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Leeds is awash with top music venues, sophisticated bars, and cool clubs. The rebirth of Leeds as a 24 hour city started in the early 90s when Dave Beer launched his groundbreaking house night Back2Basics which, 15 years later, is still running as Basics. Many people moved to Leeds just to experience a vibrant nightlife scene in its infancy, which grew at a rapid rate and hasn’t looked back since.
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Leeds is awash with top music venues, sophisticated bars, and cool clubs. The rebirth of Leeds as a 24 hour city started in the early 90s when Dave Beer launched his groundbreaking house night Back2Basics which, 15 years later, is still running as Basics. Many people moved to Leeds just to experience a vibrant nightlife scene in its infancy, which grew at a rapid rate and hasn’t looked back since.
Leeds became a city very much known for its defined clubbing culture, and groundbreaking avant garde nights such as Vague, Up Yer Ronson and The Orbit sprang up, becoming an integral part of Leeds’ identity as an exciting, progressive and hedonistic city.
These nights are still referenced today, and have very much informed a current nightlife climate that boasts nationally acclaimed nights such as Federation, Dirty Disco, SubDub, Fresh Jive and New Bohemia.
Known as a goth music mecca back in the 80s, Leeds has more recently come under the national media’s musical radar thanks to artists like Kaiser Chiefs and Corinne Bailey Rae. The Cribs, The Pigeon Detectives and The Sunshine Underground, have all been championed by industry insiders at the NME, Radio 1 and Xfm, proving that when it comes to musical talent, Leeds is a pioneer. The city has produced world famous bands, fantastic local labels, and a live music scene to match.
Leeds’ nightlife is legendary, so if you’re new to the city you’re going to need some pointers. Why not start with this top ten:
The Elbow Room
is not only a great place to play pool, but by night it hosts some of the best breakbeat, funk, soul and hip hop nights in the city including Sugarbeat with resident DJs Utah Saints.
Mojo
is famous for its cocktails and rock and roll ethic. Preferred haunt of Irvine Welsh, there is also now a Mojo in Manchester and even one in Barbados!
The HiFi Club
is one of the city’s most respected clubs, best known for its funk and soul nights and legendary Sweet Revival urban night.
The Mint Club
is celebrating its tenth birthday this year and has hosted DJs from Richie Hawtin to Fatboy Slim.
Oracle
is a plush riverside bar with an upstairs champagne lounge, making it a favourite amongst the Leeds glitterati.
Mission
is one of Leeds’ premier clubs, having recently had a million pound revamp, and is home to acclaimed nights like Kissdafunk and is a key part of the city's gay scene, along with Bar Fibre.
Jake’s Bar
on Call Lane is a bar with a fantastic drink selection and an inclusive music policy, playing everything from The Stone Roses to The Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
The Wardrobe
is famous for its live jazz nights, which often attract both national and international jazz stars to Leeds and has just reopened its downstairs club.
The Cockpit
has seen the likes of The White Stripes and LCD Soundsystem grace its stages and is one of Leeds’ most renowned gig venues.
Leeds University Union
continues to attract top DJs and bands such as Dizzee Rascal, Hot Chip and Maceo Parker.
The Faversham
not only has its own record label Bad Sneakers, but is also famed for its cool indie status, supporting new local bands and hosting big name acts like Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen and Maxïmo Park.
The cream of Leeds' musical talent is brought together for the annual Live@Leeds festival, organised by the council and local promoters Futuresound. Held at a variety of venues across the city in May, previous performers include Stephen Fretwell, Kate Nash, Biffy Clyro and The Pigeon Detectives.
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Bars
Oporto
Oporto was one of the original founders of the Leeds cafe/bar culture.
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Oracle
Oracle is one of Leeds’ largest waterfront venues, with an exclusive yet easy-going atmosphere.
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Original Oak
The Original Oak has been going over 150 years, having been built in 1838.
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Plush
Plush is certainly worthy of its name and is proving to be a hit with people in the know.
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Prohibition
Escape into the comfortable world of Prohibition, reminiscent of a 1920’s American Speakeasy.
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Quid Pro Quo
A popular power-lunch spot during the day, and chilled bar-restaurant at night.
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Revolution
With over 30 in-house vodkas and 60 imported vodkas, Revolution has a shot for all tastes.
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Room
Serving classic and retro dishes with exciting contemporary twists, this is the place to be seen in Leeds.
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Sandinista
Have a relaxing evening sipping mojitos with mates, or hit the dancefloor and boogie till the early hours.
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Sela
A converted cellar which plays host to live music every weekend.
More info »
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Monday 01 Dec 2008