Spirits pair well with sights at the best rooftop bars in Leeds!
You can run from the daily grind in plenty of ways—book a getaway or buy yourself something shiny. As for us? We drown the BS with a martini in a rooftop bar with a beautiful skyline in the background.
Leeds has a plethora of such haunts, from posh 5-star lounges you’d see Tony Stark on to down-to-earth boozers. We listed the best ones below so you can live the high or easy-going life—even if it’s just during the happy hour.
Headrow House
– From headrowhouse
Address: 19a The Headrow
Contact Details: 0113 245 9370
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 4 pm to 11 pm
- Fri – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sat – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 11 pm
One rooftop bar is grand, but two? That’s pure heaven; just ask Headrow House’s punters, us included. Our go-to is the first one, as its longer seating options and bigger parasols are ideal for our big pack.
Don’t get us wrong, the second, higher rooftop at Kennedy Meadows isn’t exactly naff. Its open-air seating mixed with those covered huts gives it a laid-back tropical feel, spot on for a pint of sweet and sour Budvar.
Tip: They often have something happening here, so pop by during an event to level up your visit.
Sky Lounge
– From skylounge__leeds
Address: DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre, Granary Wharf
Contact Details: 0113 241 1043
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 11:30 pm
- Fri – 2 pm to 1 am
- Sat – 11 am to 2 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 12 am
As the city’s highest rooftop bar, Sky Lounge is hard to top—quite literally. The place is pure class; think astroturf lawn, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sun-drenched interiors, with Yorkshire and Leeds’ scenery spanning for kilometres.
As if the views weren’t enough, you get the option to savour the iconic Sky Lounge Martini—fruity, smooth, and suited to the elegant space. But if you’re after more of a bender, the weekend bottomless Pornstar Martinis and Aperol spritz are a no-brainer.
Tip: Make sure to pack your cards. Sky Lounge has gone cash-free.
IF Rooftop
– From ifrooftop
Address: Avenue HQ Leeds, ENTRANCE AT 10, 12 Park Cross St, E Parade
Contact Details: 07535 952805
Operating Hours:
- Wed to Fri – 4 pm to 11 pm
- Sat – 2 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – 2 pm to 9 pm
Every time we go to IF Rooftop, it reminds us of a Mediterranean getaway. Packed with picnic tables, dreamy lights, and the right touch of green, this urban-chic haunt is the perfect antidote to a dreary day.
To match this spot’s mellow energy, we usually down their zesty, slightly bitter Aperol spritz, often coupled with the cheese-covered nachos. Last time, though, we had £10.95 pints of Guinness and washed it down with bold, smoky steak frites.
Tip: No need to ditch the doggos, as IF Rooftop rolls out the welcome mat for pups!
The Alchemist Trinity
– From steveabel_
Address: Level 1, Trinity
Contact Details: 0113 246 0540
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 10 am to 12 am
- Thu to Sat – 10 am to 1 am
- Sun – 11 am to 11 pm
From the second we hit The Alchemist’s south-facing, horseshoe terrace with fairy lights, we knew we were in for gold. Lush plants frame the bar, heaters take the edge off the cold, and parasols serve up a cosy shade over the high tables.
However, it’s their sensational catalogue of theatrical cocktails (cocktail bars leeds) that had us gobsmacked. Take the Pina Colava Lamp, for example. It’s sweet, tangy, and looks exactly as it sounds!
Tip: If live DJ beats get you buzzing, swing by on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays.
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
Talking about rooftop bars and leaving out the legendary Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen? That’s a rookie error. Set in a 1930s building, this suntrap is where chilled tunes, quirky art, and top-notch local brews all come together.
Speaking of brews, Kirkstall Ale’s No. 1 Pale Ale is spot-on—light and crisp but still packs a bit of a wallop, ideal with a slice from Dough Boys.
If you’re after something with more oomph, though, Five Points’ caramel and herb-infused brews are the better fit.
Tip: The roof terrace is walk-ins only, so get there early; it’s a magnet for crowds, after all.
Cuckoo
– From cuckooleeds
Address: 37 Call Ln
Contact Details: 0113 242 3966
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 4 am
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 4 am
- Sun – 2 pm to 4 am
Decked like a fairground and coloured by neon lights, Call Lane’s Cuckoo is quirky done right. Sure, it’s not the tallest rooftop in town, but it’s hands-down one of the most eye-catching.
