Since its opening in 1999, The Wardrobe has enjoyed enduring popularity, thanks to solid word-of-mouth reviews, a packed calendar of gigs, and excellent drinks and food.
The upstairs bar has a trendy, unbuttoned vibe, hosting smaller live acts and a number of larger concerts held downstairs mean the venue is regularly packed. It may even be the case that you sit in the restaurant hearing a roaring bass from downstairs where music school pupils are jamming together. Just across the street you find the Leeds College of Music. Either way, you may see some amazing live performances here - intimate, snug, underground, local. Well worth a visit. Also hosting comedy and club nights in the basement venue.
The independently-owned business in the heart of Leeds' Art Quarter also serves quality food from the kitchen's menu. Using locally sourced produce and fresh and tasty ingredients, the results are scrumptious. Try the Black n' Blue Burger, infused with Bourbon, served with candied bacon and blue cheese. Also several veggie options on the list.
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.
Have a campus tour at Leeds College of Music - the super-friendly and welcoming staff will adapt the tour individually according to your music interest. Stocked with more than 10,000 CDs, 8,000 LPs, and 18,000 items of printed music, the conservatoire's library brings together vital resources for music history. Notable alumni of Leeds College of Music are Ryan and Gary Jarmann from local band The Cribs.
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.
A night club and live music venue with independent charm: The HiFi Club. Also DJ music nights and live comedy sessions. Music genres include New Wave, Soul, Electro, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Reggae, or Disco. There were a few legendary nights here such as Pigs, an Electro and Indie night started by Nick and Ricky from the Kaiser Chiefs.
Adorned with skulls, black paint, and a skeleton-adorned coffin in the basement bar - that is Bad Apples. For those who love to rock and are fond of the heavier side of music. A cozy place for solvers of everything from Rock and Metal to Hard Rock and Hardcore. Sometimes, live music is provided, too.
Great small venue to watch live music: comfortable, friendly, laid-back. Oporto is a cool place to spent the evening or have a drink after the gig. All alongside your favourite tunes from DJ or live band.
Great DJs and a rockin’ atmosphere - Milo Bar is one of the city's most established bars. With genres spanning from Rock 'n' Roll, Funk, and Soul from the 50s to the present day. It’s not unusual to watch live music, with acoustic nights and gigs. Members of the Kaiser Chiefs once worked here.
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.
Crash is legendary in Leeds music scene. A must-see for record shopping, with focus on Indie, Alternative, Punk, and Metal artists on both vinyl and CD. If you are heading for older and rare stuff, just head downstairs to Wall of Sound.
Wall of Sound is located in the basement of Crash Records and more focused on older records from Classic Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk, Indie, Blues to Reggae or Soul. Also second hand available as well as DVDs, books, and music memorabilia from yesteryear.
When the Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen opened in 2013, it responded to a need for a large-room live music venue with a decent bar, craft beer, and reliable street food. What was once a large nursery school in the city’s Northern Quarter is now a vibrant, youthful, three-storey hangout and one of the city’s best live music venues. Ultimate highlight: the spectacular roof terrace.
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.
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.
The Wardrobe Leeds (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
The Wardrobe (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
The Wardrobe (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler )
