Located in Leeds’ vibrant Northern Quarter, well known Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen is one of the city’s best live music venues. Combine it with a nice bar and restaurant area, top it with a spectacular roof terrace - the result is one of the best places to spend a characteristic Leeds evening.
Belgrave offers all the socialising and entertainment opportunities spread over three floors: the first floor venue with its capacity of 300 welcomes all kinds of gigs, with a focus on local newcomers while they’ve also seen the likes of more renowned artists such as Royal Blood. Check their website for regular film screenings, art exhibitions, or comedy performances. Definitely providing artists and performers with a unique new platform in one of the UK’s most creative cities.
They serve fresh, canteen style food, together with an amazing beer selection. Just perfect for a snack: hand stretched pizza by the slice. Ingredients are fresh and, where possible, sourced from local producers. You can always count on several delicious varieties with vegetarian and vegan options always available. The burgers are also awesome especially if you pair them with session fries. Also check out Belgrave's regular street food events.
Radisson Blu is always a great hotel choice when in Leeds as the city is so condensed that nearly everything is in walking distance. Definitely a plus. The hotel is also just around the corner of sightseeing spots such as Town Hall, Leeds Cathedral, and Leeds University (The Refectory) and an ideal base camp for record shopping. The breakfast is scrumptious.
Santiago is all about Rock music. One of the best venues for having some drinks while listening to tunes from a broad range from Metal to Classic Rock and Hard Rock. On some evenings, they are also host to live performances.
In Merrion Street you'll be spoiled in terms of bars in direct neighbourhood. Try MOJO with its amazing Rock ’n’ Roll and Americana memorabilia. The music ranges from the sounds of the 60s to Hard Rock classics and current Rock.
Verve is all about live music and good times. Serving beers and cocktails indoors and in the spacious outdoor seating area. Enjoy an intimate and unpretentious evening. Open until late on weekends.
A tiny bar in vintage décor. Combined with a jukebox and a broad range of drinks - that's Wax Bar and Jukejoint. For a more relaxed feel while listening to Indie and Rock tunes from record or DJ.
Indie, Punk, Emo, to Metal and Alternative - this is the place for a Rock night out. Dance until late or attend one of the intimate live concerts taking place in the venue within. The Key Club is one of the best night clubs around town.
Jumbo Records is a centrally located, independent record shop with a huge range of vinyl and CDs. Running for decades now, it is a real paradise especially if you are an enthusiast of old stuff or current vinyl. There are loads of records to browse. Jumbo covers the whole spectrum of Rock, Indie, and Pop to Dance, Jazz, and much more. Also strongly supporting local artists and newcomers.
While new records are all well and good, sometimes you need a place that specialises in the best of the past - independent Relics Records is one of them, with plenty of original pressings of classic records. No matter your taste, you’ll find something.
This is the place when you are fond of heavier music. May it be Punk or all variations of Heavy Metal - this intimate live music venue is all about a great gig experience.
Leeds University, really? Yes, it's not only a place to study, but also to enjoy live music in three different venues, with The Refectory the most popular one. Situated in the heart of the campus, it hosted legendary performances since the 60s such as Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. The venue is highly renowned for The Who live album Live at Leeds which was recorded there.
Brudenell Social Club is a non-profit community and live music venue northwest of Leeds city centre. It is a centrepiece of the local music scene and most famous for hosting secret gigs for bands like Franz Ferdinand, British Sea Power, and Kaiser Chiefs. It is owned and run by members, for members.
The arrival of this first large-capacity venue was undoubtedly long-overdue. Before, Leeds was left behind as huge Rock bands toured the country, who were forced to play in Sheffield, Liverpool, or Manchester, instead of the city equally famed for its contribution to music. The calendar of First Direct Arena has a strong emphasis on Rock ‘n’ Roll.
It's an impressive Gothic building that hosts O2 Academy Leeds. With global superstars as well as local newcomers on the event calendar, this is one of the most renowned venues in town. Also centrally located in walking distance to main sightseeing attractions, shopping options and numerous bars and restaurants, O2 Academy is a hotspot for both locals and tourists.
Leeds Festival alongside with its twin Reading Festival, marks one of the most iconic British music events. Basically a Rock festival, it also showcases a line-up that spans various genres including Metal, Punk, Indie, and House. It's a true Hall Of Fame that have graced Leeds Festival famous main stage. Among them AC/DC, Metallica, Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, just to name a few.
The Wardrobe offers a full event calendar of gigs, combined with excellent drinks and food. Also a great choice if you are looking for smaller shows - whether music, comedy, or art performances. The basement venue hosts bigger, yet intimate live performances. As for the kitchen, The Wardrobe provides a delicious selection of pre or post gig snacks, salads, and burgers on its menu.
Headrow House opened up in 2015 and has since become one of the most popular music venues in Leeds, helped by it’s amazing beer hall, cocktail bar, restaurant, and rooftop terraces, no doubt. For a really cool relaxed feel and definitely worth a visit. Also hosting numerous live performances from both renowned and upcoming artists and bands.
Since its beginnings in 2007, Live at Leeds is an award winning metropolitan festival held annually within a variety of venues and spaces in Leeds city centre. Most of them even in walking distance. It showcases the best new emerging artists alongside more established acts from around the world.
This is the place when you are fond of heavier music. May it be Punk or all variations of Heavy Metal - this intimate live music venue is all about a great gig experience.
Belgrave Music Hall (Photo by Birgit Bachmeier & Stefan Ramsthaler)
Belgrave Music Hall (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
