Leeds: Nightlife

If there is one characteristic a city with two major universities can count on it is a vibrant nightlife, and Leeds is definitely no exception. This mid-sized city may not be on the radar for the uninformed tourist, but Leeds is definitely worth a visit for anyone who enjoys a buzzing nightlife.

Students are the reason for the existence of many of the city’s affordable pubs and bars, but visitors will also find a range of fine establishments including classic pubs as well as chic concept bars. In fact, by some estimates there are over 180 bars and pubs in the centre of the city, with nearly 30 nightclubs that have late night licenses.
The two main areas for the party scene are the Exchange Quarter and Briggate. Call Lane in the Exchange Quarter offers a great range of bars from the run of the mill to the trendy, and to what can only be called Bohemian. Briggate is packed with both modern and traditional drinking establishments. Assembly Street, with its wonderful architecture, is host to bars and restaurants tending to the swanky side, while the Northern Quarter is the home of more established traditional venues.

Other areas worth stopping by is the Civic Quarter, which sports a wide range of establishments, as well as the financial district, which has a collection of bars and pubs that are more sparsely distributed. Leeds’ gay community is centred on Lower Briggate with an interesting variety of party spots that welcome both gay as well as straight guests.
Many of the Leeds hotels are located near or within these areas, so there is no reason to take an early night in a hotel room when there is plenty to do until late at night.


Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Leeds Hotels content.