After the sun goes down in Leeds, the city lights up

Start your night with some of the world's best craft beers or indulge your inner sophisticate at one of Leeds' premier cocktail spots. If you're up for a big night, there are plenty of places to party the night away.

Cheers to real ale

With the craft beer revolution in full swing, beer aficionados will find much to love in Leeds’ best pubs. The wooden farm tables at Friends of Ham create a social atmosphere for beer fans who gather to sample from the long list of cask ales, keg taps, and cider boxes. The food is equally compelling, featuring a range of fine cheese and charcuterie boards lauded as some of the best in Leeds. ShuffleDog, in the Northern Quarter, is an offshoot of Edinburgh's BrewDog. They have 36 craft beers on tap and three full-size shuffle board tables to keep you busy for hours. In the heart of popular Call Lane, Black Swan does its best to educate indifferent drinkers about the joys of craft beer, with a rotating range of American and UK brewers to sample.

Sophisticated tipples

If beer doesn't excite you, try one of Leeds' many hip cocktail spots or intimate wine bars. Venture back to the days of Prohibition at The Maven in Call Lane. To join the stylish crowd ordering from an inventive cocktail menu, you'll have to message ahead for directions; The Maven's door is unmarked and the location is a (poorly kept!) secret. Couples on an intimate evening out will love The Decanter, a dimly lit wine bar with an eclectic wine and champagne list. For an upbeat evening, mix cocktails with clubbing at Smokestack, where the second-floor DJs pump soul, funk, and blues into the wee hours.

That's entertainment

The art crowd in Leeds congregates at Canal Mills, where a varied mix of art, food, DJs, and live gigs share the funky space. The Fox & Newt has a similarly varied event schedule; upstairs, you'll find comedy, live music, or classic films. For something a little more energetic, Control is the place to go. The huge venue accommodates up to 3,000 people working the floor floor to top-notch house. If you prefer your dance card filled with jangly guitar rock, The Stone Roses Bar will transport you to the heady days of ‘90s indie.

Late-night fuel

After working up an appetite on the dance floor, Meat Liquor is the ideal place for a nightcap and a sloppy, but satisfying, gourmet burger. Dough Boys at the Belgrave Music Hall satisfies late-night pizza cravings with their hand-slung slices. In the wee hours, retreat to the comfort of one of our central Leeds hotels. Just don't sleep so late that you miss out on our delicious breakfast buffet.