Best Rooftop Bars In Leeds

• Location: Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds City Centre, LS2 8JP
• Price: ££
• For views of: Merion Street, the Grand Theatre and Opera House 
• Booking tip: make sure to book ahead on a night with live music 
• Why I recommend: I think that there's a great atmosphere that comes with Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, especially on its roof terrace. It's a great place to pop by for a slice from Doug Boys, a craft beer, and perhaps even some entertainment. This is a venue that's hosted everyone from Fontaines D.C. to Father John Misty, alongside comedy nights, film screenings, and art events

With three floors of live music, modern art and street food, Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen is something of a social butterfly. Plus, its fourth-floor rooftop garden is guaranteed to be abuzz with sun-seekers and day drinkers when the weather is toasty. Set in a former 1930s children's hall, it's evolved into one of Leeds' most loved hangouts.

You've got Dough Boys slinging out hand-stretched pizza by the slice (expect everything from simple margheritas to more inventive combos like mushroom with ricotta and pesto or spicy sausage with pickled chillies). Then there's Patty's Burgers, turning out proper smash burgers loaded with cheddar, pickles, and house sauce, plus stacked fries topped with pancetta, pecorino, or sriracha mayo. Wash everything down with local craft beers, solid cask ales, and frozen cocktails for when the sun hits.

• Location: 2 Sovereign Street, The Calls, LS1 4DA
• Price: £££
• For views of: Sovereign Park Square, The Calls 
• Booking tip: reserve in advance for dinner and get a spot near the window 
• Why we recommend: I think AZOTEA is just as good for a laid-back afternoon with a couple of small plates and something citrusy in hand as it is for an evening with friends, working through the menu and settling in as the DJs turn things up. Especially as the sun dips and the terrace fills up, it becomes a place you suggest when you want to impress

Perched high above the city on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place & Hyatt House at Sovereign Square, AZOTEA brings a shot of Latin American heat to the Leeds skyline. Inside, hacienda-style interiors set the tone, along with DJ-led playlists and Latin rhythms.

The menu is a celebration of Latin America's diversity, drawing inspiration from over 30 countries and designed with sharing at its core. You'll find everything from zesty ceviches and tuna tiradito to smoky grilled prawns with cascabel chilli butter and anticucho de pulpo - skewers of octopus and bacon glazed with pasilla and ají verde. Cocktails are central to the experience, with a menu that spans the continent, featuring tequila, mezcal, cachaça, and Caribbean rum. Expect everything from tropical, fruit-laced signatures to crisp, refreshing serves like the Toronja or a Garden Margarita. 

• Location: 27 Park Cross Street, Leeds City Centre, LS1 2QH
• Price: ££
• For views of: Leeds City Centre, Park Square
• Booking tip: hire in advance for a private party, or head up early on a sunny day for its happy hour 
• Why we recommend: I love Rooftop Social for its lineup of events and laid-back atmosphere. It's a great place to visit with your friends if you're looking to dance to music, enjoy some affordable drinks, and watch the world go by below 

Rooftop Social is one of Leeds' most easygoing high-rise hangouts. Thanks to its heated and sheltered terrace, it's a year-round option, while summer sees the space come into its own with a livelier calendar of outdoor-focused events.

You'll find well-executed staples like pornstar martinis, piña coladas and espresso tonics, alongside a rotation of frozen cocktails designed for sunnier days. The frozen mango margarita brings a sharp, citrusy kick balanced with sweet tropical fruit, while the strawberry daiquiri leans into a refreshing, slushy finish. What's more, you can enjoy 2-4-£14 on house favourites on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 4pm and 6pm. 

• Location: Granary Wharf, Temple, LS1 4BR
• Price: £££
• For views of: River Aire, Leeds station
• Booking tip: book ahead for weekends, especially for brunch or sunset drinks on the terrace
• Why we recommend: I feel like this one's fit for polished cocktails with proper panoramic views. Floor-to-ceiling glass and a heated outdoor terrace mean you're never far from the skyline, whether you're settling in for a long brunch or just dropping by for a couple of cocktails

Situated on the 13th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, SkyLounge Leeds is undoubtedly one of the most popular rooftop cocktail bars in Leeds. Expect everything from boozy bottomless brunches to afternoon tea and evening drinks, all with a stunning backdrop of the city. The terrace is a big draw: heated, open-air, and ideal for those rare sunny days or crisp evenings when you still want to be outside.

Sip on the likes of the fruit-forward Elderberry Fusion with gin, raspberry and elderflower, or the Sky Garden mixing passionfruit and cucumber for something fresh. If you want something richer, drinks like the Banoffee Pie (banana rum, vanilla cream) or the espresso-laced Asiatico are for you. 

