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Eats
Where to find the best secret and hidden bars in Leeds
From speakeasies behind tailor shops and barbers, to members-only bars selling craft beer and ale, there are so many different hidden bars to discover in Leeds
Leeds is hardly short of great places for a drink, in fact, the city's absolutely teeming with them. From cosy pubs with roaring fires to swanky cocktail bars that ooze glitz and glamour, there are some great places to head for a drink in the city.
But if you're looking for something a little different, somewhere with that je ne sais quoi, then give one of Leeds secret and hidden bars a look-in for an extra-special night of drinking.
From members-only bars to speakeasies sequestered behind working tailors and barber shops, Leeds has some brilliant secret sipping spots well worth seeking out.
Keep reading to discover some of the best-hidden bars in Leeds.
Hidden beneath a barbershop in the Grand Arcade, you need to walk straight through Lords Barbering and down the back stairs to discover secret Leeds bar The Domino. Cosy booths abound, and there's often live jazz music on the stage - which is known for hosting some seriously talented musicians.
Alongside an extensive wine and beer list, you'll also find some top-notch cocktails on the drinks list here. Head down for a combination of timeless classics, re-works of favourites, and signature mixes like oat milk white Russians, strawberry and watermelon Ambratos, and a Riesling cobbler made with riesling wine, peach, lemon and soda.
Find it at 7 Grand Arcade, Leeds LS1 6PG.
Image: Tailors
Tailors
Determined to revive the 1920s American prohibition era, this gin bar is the city's ultimate speakeasy destination. Hidden inside a working tailor's shop at Grand Arcade, by day you can book fittings and choose from Yorkshire-made fabrics, linings, and finishes.
But from 6 pm on a Thursday night throughout the weekend, this quintessentially British bespoke tailor shop becomes a prohibition-inspired gin lounge - serving iconic cocktails from the era alongside its own house gin, aptly named Tailors.
Promising visitors a night of Gatsby-esque glamour, you're invited to rummage in the vintage costume racks for the perfect tailcoat, top hat, or flapper dress, before plonking down at one of the up-cycled sewing tables for a few cocktails or perfect serve g&t.
The Maven might just be the worst kept secret in Leeds, but that doesn't mean it's not a great cocktail bar. The first secret bar of its kind to open in the city, its black, unmarked door remains nondescript to this day whilst the bar itself sits up a flight of stairs above Call Lane.
The main menu focuses mostly on gin and rum, with a handful of vodka and whiskey drinks alongside. On top of this, The Maven also has a 6-flight cocktail tasting menu and an aperitivo menu packed with negronis and Campari sodas, dedicated to the Italian drinking culture.
There's also two private rooms here, a secret bar within the secret bar sponsored by Monkey 47, and a second-floor party room known as the Green Room.
Find it at 1 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7DH.
Image: Blind Tyger
Blind Tyger
Owned by the team behind Smokestack, Blind Tyger sits above sister site Sandinista on Cross Belgrave Street. The candle lit bar, accessed via an unmarked door at street level, is all dark wood and sumptuous leather seats and boasts a strong selection of spirits on its back bar.
Homemade ingredients are also a big part of the menu, which draws inspiration from far-flung corners of the world as well as from Yorkshire's doorstep. Must-tries include the 'God's own cocktail', made with Wyborowa vodka, rhubarb, pomegranate, and pineapple, it's described as an 'easy-going number with added Yorkshire'.
Elsewhere, you'll find juleps, highballs, and Blind Tyger's twist on Britain's favourite cocktail - the espresso martini. Called the 'Wake and Bake', it's made with banana bread-infused Doorly’s 5-year old rum, muscovado sugar, Pedro Ximénez, and espresso.
Find it at 5 Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP.
Image: Wharf Chambers
Wharf Chambers
This members-only club offers some top-drawer craft ales and beers and is run entirely by its own members. With joining fees set at a very reasonable £2 a year (or £15 for a lifetime), it's well worth the money - getting you access not just to the bar but also to the gigs and other events that take place here.
