Leeds is a damn great city to be a student in. In fact, it’s one of the top ten hardest partying in the UK.
But sometimes what you want isn’t a crazy night out or an amazing gig, but a stiff drink in a chic location.
Luckily for you, Leeds has plenty of great, out-of-the-way bars, and even more luckily, we’ve rounded up seven of the best for you right here.
Feast your eyes on these hidden gems, and then go and feast on their amazing selection of drinks.
Distrikt
Credit: District/Facebook
7 Duncan Street, LS1 6DQ
Distrikt is underground in every sense of the word. Set in a subterranean location on Duncan Street, Distrikt serves locally-sourced tapas in an unbelievably cool venue. With a massive and affordable cocktail menu to dig into as well, what’s not to love?
The Domino Club
Credit: The Domino Club Leeds/Facebook
Grand Arcade, LS1 6PG
If you want to feel as classy as you could possibly hope to feel in a bar, head down to The Domino Club for an authentic speakeasy vibe. With some amazing live jazz to enjoy and a swish, film-noir interior to lounge around in, you won’t find a swankier place to spend a night out in Leeds.
Tiki Hideaway
Credit: Tiki Hideaway/Facebook
38 Call Lane, LS1 6DT
Tiki Hideaway’s website describes them as ‘a 1950s inspired tropical slice of Tiki goodness for urban beachcombers’. Now if that doesn’t sound appealing we don’t know what is. Featuring tiki decorations and flaming cocktails aplenty, the Tiki Hideaway is one to don your terrible Hawaiian shirts for and pretend you’re not in cold Leeds.
Blind Tyger
Credit: Blind Tyger/Facebook
5 Cross Belgrave Street, LS2 8JP
You’d be forgiven for missing the entrance to Blind Tyger, as its hidden-away door is nestled above its sister bar Chida Cantina. Blind Tyger is perfect for a cosy evening in the warmth, with its intimate booths and mix of jazz and blues pumping over the sound system to keep you warm.
The Maven
Credit: The Maven/Facebook
1 Call Lane, LS1 7DH
Self-described as ‘Leeds’ most characteristic cocktail lounge’, this Prohibition-era haven can be found behind a hidden staircase and a set of doors decorated with its iconic big ‘M’. If you manage to find it, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated, uber-cool homage to the golden days of Prohibition, with smartly-dressed mixologists able to conjure up some incredible cocktails.
Whitelocks
Credit: MeganWoodyWoodward/Instagram
4 Turk’s Head Yard, LS1 6HB
This old-school ale house feels old-school for a reason: it’s actually the oldest pub in Leeds (founded in 1715). Head down Turk’s Head Yard alley to find this classic, cosy pub and restaurant, featuring a great selection of ales, ciders, wines and food for all occasions.
The Angel Inn
Credit: Angel Inn, Instagram
Off Land’s Lane, LS1 6LN
If you’ve never been lucky enough to go to a Sam Smith’s pub before, then we pity you. The Angel Inn is one of the best examples of the super-cheap, classic British chain, and it’s also one of its best hidden pubs. Nestled away in one of the alleys off Briggate, you can find its inconspicuous entrance leading to its series of wonders and the cheapest beer in the land.
