioneer
North Bar
££·New Briggate·Leeds Station
The bar that started the craft beer revolution in Leeds, well before it was fashionable. An ever-rotating selection of the best beers in the world, a knowledgeable team, and a no-nonsense atmosphere.
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Cocktail BarMixology
The Maven
£££·The Calls·Leeds Station
A sophisticated cocktail bar on Call Lane where the bartenders actually know their craft. Classic cocktails done properly, plus creative house originals that always land.
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Traditional PubOldest Pub in Leeds
Whitelock's
£·Turk's Head Yard·Leeds Station
Leeds' oldest pub, tucked down an alleyway since 1715. The etched mirrors, copper bar top, and genuine Victorian atmosphere make this a drinking experience that no modern bar can replicate.
Jazz BarLive Jazz
Roland's
££·City Centre·Leeds Station
A jazz and cocktail bar in the city centre that brings a touch of New Orleans to West Yorkshire. Live music, strong drinks, and an atmosphere you can sink into.
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Gastropub & BreweryNorth Bar Sibling
The Reliance
££·North Street·Leeds Station
A gastropub from the North Bar family with its own microbrewery, serving excellent seasonal food alongside superb beers. The Sunday roast is one of the best in Leeds, and the craft beer selection is predictably brilliant.
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Specialty CoffeeLeeds Roasters
North Star Coffee
£·New Station Street·Leeds Station
Leeds' award-winning specialty coffee roasters with a flagship cafe by the station. The filter coffee is exceptional, the espresso-based drinks are consistently dialled in, and the pastries are excellent.
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Rum BarTiki Bar
Outlaws Yacht Club
££·City Centre·Leeds Station
A New Briggate rum bar with a nautical theme, tropical cocktails, and a party atmosphere that starts early and finishes late. Tiki vibes, Leeds attitude.
Specialty CoffeeCoffee Pioneer
Laynes Espresso
£·New Station Street·Leeds Station
One of the original specialty coffee shops in Leeds, still serving some of the best espresso in the city. The tiny space near the station buzzes with commuters and coffee nerds in equal measure.
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Dive BarNatural Wine
Mean Eyes
£·City Centre·Leeds Station
A dive bar with serious intent on Lower Briggate. Natural wines, craft beers, and a playlist curated by people who genuinely love music. Wonderfully no-frills.
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Wine BarNatural Wine
Sela Bar
££·City Centre·Leeds Station
An intimate wine bar on New Briggate with a carefully curated list of natural and low-intervention bottles, plus small plates that pair beautifully.
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Traditional PubReal Ales
The Cross Keys
£·The Calls·Leeds Station
A proper traditional pub on Water Lane with excellent real ales, a warm welcome, and the kind of honest atmosphere that chain bars will never replicate.
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Creative BarCreative Hub
Duke Studios Bar
£·City Centre·Leeds Station
The bar inside Leeds' coolest creative co-working space. Craft beer, good coffee, and a crowd of designers and freelancers making this Sheaf Street spot properly buzzy.