Call Lane is a truly legendary street which is famous for it's electric nightlife, and it's not hard to see why.
Call Lane has got everything you need for a fantastic night out on the tiles. It's a thriving hub full of trendy cocktail bars, late night clubs and delectable restaurants.
Here's a list of some of our favourite spots for you to stop by on your next visit.
The Maven
Image: The Maven
This bar is the definition of a hidden gem and is one of the finest cocktail bars in Leeds. Nestled behind an unmarked door you'll find a staircase which will lead you to cocktail heaven. It has a speakeasy like atmosphere with Prohibition-era style rooms and snugs, and a fitting soundtrack of cool soul, jazz and hip-hop tunes.
The cocktails are expertly made and stylishly presented, we recommend trying out their tasting menu where their skilled bartenders will take you on a journey that will tingle your tastebuds.
If...At Night
Image: If...At Night
This cool late night bar is relatively new to the game but has already made a huge impression. From the masterminds behind If...Up North who have been serving brunch to the masses since 2016, If...At Night is the perfect place to keep the party going as the sun goes down.
Enjoy a charcuterie board piled high with the finest meats and cheeses amongst friends alongside a few bottles of wine before moving onto their unique and innovative cocktail offerings.
Neon Cactus
Image: Neon Cactus
A firm favourite amongst locals is Mexican cantina inspired bar and restaurant, Neon Cactus. Think plenty of margaritas, tacos, nachos and more. It's rustic decor of wooden tables and chairs complete with walls adorned with graffiti and cool artwork gives you an authentic taste of South America right here in Leeds.
If you're a tequila fan this is the place for you, with over 50 different variations of blanco, reposado and anejo tequila on offer.
The Wire
So you've had a bite to eat, you've had a couple of drinks and now you're ready to get your groove on. Head to The Wire where you can dance to your heart's content to some of the latest and greatest underground sounds.
It's a tiny club that makes a huge sound and holds an even bigger reputation, having seen some of the biggest DJs such as Four Tet, Tensnake and Nicolas Lutz pass through their doors and make history.
Call Lane Social
Having opened in 2010, Call Lane Social has quickly become a favourite amongst Leeds locals. The small but perfectly formed bar mixes rock & roll with classy cocktails, the interior is dark and moody with exposed brick, mahogany furnishings and a somewhat alarming stag's head mounted on the wall.
Open until the early hours, it's a great place to finish the night off as you make your way through their extensive bar and do some hard core head banging to the classic rock, soul and indie anthems blaring out of the jukebox.
Tiki Hideaway
Image: Tiki Hideaway
Tucked above Call Lane Social, this not-to-secret hideaway boasts a tropical menu of 1950s-inspired Polynesian cocktails. Head down for lots of rum, fire, sugar and citrus – the four pillars of Tiki, essentially.
Alongside classics like Mai Tais and Dark and Stormys, you’ll also find a decent selection of house signatures like the ‘green coco cumber’, a refreshing mix of gin, muddled cucumber, pineapple, Quaglia bergamotto and lime; and the ‘Don Mixo’, which combines Don Q Anejo dark rum and bergamot-infused Italicus liqueur with almonds, lime, and a pineapple-ring garnish.
Roland's
Image: Roland's
If you're after a bit of sophistication, then Roland's is the place for you. Offering a more laid-back and relaxing atmosphere than it's partying neighbours, it's the place to go for a killer cocktail in a stylish and grown-up setting.
If the sun decides to make a surprise appearance, there's also a hidden rooftop garden which is the perfect place to catch some rays and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Jakes Bar and Still
Focusing on sustainability and working hard towards zero waste, Jakes sets itself apart for its pro-reuse, reduce, recycle attitude. It also produces its own spirits, liquors and distillats here as the name suggests.
There's a fantastic selection of beer and wine as well as a unique cocktail list which is constantly changing and evolving, why not try the fan favourite Corpse Reviver #Blue, which takes a tried and tested classic and makes it completely disco with blue curacao, Tanqueray, martini ambrato and lemon.
