Farrands is Leeds most underrated hidden gem serving up carefully curated signature cocktails from their in-house team. The drinks change every six months to reflect the different seasons and ingredients available. They haven’t forgotten about the classics here either with a whole page dedicated to their interpretation of the most famous recipes. 

The lemongrass, lime and chilli infused bloody Mary and the indulgent Black Velvet set the bar for classic cocktail making. There is even a selection of tiny tipples to create the perfect cocktail flight. 

Don’t miss their year round terrace that is warm in the winter and has the roof open during the summer!

Have to try: Tart Cherry Negroni
Perfect for: Drinks on the terrace
Approx price for 2 people: £11 classic, £12 signatures

One of Leeds most famous faces in the bar scene. Filippos Filippopoulos opened up his own aperitivo café bar with a spot that wouldn’t look out of place in the Med with service to match. Mixing his Greek roots with the local culture, Tabula Rasa’s cocktail menu is not to be missed. 

The name itself means “blank slate” and showcases elevated cocktails handcrafted from scratch using high quality spirits. For those who like their drinks a little more alcohol forward, there are plenty of options on both the signature and classic menus with some prepared in front of you with theatrics. Dante’s Inferno created with absinthe is one eye-catching flaming spectacle.

Have to try: Their famous Irish Coffee
Perfect for: Relaxing in a sophisticated setting
Approx price for 2 people: £10-£12 per cocktail

Head down the stairs into this low lit sophisticated intimate hideaway and sample some of the best cocktails in Yorkshire. This bar is dedicated to sustainability and aims to use minimal waste in their refined cocktail making. 

Settle in with their complimentary welcome shot as you peruse the menus designed to tell stories through drink and often include interactive elements. The menus are often extensive and filled with experimental drinks, so they tend to stick around and change them less frequently than other spots. The current offering focuses on Small Joys such as treats, nature and moments, as well as their take on the classics. 

Cigarettes After Sex is one highlight blending smoked whiskey with strawberry and chocolate. They serve it with a faux cigarette incense stick on the side for good measure.

Have to try: Bread and Butter where the vodka has been infused with buttered bread
Perfect for: A cosy date night
Approx price for 2 people: £13-£14 per cocktail

80’s Disco meets pan-Asian flavours.  PCL as it is affectionately known, is the place to go for all of your throwback 80s anthems. They’re offering disco themed cocktails and a delicious street food menu of Japanese small plates, dim sum and baos. It serves as either a great place to start your Leeds night out or end as they have the tunes blasting out until the small hours. 

The cocktails are usually named after hit records or pop culture and most feature Asian inspired flavours and ingredients. You can’t usually go wrong with anything you try here but the must do is Bangkok Has Him Now. This is a unique blend of tequila, rum, coconut cream, coriander, ginger, basil and pineapple that is fragrant, moreish and boozy!

Have to try: The bright and fabulous Disco Highballs
Perfect for: Drinking fun cocktails with friends singing along to funky tunes
Approx price for 2 people: £11-£13 per cocktail

A vibrant Mexican inspired dive bar serving up all things tequila and mezcal alongside tasty burritos and tacos. Think skull décor, bright colours, great music, fun bartenders, casual vibes and a very extensive tequila collection. The menu features Margs galore as well as a variety of their own creations using tequila.

For something different try the Shokolahtl loaded with chocolate infused tequila, coffee and crème de cacao. As well as a solid regular menu, they are always creating limited edition seasonal specials so keep an eye out for those on their social media pages. 

Have to try: Neon Cactus Margarita- it’s what they are known for
Perfect for: Tequila and mezcal lovers
Approx price for 2 people: £11-£13 per cocktail

Jake’s needs no introduction as one of Call Lane’s most legendary spots. Even though they are a late night bar, they have always created amazing interesting cocktails in their own mini still room. 

The bar produces their own shrubs, liqueurs and bitters as the base for their evolving cocktail menus. Go in open minded and be pleasantly surprised by the combinations that they put together. If you love the classic Espresso Martini then try their version Ten Banane infused with banana, chocolate and rum! By day it is a cosy chilled underground hangout that comes alive at night with live DJ spinning the party tunes of the 00’s.

Have to try: The monthly specials board to seek out some hidden gems
Perfect for: Cocktails in a club environment
Approx price for 2 people:  £11-£13 per cocktail

The Maven is a prohibition style speakeasy bar serving up hand crafted high quality cocktails using local ingredients. The bartenders expertly create each menu, focusing on the best of what each season has to offer. 

The current menu explores recognisable everyday flavours choosing two cocktails to represent each one. Synergy to showcase classic combinations, and Surprise pairing the ingredient with an unexpected flavour pairing. 

They also offer a cocktail tasting experience consisting of 5 small cocktails paired with 5 snacks and each one tells a story to the theme of the menu. The current one focuses on famous figures throughout history who were also known for loving an alcoholic beverage or two. 

Have to try: Melon X Parmesan- bringing the savoury aspect of a Margarita to the forefront
Perfect for: Sampling craft cocktails
Approx price for 2 people: £11-£14 per cocktail, £35 per person for the tasting experience

If you want a late night spot with some epic R&B, Reggae and Hip Hop tunes then this is the place to be after 4pm. During the day, it brings more of a disco vibe and a place to catch up with friends under the pretty aesthetics over brunch and one of their famous cocktail trees. 

The cocktail menu is pretty cool too with a good mix of light sweet and refreshing options as well as some drinks on the stronger side. For something in the middle try The Paddington, a sparkling mix of citrus and marmalade gin served with a cute garnish of marmalade toast.

Have to try: Apple Pie- the warming flavours of spiced apple pie all year round
Perfect for: Late night partying
Approx price for 2 people: Average £13 per cocktail, 2 for 1 at select times

Bringing the fiesta to Leeds is this Mexican inspired tequila hang out that has been part of the city’s bar scene for 15 years. The menu is filled with unique creations as well as classic cocktails made with tequila as the main ingredient. 

In summer the frozen margaritas come out in force and they are not to be missed on a hot day. For the diehard tequila and mezcal fans, there are shot boards to experiment with all of the different brands. 

There are comedy nights, live music and DJs regularly to keep you entertained. Don’t miss the free nachos with every drink purchased before 9pm

Have to try: Yuzu Paloma- citrusy and refreshing
Perfect for: Late night margaritas
Approx price for 2 people: £10-£12 per cocktail, happy hour at select times

If you want to try something completely different, then this underground bar is for you. Follow the neon lighting down the stairs where a quirky sexy themed bar with very adult décor awaits. This place definitely brings the fun with loud funky music and a very welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. 

The cocktail menu is like something out of a Playboy magazine with risqué themed cocktails to match the vibe of the bar. Look out for the various gimmicks in the bar such as the old school phones to call and chat to other tables

Have to try: Thrice Bitten- frozen, tart and refreshing
Perfect for: Drinks in a uniquely themed environment
Approx price for 2 people: £12-£13 per cocktail