The Best Live Music Venues in Leeds That Will Get You Bouncing!
When my old man dragged me to see Blur play at the historic Duchess of York, I fell in love with the sound and place. The intimate venue had a way of bottling energy, and that night, I knew I’d spend the rest of my days chasing that high.
Luckily, I stayed in Leeds. In addition to the thousand-capacity arenas that have hosted the likes of Michael Jackson and Queen, the city boasts several live music venues, from characterful pubs to thumping clubs.
If you’re after the joints that really hit a chord with my music-mad heart (and my equally obsessed teammates), the list below is where it’s at.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
– From belgravemusichall
Address: Cross Belgrave St
Contact Details: 0113 242 2066
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 12 pm to 12 am
- Tue – 12 pm to 12:30 am
- Wed – 12 pm to 1 am
- Thu – 12 pm to 1:30 am
- Fri – 12 pm to 2:30 am
- Sat – 11 am to 3 am
- Sun – 11 am to 12 am
First opening as a nursery in 1934, Belgrave Music Hall has come a long way, turning into a live music hotspot in 2013. The acts they’ve hosted are no joke either; think Stormzy and Jorja Smith.
Also, the 300-capacity space means there’s plenty of room to enjoy without getting squashed. And if you’ve worked up an appetite, Dough Boys’ salami and mozzarella-heavy pizza is just the ticket after a night of jumping or moshing.
Tip: If you’re planning to eat out, check their monthly food deals.
The 212 Cafe & Bar
– From the212bar
Address: 6a Brewery Pl
Contact Details: 0113 243 9891
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 11 am to 12 am
- Fri – 11 am to 2 am
- Sat – 10 am to 2 am
- Sun – 10 am to 12 am
When we hit the 212 Café & Bar, the Big Apple’s groovy soul was palpable. Disco and funk tracks kept us moving, while a few glasses of spicy margarita gave us that extra courage for the dancefloor.
Honestly, though, drinks or not, we’d still have been swept up in the electric atmosphere. No judgment or awkward stares here—just an inclusive crowd pumped for good times.
Tip: Menus usually change per month. To know what’s on, hit them up on Facebook.
Seven Arts
– From sevenartsleeds
Address: 31A Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton
Contact Details: 0113 262 6777
Seven Arts has been giving Leeds’ art scene a leg up since 2007. Skip to 2025, and this cosy 100-seater is still a go-to for theatre, film, and, naturally, live music.
Most nights, you’ll catch jazz acts like Leeds’ own Fold or Brendan Duffy. All genres get the limelight though, as evidenced by neo-prog heavyweights The Winter Machine setting the stage on fire with droning riffs.
Tip: Tickets sell out fast here. Get them now, or deal with the FOMO.
Verve
– From verveleeds
Address: 16 Merrion St
Contact Details: 0113 242 3966
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 pm to 4 am
So far, our Verve trips have wrapped up on a high note. Live events here mean proper parties, especially on weekends when indie and rock bands make the night come alive.
We also have a soft spot for tequila, so their tequila-laced piña colada gets the bar lots of bonus points. Deals like £2.50 rum and free weekend entry further sweeten things up.
Tip: You can snag free nachos by ordering any drink before 9 pm!
Oporto
– From samairey
Address: 33 Call Ln
Contact Details: 0113 245 4444
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 12 pm to 2 am
- Thu – 12 pm to 3 am
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 4 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 2 am
Oporto has been around for 28 years, and it’s still rocking like it’s day one. The famous Portuguese-style chicken is one reason, but let’s be honest, the live music scene has plenty to do with it too.
Dead Young Records usually brings the indie and rock heat with free gigs, perfectly coupled with free-flowing craft ale and ciders. Of course, some shows are ticketed, like The Howlers’ October 2024 gig, which was absolutely worth the price of admission.
Tip: Show up to a gig dressed in their merch!
The Bootlegger
– From thebootleggerleeds
Address: 18 Park Row
Contact Details: 0113 345 5445
Operating Hours:
- Thu – 5 pm to 12 am
- Fri – 4:30 pm to 12 am
- Sat – 12:30 pm to 12 am
The Bootlegger oozes underground glam, and its energy had us grooving all night. We got our jazz fix early on, but if you ever come late, expect a switch to blues and some rock ‘n’ roll.
We also had to give their cocktails a go. Safe to say, their deep, bitter espresso martini with Fris vodka didn’t end with grimaces.
Tip: Consider joining one or two of their cocktail or prosecco masterclasses.
Sela Bar
– From selabarleeds
Address: 20 New Briggate
Contact Details: 0113 242 9442
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Wed – 4 pm to 12 am
- Thu to Sat – 4 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 4 pm to 12 am
Calling Sela Bar smooth doesn’t quite cut it. Blues, jazz, and soul tunes give the place its pulse, while the pizza and tipples keep the ‘underground’ feel banging.
Gigs are mostly free or ‘pay as you feel,’ but their quiz-slash-music nights might set you back a fiver or so. Even then, with prices hovering around £5 to £8, it’s a bargain.
Tip: If you’re only looking for free gigs, their Jazz Jam Tuesday event is the answer.
