Best Bars near The Core

The Lost & Found Leeds Club is a captivating cocktail bar and restaurant set within a beautifully restored Grade II-listed building in Leeds city centre. Combining Victorian-era grandeur with eclectic, cozy interiors, it offers a vibrant atmosphere for dining, drinking, and events. Known for its creative cocktails, seasonal British and global cuisine, and multiple private function spaces, this venue is ideal for celebrations, casual nights out, or stylish gatherings.

North Bar, located at 24 New Briggate in Leeds, is one of the UK’s original craft beer bars, established in 1997. Known for its extensive selection of imported craft beers from Europe and the US, it offers a cozy, atmospheric setting with mellow brown interiors and framed photos. Open daily from midday, it serves quality drinks including renowned Bloody Marys and Tequila Verdita, attracting beer lovers and a diverse crowd.

Headrow House occupies a revitalized 1900s textile mill in central Leeds, spanning four floors with a vast beer hall featuring unpasteurized Pilsner tanks, the Michelin Guide-recognized Ox Club grill restaurant, live music events space, and two rooftop terraces offering skyline panoramas. This multi-level venue buzzes with craft beers, seasonal grilled dishes like North Sea langoustines and Swaledale lamb, creative cocktails, and regular DJs, club nights, and performances in a historic industrial setting fully accessible by lift.

Tucked away in Turk's Head Yard off Briggate, Whitelock's Ale House stands as Leeds' oldest surviving public house, licensed since 1715. This Grade II*-listed gem boasts a remarkably preserved Victorian interior from 1895, featuring ornate mirrors, polished metalwork, stained glass, and faience tiling that evoke a bygone era. A haven for ale enthusiasts, it offers up to nine real ales on tap, including regulars like Kirkstall Pale Ale and Timothy Taylor Landlord alongside rotating guest brews from local breweries. Locally sourced home-cooked pub classics fuel daytime crowds, while the shared courtyard garden provides outdoor seating with heaters. Poet John Betjeman dubbed it 'the very heart of Leeds,' capturing its enduring allure amid the city's hustle.

Be At One on Greek Street in Leeds is a lively cocktail bar known for its extensive menu of over 100 expertly crafted cocktails, energetic atmosphere, and unbeatable happy hour deals. Located in the city centre, it offers a buzzing nightlife experience with music, dancing, and a welcoming vibe ideal for celebrations and social gatherings.

Located at 12 Greek Street in the heart of Leeds city centre, The Lost & Found is a vibrant bar and restaurant known for its eclectic décor, inventive cocktails, and globally inspired cuisine. With a lively atmosphere from midday through late night, it offers everything from casual lunches and bottomless brunches to evening drinks and private event spaces. Its unique blend of vintage charm and contemporary style makes it a popular spot for socialising and celebrations.

Blind Tyger is a refined, intimate cocktail bar tucked above street level in Leeds city centre. With a prohibition-era inspired aesthetic, it offers expertly crafted cocktails in a relaxed, dimly lit setting ideal for date nights and quiet conversations. Known for its unique drink infusions and welcoming atmosphere, this hidden gem blends vintage charm with modern mixology sophistication.

MOJO Leeds, located at 18 Merrion Street, is a vibrant cocktail bar renowned for its unique blend of New York dive bar style, eclectic rock ’n’ roll soundtrack, and expertly crafted cocktails. Since opening in 1996, MOJO has become a cornerstone of Leeds’ nightlife, offering a lively atmosphere with late-night hours, a dedicated Rhum Room, and a menu featuring both classic and modern drinks alongside bar snacks.

Below Stairs is a sophisticated, table-service cocktail bar tucked away in Leeds city centre, known for its expertly crafted drinks and intimate, quirky atmosphere. Accessible only by descending a flight of stairs, this bar offers a cozy, relaxed setting where friendly staff serve innovative cocktails inspired by sensory stories, alongside craft beers and small-vineyard wines. With its stylish interior and late-night hours on weekends, it’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a unique experience in Leeds.

Mean-Eyed Cat Bar in Leeds is a Deep South-inspired dive bar paying homage to Johnny Cash, offering legendary cocktails, free 6-inch pizzas with every drink, and a lively party atmosphere. Open late every night, it features the famous 'Roll The Dice' game where rolling a six means free drinks. Located on Merrion Street in Leeds city centre, this bar blends rebellious rock ’n’ roll spirit with a fun, casual vibe perfect for after-work drinks or late-night celebrations.