Leeds is well-known for its vibrant nightlife scene, but the city also happens to play host to some of the most beautiful bars around; from striking architecture to panoramic rooftop views and enough neon lights to last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to sip cocktails with your gang SATC style, or a special date night destination, check out our top picks of the most beautiful bars in Leeds. Because if it’s not on the ‘gram, did it even happen?
Be At One Boar Lane's recently opened weekend basement is the perfect place to continue your night after a few alfresco drinks in their beer garden. Decorated with eye-popping primary colours, the cosy booths are the perfect place to explore the extensive cocktail menu before hitting the tiles. Sashay away.
For an Instagrammble venue in Leeds, check out the floral decor, pretty interiors and outdoor terrace at The Botanist. The heavenly haunt also whips up signature cocktails to match - think pineapple and blood orange sours and pornstar martinis.
With vibrant interiors, floral decor and colourful cocktails, Slug and Lettuce is up there for pretty bars in Leeds. Head here for a few date night cocktails or a bottomless brunch with pals and you'll see for yourself that it's not just a pretty face.
The Alchemist is a sleek, golden haunt with a menu of unique cocktails that come to life before your eyes. Encouraging its guests to capture every moment, the bar's signature mixes are sure to fizz, pop, bubble and smoke in luxurious fashion.
Stepping inside The Lost & Found feels like stepping inside an exclusive private members club. Set in a Grade II listed building, this city centre cocktail bar is decked out with boujee velvet soft furnishings and antique artwork. Their renowned boozy bottomless brunch is one to remember (or not...). Plus, you can check out the Greek Street location too.
Found within Hotel Indigo in the city centre, The Banksia Restaurant And Bar is a top choice for drinks with friends, date night or just because. This cool space features luscious foliage and pretty pink furnishings, with a refined but colourful look overall.
Their unique cocktails range from a herby Good Thymes to the Violet Delight, and they've got an extensive wine list to boot. There's an all day menu of Mediterranean dishes like spiced lamb rump, king scallops and caramelised cauliflower, and they even do bottomless brunches too.
Set in a grand 1890s building that once regularly hosted debutantes and railway barons, The Met stakes a claim to being one of the city's best looking bars. Its cocktail creations are just as eye catching.
Pull up a pew here and you can tuck into lemon drops, negronis, martinis and signature creations like the Yorkshire Triangle. There's plenty more on the drinks list to indulge in, from craft beers and gins to fabulously fine wines.
The group's second location in the north, Dirty Martini is one of the most stylish bars in Leeds. Decked out in metallic interiors with Art-Deco elements, this late-night bar is the perfect place to drink and dance your weekend away (and with regular happy hours it won't break the bank either).
Cuckoo promises a night like no other with their fairground themed late-night bar. Complete with a giant wall-mounted pegasus, secret roof terrace and kitsch teapot cocktails, this gorgeous Leeds bar will see you through from after-work drinks, right up until their 4am closing time.
A Leeds institution for students and young professionals alike, Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen is a one-stop-shop for your weekend plans. The independent venue plays host to a plethora of live music and exhibitions, as well as serving up delicious street food. Spend your summer taking in the views whilst you sip on frozen cocktails on the laid back roof terrace.
Known for their show-stopping pornstar martini cocktail trees, The Liquorist is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion (and capture it all for your Insta, of course). Located on Greek Street, the team also run regular gin masterclasses - classrooms never looked so good.
Secret bar Blind Tyger is a broody drinking den, serving up a selection of classic and contemporary cocktails. With intimate booths and table service, it's the perfect Leeds date night venue. Alternatively, take part in one of their regular cocktail masterclasses for a boozy birthday celebration.