The worker-run co-op bar, venue, and community space is run exclusively for members - with gigs, film nights/ afternoons, art and craft events, writers' workshops, and more all programmed throughout the week. Membership takes 48 hours to take effect, so make sure to sign up well in advance of heading down.
Find it at 23-25 Wharf St, Leeds LS2 7EQ.
Image: Smokestack
Smokestack
Not strictly secret, but you definitely need to know that it's there - the music on the stairs at Smokestack is a good sign that you're in the right place. Inspired by New Orleans cocktails and music, the bar itself is filled with retro booze posters that hark back to a different era.
The drinks list, meanwhile, features a mix of frequently-changing new cocktails (termed 'floor fillers') and back catalogue favourites ('re-issues). For iconic twists on classics like the negroni, old fashioned, white lady and more - plus reinvented takes on the likes of Aperol Spritz, Zombies and French martinis, look no further.
Find it at 159A Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY.
Image: Tiki HIdeaway
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.
If you're looking for a fun bar that doesn't take itself too seriously, Tiki Hideaway is the one. You should get a good dance in here, too.
38 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 6DT.
Image: Pixel Bar
Pixel Bar
This video game bar is tucked away on Great George street. A bit out of the way, it's definitely a destination bar - popular with those in the know for its video game-themed cocktails, which include the likes of the ‘Jigglypuff’, ‘Princess Perch’ and the ‘Yoshi’s Island Iced Tea.’
Pixel Bar's fully-themed cocktail menu also features a signature Pokemon-inspired drink, called 'Who's that pokemon?'’ – a combination of vodka, lemon juice, soda and your choice of flavoured syrup. Garnished with a Pokemon card for ultimate gamer touch, it comes in flavours strawberry, blue curacao, green apple, bubblegum, pineapple, blackcurrant or elderflower.
You can also get your hands on potion shots promising 'stamina' and 'full health', not to mention play games on a mix of new consoles, retro arcade games and high-spec PCs.
Feature image - The Domino Leeds
Eats
Where to find the best sandwiches in Leeds city centre and beyond
There’s nothing better than a good filling between two fluffy slices of bread, and we’re here to tell you the best places to find them in Leeds.
From hot roast sarnies and hefty subs as long as your arm, to solid breakfast butties and fluffy focaccias, if you’re a sandwich lover in Leeds then you’re well catered for.
Keep reading to find some of the best places to get a butty in Leeds and beyond.
Loosen your belts a little, folks.
Cheesy Living Co.
The Corn Exchange, Oakwood and Pudsey
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're working in the city and fancy something special for your lunch, then popping into The Corn Exchange to pay a visit to the legends at Cheesy Living Co. is just the thing.
Their fluffy focaccia is baked fresh every day and packed with their delicious cheeses, cured meats, local chutneys and topped with tangy pickles to take the edge of. Have in or takeaway, it's completely up to you.
Alfonso's
Grand Arcade
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new on the sandwich scene, Alfonso's Deli in the Grand Arcade is serving up ultimate toasted Cuban sandwiches as well as stacked subs. They're also dishing out unreal breakfast bagels which are the perfect hangover cure if you've had a couple the night before.
Silver's Deli
268 Stanningley Rd, Bramley, Leeds LS13 3BS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a big fat hoagie as long as your arm? Then get yourself to Bramley as soon as possible.
The moment Silver's touched down on the Leeds food scene it's truly been the talk of the town ever since, with people flocking from far and wide to queue for their ridiculously delicious subs.
Stacked breakfast buns good enough to cure any hangover and New York-style hoagies all made using the very best, quality ingredients.
Things In Bread
15 Boar Lane, LS1 6EN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Things In Bread is now a proper Leeds classic, and their concept is perfectly simple. Classic sandwiches which you might find in your average meal deal but elevated to the next level.
The bread is specially created to make the best ever sandwich, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly square and baked fresh on the daily.