Santiago Bar
– From santiagobarleeds
Address: 1-3 Grand Arcade
Contact Details: 0113 244 4472
Operating Hours:
- Tue – 5 pm to 12 am
- Wed – 5 pm to 3 am
- Thu – 5 pm to 12 am
- Sat – 5 pm to 3 am
- Sun – 5 pm to 12 am
Heavy is the sound at Santiago Bar. Metal, punk, and alternative rock shake the walls of this 150-seater, with most gigs lighting up the weekends—for free, no less.
Oh, and they’ve seen big acts like Frank Turner in their 20-year run. Touring and local bands also roll through, with The Denabys and Terry And The Good Time Boy as some sensational examples.
Tip: The fastest way to check deals or specials is by heading to their Instagram.
Northern Guitars Cafe Bar
– From vince.kamrym_music
Address: 41 Call Ln
Contact Details: 0113 234 1976
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 12 pm to 11:30 pm
- Fri – 12 pm to 1 am
- Sat – 10 am to 1 am
- Sun – 1 pm to 11 pm
Kitted up with retro gig posters and guitars, Northern Guitars Cafe Bar is a live music epicentre through and through. Local acts usually take the stage, but touring artists are just as likely to show up any day of the week.
They also mix things up. Just this January 2025, we had a dose of Under the Influence’s punchy punk one night and Doug Nissley’s infectious country the next.
Tip: You can buy second-hand guitars here!
Hyde Park Book Club
– From hydeparkbookclub
Address: 27-29 Headingley Ln., Headingley
Contact Details: 0113 244 4105
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 10 am to 12 am
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 12 am
Hyde Park Book Club is easily one of Leeds’ most cherished spots. Whether it’s lit nights or live gigs, this old dress shop and petrol station keeps the fire of creativity burning.
There’s something on nearly every day. Some events are free, others ticketed. One standout for us was Van Houten’s lo-fi, experimental rock gig, as it flipped from moody to full-on hardcore in seconds!
Tip: Comedy gigs here are legendary, too. Familiarise yourself with their schedule if you’re interested.
The Wardrobe
– From thewardrobeleeds
Address: 6 St Peter’s Square
Contact Details: 0113 383 8800
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Thu – 12 pm to 11 pm
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 12 am
Since 1999, The Wardrobe has been breathing life into the city’s live music scene, and they do it with serious variety. Jazz and dance are mainstays, but Britpop and rock aren’t far behind. Just ask the fans of the tribute act Definitely Oasis.
The 450-capacity also proves the bar is made for big nights. There’s no shortage of events, too; around 250 gigs yearly take place here.
Tip: There are plenty of airy and versatile spaces to hire if you’re planning to throw a private party or jam.
Brudenell Social Club
– From nath_brudenell
Address: 33 Queen’s Rd, Burley
Contact Details: 0113 275 2411
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 12 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 1 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 12 am
You’re likely already in the know, but no list of Leeds’ live venues would be right without the legendary Brudenell Social Club. This old working man’s club has been around since 1913, and its history books include names like Kaiser Chiefs and The Cribs.
Some gigs are kept as surprises, too, so there’s a chance you might walk into icons like Franz Ferdinand. What’s guaranteed, though, is a night of raw sound, made even better by Brudenell’s ‘independent’ and open-minded atmosphere!
Tip: For any inquiry regarding stuff like assistance dogs or accessible viewing, be sure to give at least five working days’ notice before the event you’re attending.
The Key Club
– From thekeyclubleeds
Address: The Merrion Centre
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Thu – 11 pm to 3 am
- Fri to Sat – 11 pm to 4 am
If you’ve never headbanged at the literally underground The Key Club, you’re seriously missing out. The riffs hit hard, and with legends like While She Sleeps and You Me At Six gracing the stage, you know most shows are bangers.
They’re not short on action either. Hundreds of gigs occur every year, so if you missed your local band last month, there might be a national act you can catch next. Plus, there are club nights for those who want to party pop-punk-style.
Tip: You can park at the Q-Park St Johns Centre or The First Direct Arena.
Smokestack
– From smokestackleeds
Address: 159A Lower Briggate
Contact Details: 0113 245 2222
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Wed – 5 pm to 3 am
- Thu – 5 pm to 4 am
- Fri – 4 pm to 4 am
- Sat – 3 pm to 4 am
- Sun – 5 pm to 3 am
Every time we’re at Smokestack, it feels like we’re in a New Orleans speakeasy. Live jazz and blues set the scene, so nights are as silky as The Big Easy’s funky joints.
Oh, and best believe we unfailingly end up dancing. But if you’re a bit of a wallflower, chill; there’s an Amaretto Sour or Negroni to help you ease into it.
Tip: Some events offer freebies, like cocktails. Check the details to see which ones do, especially if music+booze is your jam.
The Domino Club
– From dominoclubleeds
Address: 7 Grand Arcade
Contact Details: 0113 513 2086
Operating Hours:
- Wed – 8 pm to 1 am
- Thu – 6 pm to 1 am
- Fri to Sat – 6 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 7 pm to 12 am
The Domino Club is a slice of New York that’s tucked away, but finding it’s easy enough. Just pop into Lords Barbering, and then make your way down the stairs.
If you hear a bit of jazz through the air, you’re in the right place. Blues, soul, and funk can be heard too, usually from Wednesday to Sunday, when entry is free!
Tip: You can do walk-ins, but it’s best to be early, especially during a free gig.