• Location: 8 Otley Road, Headingley, LS6 2AD
• Price: ££
• For views of: Headingley High Street 
• Booking tip: weekends and match days get busy quickly, so book ahead if you want guaranteed rooftop seating
• Why we recommend: Box Headingley benefits from its position in Headingley's student-and-Otley-Run ecosystem, meaning it consistently delivers a lively crowd. I think it can handle sport, pre-drinks, and group socials this seamlessly, and its 2-4-1 cocktail offers on the likes of Cherry Cola and the spiced rum-based Cool Runnings should definitely be made the most of 

BOX Headingley just levelled up your sports-watching experience with its brand-new rooftop space. Catch the biggest games under the open sky, soak up the British summertime vibes, and enjoy an unbeatable atmosphere with a drink in hand.

Whether you're here for the thrill of the match, a laid-back afternoon with friends, or just a spot to unwind after a long leg of the Otley Run, this rooftop is where you want to be. With ice-cold pints, fresh pizza, and plenty of seating, it's the perfect place to sit back, relax, and cheer on your team in style.

• Location: Level 1, Trinity, Briggate, LS1 6HW
• Price: ££-£££
• For views of: Briggate and The Calls
• Booking tip: make sure to ask for the terrace or a window seat when booking in advance 
• Why we recommend: if you're on the hunt for a rooftop bar, I think that Leeds Trinity's The Alchemist has got you covered. It's a really fun spot to sit high above the city centre with some drinks that'll dazzle - you have to see them to believe them: they come smoking, glowing, and bubbling

With a menu of theatrical cocktails and a gawp-worthy alfresco seating area, The Alchemist Leeds Trinity easily boasts some of the best outdoor drinking and dining. Opt for a creative tipple and watch the sunset as you tuck into international dishes. Under parasoles, surrounded by foliage and elegant patio sets, enjoy some impressive drinks with your friends or on a date. 

Favourites include the famous Colour Changing One, made with Ketel One Vodka, apple, soda and 'magic'; Bong Voyage, with Tanqueray gin, mango and lime; the Bacardi Caribbean spiced rum-based Cosmic Conch; and the Smokey Old Fashioned. 

• Location: Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds City Centre, LS1 6HW
• Price: £££
• For views of: Leeds city centre
• Booking tip: book around sunset for the best experience, as the terrace is at its strongest during golden hour and early evening
• Why we recommend: I really enjoy the soft aesthetic of this Leeds rooftop and the fact that it's covered and heated for year-round use, but still open enough to keep that skyline connection. I find that seasonal cocktails, curated wines and easy-to-navigate serves complement the pace of the venue

Right opposite the historic Holy Trinity church, the CrowdedHouse rooftop gives you unbeatable views across the city. With covered and heated areas, it's the ideal spot for a sunset spritz, sunshine breakfast or cocktail by candlelight, whatever the weather.

Whether you're here for a long, laid-back lunch, a post-work drink or a late-night party, the stunning skyline will quickly give you a head for heights. There's plenty of great food and booze to go with your views, from oysters, small plates, steaks and snacks to fine wines, bubbles and craft beer.

• Location: 37 Call Lane, The Calls, LS1 7BT
• Price: ££
• For views of: The Calls, River Aire
• Booking tip: swing by earlier in the evening if you want a more relaxed rooftop moment, because later on, it's all about the party
• Why we recommend: a fun and colourful fairground-themed party palace, Cuckoo is also home to a secret rooftop bar in Leeds. Accessed via a surreal potting shed, this patio is the perfect place for an afternoon cocktail or to cool off after sweating it out on the dancefloor

If you're after subtle, this isn't it. Cuckoo Leeds is loud and colourful, and its hidden rooftop terrace follows suit. Tucked away and accessed through a slightly surreal potting shed, it feels like stumbling into a secret garden. While the main venue draws inspiration from glitter, graffiti, and carousel horses, the rooftop offers a breather

The cocktails are super playful, like the Quackiri (served with a rubber ducky), candyfloss-topped concoctions, or the Marshmallow Martini finished with a toasted topping. If you're in a group, the oversized sharers are a big part of the fun, served in everything from parrots to disco-style vessels. There's also a generous streak here: free pizza with drinks before 9pm is a crowd-pleaser.

• Location: 1 Church Row, The Calls, LS2 7HD
• Price: ££
• For views of: a leafy courtyard garden and an elevated balcony overlooking the city streets
• Booking tip: Sundays get busy, so book ahead if you're going for a roast, or arrive early to nab a good outdoor spot
• Why we recommend: I love how, at this pub, outside, you've got a spacious courtyard beer garden that's a go-to in summer, plus an upstairs balcony that gives you that slightly elevated, tucked-away feel

The Lamb and Flag is a local hotspot when it comes to grabbing a drink in the fresh air. Not only does the historic pub offer a range of craft brews and an impressive Sunday roast, but it also has a large beer garden and upstairs balcony area. The building itself has real character - restored from a crumbling 19th-century shell into something warm and inviting, with exposed brick, big windows, and a laid-back atmosphere.