The New Penny
Image: The New Penny
This bar is a piece of Leeds' history and is not to be missed. The New Penny is the oldest gay bar in Leeds and has been at the heart of LGBTQ+ life in the city since it first opened in 1953 as The Hope & Anchor.
With a late-night license you can expect a night filled with fantastic music, dancing, and performances from world-renowned Drag Acts. Icons such as Lily Savage, Sisters Slim and Amber Dextrous have all graced the stage at The New Penny.
Leeds’ City Square will welcome a crazy stunt this weekend all aid of a fantastic charity.
If you’re walking through town this weekend, then you may see something a little bit out of the ordinary. In fact, a lot out of the ordinary.
That’s because, fundraiser Chris Sylvester is on a mission to spread the word and beat the stigma around drug addiction.
He is the founder of Getting Clean, a fantastic company that make and sell soaps raising funds to support people struggling with addiction and homelessness.
Images: Getting Clean (Supplied)
This weekend, he has vowed to plonk himself in a bathtub in City Square and not move until he has reached the target of £50,000 from people buying the soap.
The event will kick off on Friday 7 August and will run to Sunday 9 August, members of the public are encouraged to "free him" by purchasing the lovely bars of soap.
Reaching the £50,000 sales target will then unlock a £20,000 donation to a recovery support project led by Forward Leeds, so it really is a good cause.
So, how can you support Chris? You can support the initiative by placing an order online, visiting Chris on City Square this weekend, or buying one of their pay-it-forward ‘First Day’ packs which are designed to help people leaving prison or entering rehabilitation treatment.
Announcing the stunt to social media, here's what Chris and Getting Clean had to say: "HELP US SELL £50,000 WORTH OF SOAP TO HELP BEAT ADDICTION
"On 7th, 8th and 9th August I will be at Leeds city square. Just outside of Leeds city centre train station, right next to Thors bar. I will be in this BATH TUB and I WILL NOT leave, until we’ve hit our target. 50% of our profits go towards tackling addiction right here in Leeds, but there’s so much work left to do…"
Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from Japanese sando cafes to tiramisu pop-ups
Clementine Hall
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up this summer, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Misu
Trinity Shopping Centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It really does feel like the traditional Italian dessert has taken the world by storm as of late.
Everything from tiramisu cups and tiramisu coffees have been popping up all over our feed, and now tiramisu in drawer form is popping up in the city centre.
Misu Tiramisu is an independent business that began at Manchester's Christmas Markets and quickly became one of the most popular operators, all thanks to its miniature tiramisu ‘drawers’. They've now opened inside Trinity shopping centre for the summer, and we couldn't be happier.
Shokupan recently moved from their original site on Wellington Place to an even bigger spot on Central Road and my word, they’re serving up sandwiches and rice bowls like the absolute pros they’ve always been.
Whether it’s their new specials like the ‘Spamago’ sando (arguably the best new breakfast bite on the block), or katsu chori that combines South American-style chorizo with Japanese favourites all in one incredible package, they don’t miss.
One of Leeds city centre’s most historic buildings has been just transformed into one of the coolest new spaces we’ve come across.
Introducing Moods, a brand-new all-day cafe, bar and events space that combines laid-back midday vibes and chilled evenings with food from Michelin-trained chefs.
We know you've been waiting for this one, and finally Dishoom has opened its doors in the city centre.
Serving up Bombay recipes made with love in a beautiful interior complete with blush pink walls, huge arched windows and gold picture frames - this one is already a huge hit.
North Star Coffee
59 Great George Street, LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just like their name, North Star Coffee has become a shining star in the Leeds coffee shop circle, and now they’re bringing the brand over to a bustling road of independents on Great George Street.
Expect your tried and trusted iced coffee, matcha and cold foam selections alongside their bakes, new hot brekkie sandwiches and their signature stardust hash browns.