It's official, the UK’s best cocktail bars have been revealed and two of them are right here in Leeds.
We already knew that we had some great cocktail bars, but now it’s been made official – with two Leeds watering holes appearing on next year's Top 50 Cocktail Bars list.
We'll absolutely take that.
The prestigious list hasn't yet given us the official ranking, that'll come in February, but we do know which 50 bars are in the running with an A-Z list.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tabula Rasa and Below Stairs have both been included, and it comes as no surprise as both bars are known by locals and tourists alike for serving up innovative and exquisite tipples.
The rankings will be revealed on 11 February 2025 over in London, and we'll be tuned in to hear what number ranking both bars have been given.
Further afield, Public and the Pearl at Par Hill over in Sheffield have been included as well as Schofield's Bar, Stray and Speak in Code in Manchester.
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars was first launched in 2018 and showcases the very best in the business, voted for by an academy of industry experts.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Ed Bedington, editor of the Morning Advertiser, which organises the Top 50 Cocktail Bars, said: “We’re delighted to be revealing who’s made the cut for this year’s list. This is always a hotly contested accolade, and there are some amazing bars that make up the best of the best.
“We look forward to revealing where they’ve all placed, and who are winners are for the other categories. The cocktail bar sector is a vibrant space and one that really showcases innovation in the hospitality space. It’s a real honour for us to be able to shine a spotlight on some of the best in the business.”
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Clementine Hall -
9th December 2024 
