From riverside terraces to rooftops and courtyards, we’ve listed the best indie sun spots in Leeds to quench your thirst.
Tabula Rasa | 8 Eastgate, LS2 7JL
Opened in October last year, 2022 is the first summer for the Tabula Rasa terrace and we’re delighted to see it. A perfect spot to enjoy the aperitivo culture during the day that can slide easily into classic cocktails as the night goes on. Open late Thur-Sun.
House of Fu | 15-19 The Headrow, LS1 6PU.
Small, but perfectly formed, this outside seating area is only open when the sun is shining so grab a spot while you can.
Redondo Beach & Roof Terrace | Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, LS1 6PU
Top floor is where you’ll find Redondo Beach, the terrace bar serving everything from craft beer to classic cocktails. Two terraces provide a perfect getaway from busy city life with the upper, Kennedy Meadows, offering views right across Leeds’ Victoria Quarter rooftops. DJs every Friday & Saturday night.
SALT at Granary Wharf | Candle House, Granary Wharf, LS1 4GJ
This picturesque water setting of the Leeds & Liverpool canal provides the perfect backdrop to spend a few hours and have a few pints paired with mouth-watering Middle-Eastern Street food. The addition of 7 different cocktails ‘on tap’ offers 2 for £12 all day, every day.
Waterlane Boathouse | Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS
Big benches stretch out along the waterside with views of Granary Wharf. Great draft selection and an extensive G&T menu.
Greenroom | 36 Wellington Street, LS1 2DE
Leeds’ newest addition to outside drinking options, and at present, the largest open-air roof terrace in the city centre. An absolute sun trap all afternoon.
North Bar, Grindhouse, Wax, | 20 – 24 New Briggate, LS1 6NU
The newly refurbished street side drinking spot on New Briggate blurs the lines of indie favourites North Bar, Grindhouse and Wax Bar. North bar still has the most ridiculously varied selection of beers and does a cracking Bloody Mary. The cocktail menu next door ast Grindhouse has twists on classics inspired by Grindhouse cinema and serves frozen daiquiris. Third along that row is Wax Bar where they serve Jever in ice cold glassware and have a delicious selection of cocktails served all year round.
Call Lane | LS1
Eat, drink and be merry on one of Leeds’ liveliest strips. There’s covered seating at the various venues along the street with Call Lane Social, Power corruption and Lies, Neon Cactus, Oporto, Jakes and Cuckoo all within staggering distance.
Rolands | 39 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
A laid back bar with courtyard and a hidden roof terrace serving up exceptional drinks, great music and good times. Open seven days a week.
The Tetley | Hunslet Rd, Leeds LS10 1JQ
The first stage of the Aire Park development is now complete, so you can once again enjoy a drink outside The Tetley. Open Wed-Sun.
Adelphi |1-3 Hunslet Rd, LS10 1JQ
Blending the hip and the wholesome – a vibrant British pub offering the warmest of welcomes. And its beer garden at the back is a great spot to enjoy a Sunday pint or two.
Belgrave Music hall and Canteen | Cross Belgrave St, LS2 8JP
Head up to the third floor where you will find the roof terrace. Serving food, cask ales, craft beers and frozen cocktails.
Merrion St |LS1
Now pedestrianised, Mojo, Roxy Ballroom, Manahatta, Mean Eyed Cat and Verve have their own street party vibe along Merrion Street. Stop off for a drink along there and you’ll have plenty to choose from.
The Reliance, The Brunswick | 76-78 and 82 North St, LS2 7PN
Both The Reliance and The Brunswick have a great selection of cask beers. Plus that side of North Street gets the Sun all afternoon and into the early evening.
Whitelocks | Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
Still named Turk’s Head Yard after its original incarnation, this outdoor space is attached to the oldest pub in Leeds. Serves good Guinness.
Cross Keys | 107 Water Ln, Holbeck, LS11 5WD
Built in 1802 as a watering hole for the surrounding fundries, Cross Keys is one of Leeds’ few genuine free houses. Its courtyard has capacity for 120 people so it’s one of the city’s bigger outdoor spaces.
Dog House, Wapentake | 92 and 93 Kirkgate, LS2 7DJ
Dog House are proud of their keg, cask and cooler options and rightly so. A great selection of beers from around the world and a choice of bagels if you’re peckish. Pooch friendly. Wapentake is dedicated to its love of Yorkshire so it should come as no surprise that this includes their spirit and beer selection. They have a shelf full of nothing but Yorkshire gins and a selection of whisky, rum and vodka, all from God’s own County.
The Canary | The Dockside, LS10 1EG
The newcomer at Leeds Docks, The Canary Bar serves Mediterranean bites and refreshing locally brewed beers a view.
Hyde Park Book Club | 27-29 Headingley Lane, LS6 1BL
Whether you are a student or not, Hyde Park Book Club is a lovely place to spend an afternoon soaking up the sun and sip iced lattes or beers if you’re feeling boozy.
