Bars & Pubs
Leeds has one of the best pub and bar scenes in the UK, offering everything from historic alehouses and traditional boozers to trendy cocktail bars and lively late-night venues. Here’s a curated list of some of the best bars and pubs in Leeds, covering a range of vibes and styles:
🏛️ Traditional Pubs / Real Ale Gems
- The Templar Hotel
A proper historic pub with original 1920s interiors, real ales, friendly regulars, and great value pints. A Leeds institution. - Whitelock’s Ale House
Hidden down a narrow alley off Briggate, this Grade II listed pub dates back to 1715. Beautiful Victorian decor and an excellent selection of ales. - The Adelphi
A classic Victorian pub near the Tetley. Ornate wood panelling, tiled floors, and a fantastic cask ale selection make it a firm favourite. - The Lamb and Flag
Located by Leeds Minster, it has a lovely beer garden and a calm, upmarket pub feel. A great place for a Sunday pint. - The Grove Inn
A traditional pub just outside the city centre, known for its live folk music, warm atmosphere, and long-standing local charm.
🍺 Craft Beer & Modern Pubs
- North Bar
Often considered the first craft beer bar in the UK. A trailblazer with a rotating selection of local and international beers. Friendly, quirky vibe. - Friends of Ham
A hybrid bar and charcuterie spot. Great beers on tap (Belgian, British, German) paired with meat and cheese boards. Laid-back and stylish. - Tapped Leeds
On Boar Lane, offering 27 beers on tap and pizzas made fresh in-house. Modern, spacious, and beer-lover heaven. - The Cross Keys
Industrial-style gastropub in Holbeck, with craft beers and a solid food menu. Cosy yet contemporary. - Head of Steam (Park Row or Mill Hill)
Known for its wide craft selection, good music, and central location. Solid choice for groups.
🍸 Cocktail Bars & Late-Night Spots
- The Domino Club
Hidden behind a barber shop in the Grand Arcade, this is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with jazz, soul, and blues nights. One of the coolest venues in Leeds. - Below Stairs
An intimate, atmospheric cocktail bar with a creative menu and fantastic service. Ideal for a quieter, high-end experience. - The Alchemist (Trinity Leeds or Greek Street)
Famous for its theatrical cocktails. A little commercial, but fun for dates or a stylish start to the night. - Jake’s Bar
Longstanding favourite on Call Lane. Great range of cocktails and home-distilled spirits. Laid-back but lively. - The Maven
Another hidden cocktail bar, accessed via an unmarked door on Call Lane. Dark, classy, and good for small groups.
🎶 Lively Bars & Social Spots
- Belgrave Music Hall
Three floors of bars, food vendors (try Dough Boys Pizza), rooftop terrace, and live events. A cultural hub with craft beers and indie vibes. - Headrow House
Industrial chic with multiple bars, great rooftop terrace, and food from Ox Club. Known for its events and big night-out energy. - Call Lane Social
A staple of the Call Lane strip. Eclectic music, busy dancefloor, and plenty of shots. Upstairs is Tiki Hideaway for tropical drinks. - Mojo
Rock ‘n’ roll-themed bar with strong drinks, loud tunes, and late-night partying. Long-time Leeds party staple. - Brooklyn Bar
American-inspired bar on Call Lane. Casual vibe, good cocktails, and decent value. Also has a dancefloor later in the evening.
🌳 Best Beer Gardens & Rooftops
- The Original Oak (Headingley)
Huge outdoor beer garden popular with students and sports fans. Casual and classic. - The Mustard Pot (Chapel Allerton)
Family-friendly pub with a leafy beer garden, a bit outside the centre. Peaceful and relaxing in the summer. - Water Lane Boathouse
Lovely waterside pub with big outdoor seating and great pizzas. Relaxed vibe near Leeds Dock. - The Rooftop at East Parade Social
Ideal for after-work drinks with a view. Trendy, central, and always buzzing in the summer months. - Nation of Shopkeepers
Big courtyard, quirky interiors, and good burgers. Great for groups and outdoor chilling.
Honourable Mentions
- BrewDog Leeds – Great for craft beer lovers.
- Brudenell Social Club – A legendary venue in Hyde Park for live music and cheap pints.
- The Reliance – Gastro pub with its own cured meats and a loyal local crowd.
- The White Swan – Elegant pub next to Leeds Grand Theatre with excellent pre-show food and drink.
Cafes and Restaurants
Leeds has an incredibly vibrant food and café scene, catering to everything from quick coffee stops and brunch favourites to fine dining experiences and international cuisines. Here’s a curated list of the best cafés and restaurants in Leeds, broken down by category to help you find exactly what you’re looking for:
☕ Best Cafés in Leeds
1. Laynes Espresso – City Centre
A cult favourite among Leeds coffee lovers. Excellent espresso, perfectly poured flat whites, and a top-tier brunch menu. Compact and bustling.
