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

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 17th November 2021

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.

Image: The Domino Club

The Domino

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.

Find it at 23-24 Grand Arcade, Leeds LS1 6PG

Image: The Maven

The Maven

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

Iconic Leeds United pub The Moot reopens after six-figure refurb

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Iconic Leeds United pub The Moot reopens after six-figure refurb

The Moot Hall Arms, Leeds' favourite football pub, has just reopened its doors after a six-figure refurb.

The iconic Leeds United pub is still covered in local sports memorabilia and merch, but there's even more of it now.

That's because The Moot has now expanded across two floors and three bars, including a brand-new bar and events space upstairs, The Changing Rooms, created to celebrate the rich history of Leeds United.

That extra space is ready for busy matchdays and the full seven-days-a-week programme of events and deals, which includes live music, karaoke, bingo, quiz nights, and more.

And operator Claire says she wants to the pub to be Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with pints available from £3 in the week.

The popular Craft Union Pub Company venue has reopened its doors today to the bigger, brighter pub, ready to once again attract football fans from across the UK looking to experience its unique atmosphere.

The 'significant' refurbishment includes new decor, bars, furniture, lighting, toilets, and entertainment facilities, like nine TVs, two large projector screens, and three Sky boxes.

Over this weekend and the bank holiday weekend, there'll be DJs, live music, karaoke, themed events, and special guest appearances from former Leeds United favourites Stuart Dallas, Mel Sterland and Noel Whelan.

Inside The Moot in Leeds
Inside The Moot in Leeds
The new 'Changing Rooms' bar at The Moot Hall Arms
The new 'Changing Rooms' bar at The Moot Hall Arms
There's still plenty of Leeds United merch everywhere
There's still plenty of Leeds United merch everywhere

Claire, Operator at The Moot Hall Arms, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be reopening and finally showing everyone what we've been working on.

"Over the last five years we've worked extremely hard to build The Moot into something special. We're proud of the community that's grown around the pub, the friendships that have been made here and the reputation we've built among Leeds United supporters.

"This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the pub and what it has become. We've managed to make The Moot bigger, better and more versatile, while keeping everything people love about it."

Sport remains central to the venue's identity, with the pub continuing to show Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Premier Sports coverage throughout the year.

When it's a Leeds United fixture, the full matchday experience will include pre- and post-match DJs, live entertainment, and full sound for games.

Claire said: "We want The Moot to be much more than somewhere people simply come for a drink. Our ambition is to be one of Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with something happening every day of the week."

New artwork in the windows
New artwork in the windows
Leeds Leeds Leeds
Leeds Leeds Leeds

Alongside its sporting credentials, The Moot Hall Arms has also earned recognition for its commitment to charitable causes, raising more than £100,000 for charities and good causes, supporting organisations including St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds Women's Aid and NECS Uganda.

The Moot's team has also travelled to Uganda in recent years, sponsoring the education of four children, delivering aid and supporting community projects within local villages.

For Claire and her team, the most important thing is ensuring The Moot remains true to its roots.

She said: "We’re passionate about keeping the Moot accessible and affordable. At a time when customers are watching what they spend, we want people to know they can still come into the centre of Leeds, have a reasonably priced pint, watch live sport and enjoy entertainment without spending a fortune.

"Most importantly, we want The Moot to retain its personality. It’s still going to be loud on matchdays, full of Leeds United memorabilia, packed for big games, raising money for good causes and putting on entertainment throughout the week – there’s just a lot more of it now!"

Read more: Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

A new Indian bistro has opened its doors in Chapel Allerton, promising authentic dishes that span the length and breadth of Indian cuisine. 

The Crossing Indian Bistro has ventured to Leeds for its first-ever UK restaurant, having already established sites in Paris, Dubai and Nice. 

It comes from chef-founder Ankur Chakraborty, who has drawn on his family history for inspiration - his dad used to work for the Indian Railways, and it introduced Ankur to the incredible variety in flavours, tastes, and dishes of different regions across India. 

That’s the heart and soul of The Crossing, celebrating the ingredients and techniques that have shaped the country’s vibrant cuisine.

The modern take on regional Indian cuisine will include traditional recipes but contemporary techniques, for signature dishes like Railway Lamb Curry, Alleppey Prawn Curry (inspired by Kerala’s backwaters), and a Madras Mutton Pepper Fry. 

You’ll also find delicious small plates like gunpowder prawns, Kerala fried chicken, dal moradabadi, and The Crossing chaat bowl. 

And as for dessert, expect dishes like the Goan-Portuguese influenced Mango Serradura, and the Dubai date toffee pudding, served with homemade carrot halwa ice cream. 

At lunchtimes diners can tuck into a £15 thali deal, served in traditional silverware, and including a main curry, Zeera Aloo, Saag Makai, dal of the day, raita, house pickles, steamed basmati rice, and a choice of freshly-baked tandoor bread. 

Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by railway journeys across the country
Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by railway journeys across the country
Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by railway journeys across the country. Credit: TheTravelBuds

The Crossing Indian Bistro chose to open its first UK site in Chapel Allerton after being inspired by the area’s independent spirit and strong neighbourhood identity. 

Ankur Chakraborty, Chef-Founder of The Crossing Indian Bistro and co-founder of Lemon Butter, said: “The Crossing is built on the idea that India is not one cuisine, but thousands of local food cultures connected by movement, exchange and memory. 

“The railways helped those cultures meet as people travelled, allowing recipes to cross regions and flavours to evolve. We’ve reflected this in the menu, which takes guests on a journey through India, where they can discover lesser-known dishes inspired by its different regions.

“Chapel Allerton feels like the right first home for us in the UK with its strong identity and an independent, community-minded spirit. We hope to add something distinctive to that neighbourhood, with an expression of modern India that is regionally rooted, generous and full of discovery.”

The Crossing Indian Bistro has already opened its doors in Chapel Allerton, and is offering 50% off all food until 31 August as it settles into the Leeds suburb. 

Bookings can be made HERE.

Read more: A new rotisserie chicken restaurant promising to be ‘clucking delicious’ is coming to Leeds

Featured image: TheTravelBuds

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