Whether you’ve just arrived in Leeds as a fresher or you’ve been here for years, there’s always somewhere new to discover.

Yes, Call Lane is iconic. Yes, you’ll probably end up in the usual spots. But look a little deeper and you’ll find some proper gems.

Before we dive in…

👉 New to Leeds? Browse our Student Accommodation in Leeds
👉 Want to live close to Hyde Park nightlife? Check out our Hyde Park student houses
👉 Prefer Headingley vibes? Explore Headingley student properties

The right location makes spontaneous nights out way easier 👀

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Leeds has brilliant independent bars beyond the mainstream student circuit

• Hyde Park and Lower Briggate are packed with character venues

• Many spots offer live music and late opening without huge queues

• Great options for smaller groups and chilled date nights

• Always plan your journey home safely

🎷 Smokestack

📍 Lower Briggate

New Orleans-inspired vibes with soul, funk, blues and jazz across two floors. Proper cocktails, knowledgeable staff and regular live music.

Best for:
🎶 Live music lovers
🍸 Cocktail nights
👫 Small-to-medium groups

🎸 Brudenell Social Club

📍 Hyde Park

An absolute Leeds institution. Pool tables, gig room, affordable drinks and legendary live acts. It’s not flashy - it’s iconic.

Best for:
👯 Big groups
🎤 Gig nights
🍺 Cheap and cheerful evenings

If you live in Hyde Park, this is basically your local.

🍕 Sela Bar

📍 New Briggate

Basement venue with live jazz, reggae and indie acts throughout the week - plus seriously underrated handmade pizza.

Best for:
🍕 Midweek catch-ups
🎷 Music lovers
👫 Smaller friend groups

🌿 Roland’s

📍 Call Lane (upstairs, tucked away)

Plant-filled terrace vibes with great cocktails and a more relaxed atmosphere than some of its neighbours.

Best for:
🌇 Early evening drinks
💕 Date nights
📸 Instagram-worthy corners

🎧 The Domino Club

📍 Grand Arcade (hidden behind a barber shop-style entrance)

Secret speakeasy energy. Live funk, soul and jazz most nights. You’ll need to find the entrance - but that’s part of the fun.

Best for:
🎷 Music-focused nights
🍹 Proper cocktail fans
👫 Small groups

📍 Mini Map: Where They’re Located

• Smokestack – Lower Briggate (city centre riverside area)

• Roland’s – Call Lane (central nightlife hub)

• The Domino Club – Grand Arcade (near Briggate)

• Sela Bar – New Briggate

• Brudenell Social Club – Hyde Park

If you’re living in Hyde Park or Headingley, buses and short taxis make city centre nights easy — and walking home from Brudenell is ideal.

🛡️ Student Night Out Safety Tips

We love a good night out - but let’s keep it smart:

✔️ Plan how you’re getting home before you go out
✔️ Stick with your group late at night
✔️ Keep your phone charged
✔️ Don’t leave drinks unattended
✔️ Save local taxi apps in advance

Leeds is friendly — but sensible nights are better nights.

🏡 Live Close To The Good Stuff

The best part about living in Leeds? Everything is within easy reach.

Whether you want:

• Hyde Park gig nights

• Call Lane cocktails

• Lower Briggate soul sessions

It all starts with the right student home.

👉 Browse available student houses in Hyde Park, Headingley & Burley
👉 Book a viewing today
👉 Secure your next place with rentinc

Student housing, sorted. 🍸