2. House of Koko – Chapel Allerton
A stylish neighbourhood café serving artisan coffee, cakes, and small brunch plates. Known for its laid-back vibe and great playlists.
3. Mrs Atha’s – Central Leeds
Hip, atmospheric café with vintage decor and a strong commitment to great coffee, loose-leaf tea, and locally sourced food.
4. IF… Up North – Call Lane
Trendy spot for coffee, pancakes, and loaded brunch plates. The pulled pork hash and stacked pancakes are must-tries.
5. North Star Coffee Shop & General Store – Leeds Dock
Modern café by a local roaster. Minimalist space, exceptional coffee, and a small but high-quality menu of baked goods and seasonal plates.
6. FINT – Great George Street
Scandinavian-inspired café with a wellness-focused menu—think poached eggs, avocado, beetroot lattes, and minimalist interiors.
🍳 Best Brunch & Casual Eats
7. Grön Kafé – Oakwood & City Centre
Healthy, Scandi-style brunch spot with great vegan and veggie options. Instagram-worthy dishes in a calm, aesthetic space.
8. Wapentake – Kirrkgate
Yorkshire café-bar serving local produce, full English breakfasts, and a solid pint. Rustic charm and hearty food.
9. Moose Coffee – Sovereign Street
American-style breakfasts with giant stacks of pancakes, eggs, waffles, and bottomless coffee. Big portions and bold flavours.
10. Flour House – Headingley
An independent gem offering superb sourdough bread, pastries, toasties, and coffee. Small but mighty.
🍝 Best Restaurants in Leeds
🔥 Modern British & Fine Dining
11. The Man Behind the Curtain – Vicar Lane
Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Michael O’Hare. Avant-garde, artistic, and theatrical. Tasting menu only. Ideal for foodies and special occasions.
12. Ox Club – Headrow House
Wood-fired cooking at its best. Seasonal British ingredients, big flavours, and refined plates in an industrial setting.
13. HOME – Kirkgate
Contemporary fine dining in a stylish setting. British dishes with international influence. Tasting menus only.
14. The Reliance – North Street
Casual gastropub with its own charcuterie, great beer list, and a loyal local following. Warm, understated, and consistently excellent.
🍝 Italian
15. Sarto – Munro House
Trendy, modern pasta bar serving hand-made pasta and creative small plates. Great value for the quality.
16. Trattoria Il Forno – Horsforth
Authentic, family-run Italian with a traditional menu, wood-fired pizzas, and friendly atmosphere. A local gem.
17. Zucco – Meanwood
Stylish Italian small plates (cicchetti) in a lively setting. Ideal for sharing and trying a bit of everything.
🥢 Asian
18. Bundobust – Mill Hill
Indian street food and craft beer in a cool canteen-style setting. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly with bold, spicy flavours.
19. House of Fu – The Headrow
Trendy ramen and izakaya bar with fantastic noodles, small plates, and an underground karaoke bar.
20. Blue Sakura – Merrion Centre
All-you-can-eat sushi and pan-Asian food served via tablet ordering in a stylish setting. A hit with groups.
21. Little Tokyo – Central Leeds
Longstanding favourite for Japanese food. Cosy interiors with lanterns, koi ponds, and a huge selection of sushi and bento.
🌮 Mexican, Middle Eastern & More
22. Lupe’s Cantina Mexicana – Cardigan Road
Authentic, homely Mexican food with great tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas. Affordable and beloved by locals.
23. Habas – Greek Street
Modern Middle Eastern restaurant from the team behind Crafthouse and Angelica. Mezze, grilled meats, and cocktails.
24. The Swine That Dines – North Street
Tiny bistro with a seasonal, ever-changing menu. Quirky, unpretentious, and brilliant. Especially good for inventive small plates.
🥗 Vegan / Plant-Based
25. Wawin – Great George Street
All-vegan comfort food including loaded burgers, cauliflower wings, and fresh salads. Relaxed, clean interior.
26. Cantina – Belgrave Music Hall
Laid-back vegan canteen inside Belgrave. Great for street food-inspired dishes like loaded nachos and dirty fries.
27. Eat Your Greens – Kirkgate
Organic, plant-led dishes with a focus on seasonal produce. Ideal for brunch or light dinners with a healthy twist.
🍽️ Honourable Mentions
- Tharavadu – Top-rated South Indian restaurant with amazing dosas and Kerala-style dishes.
- Akbar’s – Classic Indian restaurant with giant naan bread and rich, spicy curries.
- The Tetley – Gallery, café, and restaurant in a converted brewery. Artsy and spacious.
- Fazenda – Upscale Brazilian rodizio dining with endless grilled meats and salad bar.
- Shears Yard – Inventive modern dining with excellent cocktails and seasonal dishes.