There's a strong lineup of Leeds Brewery beers alongside craft options, lagers, and a well-stocked wine list if you're in the mood for something lighter. Come for midday lunch, and tuck into the likes of ciabatta sandwiches, flatbreads, and pub staples like beer-battered fish goujons or steak with caramelised onions. 

• Location: 36 Wellington Street, Leeds City Centre, LS1 2DE
• Price: ££
• For views of: the city centre
• Booking tip: it's walk-in friendly, but get there early on sunny days
• Why we recommend: if you want space, sunshine, and a proper social, then I think Green Room Leeds delivers. Home to one of the largest rooftop terraces in the city, it's an urban spot that gets busy when the sun's out and serves some really good drinks and brunches 

Featuring a cafe, vegan restaurant, events space and a massive rooftop, The Green Room is ideal for soaking up the sun and is a favourite rooftop bar in Leeds city centre. If that wasn't enough, there are also open-air music sessions and BBQs when the weather's right. Then, when the seasons change, so does the space. The rooftop transforms into a covered, heated Winter Garden.

Food is handled by rotating street food and resident chefs (currently Bastards Bistro), so expect crowd-pleasing brunches, stacked lunches, and solid Sunday roasts. Drinks are all about spritzes, margaritas, pints, and bottles of wine for the table.

• Location: 19a The Headrow, Leeds City Centre, LS1 6PU
• Price: ££
• For views of: Leeds city centre 
• Booking tip: head up early on sunny days - space fills quickly when the weather hits
• Why we recommend: I believe this is one of the most complete rooftop venues in Leeds; two terraces, a serious food offering from Ox Club, and a music-led atmosphere that gives it cultural weight as well as drinking appeal on a bright, sunny day 

Spread across four floors of a former textile mill, Headrow House is home to two gorgeous rooftops, perfect for enjoying a little outdoor drinking and dining in the summer months. And when the weather isn't on your side? Downstairs, the venue has serious credentials. There's a large beer hall pouring unpasteurised Pilsner straight from tank to glass, plus a steady rotation of DJs, club nights, and live gigs curated by local promoters.

Food is a big plus too, thanks to the team behind Ox Club, a Michelin Guide-recommended kitchen housed on-site. Alongside their more refined grill offering, you'll now find a more casual menu of loaded kebabs and 'stuff on chips'.

• Location: St Johns House, Merrion St, Leeds City Centre, LS2 8JE
• Price: ££
• For views of: Merrion Street 
• Booking tip: reserve the rooftop terrace for groups, especially in summer when BBQ packages are in full swing
• Why we recommend: Parkside Tavern is part of a well-designed ecosystem of games, group spaces and flexible hire options, making it the perfect place for large groups to drink, eat and do something all in one. Plus, a great range of beers on tap doesn't hurt

One of the best rooftop bars Leeds has to offer, Parkside Tavern is well worth a visit. The terrace is a functional, lively space designed for groups, with plenty of room to spread out, drink in hand, and settle in for the long haul. In the warmer months, it has an addition of BBQ packages.

Inside, it's just as geared towards good times. There are 18 beer lines, a solid cocktail and wine offering, and a menu built for sharing (pulled pork nachos, pizzas, platters). The games room. complete with American pool tables, darts and shuffleboard, adds another layer, making it ideal for groups looking to unwind together. 

• Location: 39 Call Lane, Leeds City Centre, LS1 7BT
• Price: ££
• For views of: it's a tucked-away rooftop suntrap above Call Lane
• Booking tip: the rooftop only holds around 30, so it's best booked for groups 
• Why we recommend: Roland's is a well-respected cocktail bar that's earned its place in The Top 50 Cocktail Bars guide. I like it as it's one for the spirit lovers, as well as mixology enthusiasts. The Margarita Verde, with chilli-infused pico tequilana blanco, triple sec, cucumber syrup and citrus is a real highlight 

Roland's hidden rooftop is found by following a staircase from the courtyard, where you'll uncover a sun-trap space for up to 30 people. Kitted out for all weather, with a tipi covering in winter and views of the sky come summer, this one is a beauty.

Inside, the bar has real credentials, having been recognised among the UK's top cocktail venues, and that shows in the depth of the drinks programme. There's a strong whisky focus (with over 70 bottles ranging from Scotch to Japanese and American whiskey), alongside a cocktail list that's classic but precise.