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Below Stairs — intimate cocktail bar in Leeds city centre

A moody, speakeasy-style cocktail bar beneath South Parade — small tables, considered cocktails and an intimate basement vibe.

4.8

A moody, speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked beneath South Parade in Leeds city centre, Below Stairs serves carefully crafted, story-led cocktails in a dim, candlelit basement with low ceilings, plush booths and a relaxed table-service vibe. Expect premium ingredients, knowledgeable staff and a compact menu that favours inventive mixed drinks over loud nightlife theatrics.

A brief summary to Below Stairs

  • 12 S Parade, Leeds, LS1 5QS, GB
  • +447810177836
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Friday 5 pm-1 am
  • Saturday 2 pm-1 am
  • Sunday 3 pm-11 pm

Local tips

  • Book a table in advance for weekend evenings; the small basement layout fills quickly and booking secures a booth.
  • Ask staff about the drink stories — the menu is designed around sensory themes and the team can tailor choices to your preferences.
  • Wear sensible shoes for the stairs and expect lower ceilings and compact seating; mobility constraints may make the basement layout challenging.
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Below Stairs location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Below Stairs

A hidden basement bar with a clear concept

Below Stairs occupies a cellar-level space beneath South Parade, its name a literal hint of the descent you make to reach the bar. The atmosphere is intentionally low-lit and intimate: low ceilings, exposed brick and close-set seating give the interior a tucked-away, speakeasy feeling. Rather than a rowdy late-night club, the venue presents as a grown-up cocktail room where conversation and craft take priority.

How the cocktails tell stories

The drinks menu is central to the bar’s identity. Cocktails are presented as crafted experiences, often with a short narrative or sensory cue to guide your choice rather than relying only on technical ingredients. Expect seasonal produce, house-made syrups and precise presentation — drinks arrive balanced and thoughtful, designed to be sipped rather than downed. A modest selection of draught beers and small-bottle wines complements the cocktail-led offering.

Interior character and seating

Seating is a mix of padded booths clustered around candlelit tables and more compact chairs and stools near the bar. The furnishings favour a slightly worn, eclectic look that matches the basement character — cosy corners, pillars and booths create semi-private pockets ideal for dates or quiet groups. The trade-off is that some chairs are compact and the space can feel snug when busy, which adds to the bar’s closeness rather than offering expansive comfort.

Sound, light and the overall mood

Music is kept at a level that allows conversation; playlists lean toward warm, modern jazz, downtempo and atmospheric tracks rather than chart-heavy club beats. Lighting is soft and amber-hued — candles and low lamps produce pools of light across tabletops while leaving the periphery shadowy. The sensory effect is calming and slightly theatrical, making the venue feel like a private room for evenings rather than an all-night dance space.

Service style and small details

Service is table-led and person-focused: staff describe cocktails, offer recommendations and often present small tastings or explain elements of a drink’s construction. The team’s approach emphasises hospitality and knowledge; accompaniments such as olives or small snacks may be available to order. Practical details — compact toilets and a basement layout — reflect the building’s age and character rather than modern, expansive facilities.

Best-suited occasions and what to expect

Below Stairs works best for intimate evenings, date nights, anniversary drinks or relaxed small-group catch-ups where conversation and cocktail craft are the priorities. It’s not aimed at high-energy clubbing; instead it offers a composed, carefully styled experience built around distinctive drinks and a quietly theatrical basement setting.

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