With a cracking selection of seasonal specials, you'll constantly be coming back for more to have a taste of what's new.
La Grassa
Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Stuzzi comes La Grassa, located inside Amity Brew Co. inside Sunny Bank Mills they're serving up everything Italian American. Expected sandwiches bigger than your for arm which pair perfectly with a pint or two.
Brød Sandwich Bar
31 Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brod sandwich bar is an institution. This family-run independent sandwich shop has been serving us hungry lot for 20 years now, filling our lunch hour with the tastiest, freshest sarnies that you can get your hands on.
Fully customisable with a HUGE range of ingredients, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and all at really affordable prices too.
Friends of Ham
4 - 8 New Station Street, LS1 5DL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Friends of Ham don't just serve up banging charcuterie boards, but they're really good at serving unreal toasties too.
The sourdough is perfectly buttery and jam packed with layers of meat and salty, melted cheese. And of course served with a pile of pickles on the side for good measure.
Eat Your Greens
42 New York Street, LS2 7DY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's no denying we love this special spot that champion the very best local produce in everything they do, but their sandwiches are also seriously something to shout about.
Grab to go or savour every mouthful in their light drenched space. The flavours rotate with the season but if you have chance to sample the pork mince sandwich with black pudding, house smoked bacon and bunt apple ketchup then it'll be the best decision you have ever made.
Morty's Focacceria
White Cloth Hall
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Inside Leeds' newest food hall you'll find Morty's, a dough haven serving up Sicilian style slices and of course, sarnies.
These bad boys are made with freshly-made panuozzo bread that is baked on-site every single day, filled with two big stacks of fried mortadella and topped with melted provolone, mustard mayo, pickles and a drizzle of garlic oil.
You'll need a nap after, but it'll be worth it.
Shokupan
27 Wellington Street, LS1 4EA
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem on Wellington Street are serving up delicious, Japanese katso sandos that you'll want to fit into your weekly routine.
Husband and wife team, Alan and Alison, took inspiration from trips around the world to bring Leeds a menu of delicious Japanese-inspired sandos on Shokupan- a Japanese milk bread known for its light, fluffy texture, golden crust and a subtly sweet flavour.
Get a side of the crispy karaage chicken on the side too, you won't regret it.
Livett's Coffee Shop
6 St. Peters Square, LS98AH
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're round that side of town, then grabbing a sarnie from Livett's is a no brainer.
There’s a flavour combo for everyone to get their chops around, from fresh Caprese, Falafel and Houmous, and a packed out Italian Deli sub. But keep your eyes pealed because these flavours are always changing. All served on a satisfyingly soft demi baguette from the best of the best, Balzersen Bakery, and made fresh daily, you already know these bad boys will blow your bog standard meal deal out of the water.
Award-winning Sardinian restaurant Domo announces Leeds opening date
Clementine Hall
Domo will officially open the doors to its Leeds venue this summer.
Get ready for Domo Leeds, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
Domo has confirmed it will officially open the doors to its first Leeds venue on Friday June 5, so we really don't have long to wait.
Located at the iconic Tower Works development, Domo Leeds will offer a vibrant new canal-side destination, perfect for the summer months.
Alongside the main restaurant menu, there’ll be a dedicated bar food menu designed around relaxed dining and carefully crafted small plates designed to pair with the drinks offering creating a more informal way for guests to experience Sardinian flavours.
Domo co-founder, Sarah Elliott-Busceddu, said: “We’re incredibly excited to finally open the doors and welcome people into Domo Leeds. From day one, our vision has been to create a space where everyone feels welcome and somewhere that brings people together in the true spirit of Sardinian hospitality.
“Whether it’s an evening out with friends, a relaxed catch-up over drinks after work, or a big family celebration, we’ve designed Domo to feel warm, inclusive and full of life. We can’t wait for people in Leeds to experience not just the food and drinks, but the atmosphere and sense of community that sits at the heart of everything we do.”
Georgina Pellant -
17th November 2021 