Even the bevvies can turn heads, with most boozers grabbing the giant beers. You also can’t go wrong with the neon-themed cocktails, like Quackiri, a Cuckoo classic mixing strawberry gin and puree.
Tip: Head to the main bar, buy a drink, and they’ll sort you out with a free 6” pizza (pizza leeds) until 9 pm.
Angelica & Crafthouse
– From angelicaandcrafthouse
Address: Level 5 & 6, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln
Contact Details: 0113 897 0099
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 12 pm to 11 pm
- Thu – 12 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 1 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 9 pm
Leeds’ industrial charm gets a lux polish at Angelica & Crafthouse, perched six floors up in Trinity Leeds. An arvo bevvy here means soaking in South Leeds’ views, specifically the Holy Trinity Church, with all its fancy details and spires on full display.
For sips, classics like the espresso martini and daiquiri are golden-hour steals. But if you’re after the crème de la crème, the Hendricks martini, with its dry and herby profile, is the right choice.
Tip: Throw your next Christmas party here!
Green Room
– From greenroom_
Address: 36 Wellington St
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 11 am to 12 am
- Thu – 11 amt o 1 am
- Fri – 10 am to 2 am
- Sat – 10 am to 3 am
- Sun – 11 am to 12 am
True to its name, the sustainable and groovy Green Room is lush. It has plants sprouting left, right, and centre—even in colder months when the expansive space blossoms into a winter garden.
Drinks are also top-shelf, pulling pints from big Leeds hitters like Kirkstall and Northern Monk. And when the munchies strike, you can feast on plant-powered goodies—think wild mushrooms on sourdough or cumin hummus.
Tip: If you’ve had one too many, crash in one of their sophisticated rooms for the night.
Terrace
– From terracebarluu
Address: Leeds University Union, Lifton Place
Contact Details: 0113 380 1451
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 11 am to 12 am
- Thu – 11 am to 1 am
- Fri – 11 am to 2:30 am
- Sat – 12 pm to 1 am
The indoor space of Terrace at Leeds Uni nails the whole sleek, vintage get-up, while its rooftop space keeps it simple—long tables, parasols, and a healthy dose of sunshine. This means it’s a more laid-back space, with cocktails and cider to match the energy.
The last time we popped in, we went for their house special, the playful Heartini, which tasted bitter, citrusy, and slightly spicy. But don’t worry if you’re in the mood for something safe; the usual suspects like pina colada and martini are on the cards, too.
Tip: For bargain cocktails, pop over between 3 pm and 7 pm, Monday to Friday.
The Canary
– From canary.bar
Address: The Dockside
Contact Details: 0113 486 1951
Operating Hours: Daily – 11 am to 11 pm
The Canary might not be reaching for the skies just yet, but when discussing views of Leeds Dock, it knocks the competition out. And let’s be real, the place is a right looker. Fairy lights winding through that urban-chic decor? That’s a proper backdrop.
Their extensive drinks menu is a bit of a brain-buster if you’re new, though, so we suggest starting with the favourites. Bramble is a great pick—tart, tangy, and perfect for long natter sessions while you’re munching on Canary’s classic burgers.
Tip: Drop a message at [email protected] if you’re planning to hire the outdoor terrace for a private event.
The Woods
– From thewoods_cpa
Address: 5, Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton
Contact Details: 0113 307 0111
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 4 pm to 10 pm
- Tue to Thu – 4 pm to 11 pm
- Fri – 12 pm to 1 am
- Sat – 12 pm to 1 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 10 pm
With a view of Chapel Allerton’s leafy parks, quaint suburban streets, and thick woodlands, The Woods is more than just a stop for downing cocktails and spirits.
Make no mistake, the drinks are cracking, with everything from Spanish reds to local ales. It’s the wood-fired pizza you must target, however; its herby and charred perfection have been causing quite a stir in Leeds, especially among or ‘za fanatics.
Tip: You’ll find the closest parking spots at Harrogate Road and Town Street.
Lamb And Flag
– From lambandflaglds
Address: 1 Church Row
Contact Details: 0113 243 1255
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 12 pm to 11 pm
- Thu to Sat – 12 pm to 12 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 10:30 pm
Housed in a 19th-century gem, Lamb and Flag made us fall head over heels for rooftop bars and exquisite architecture. The first time we hit that old-world terrace, the Gothic Revival Leeds Minster had us hooked instantly.
What really sealed the deal, though, were the UK ales—like the classic London Pride from Fuller’s Griffin Brewery. Its clean, malty taste and that buttery apple aroma somehow hit just right with the pub’s old-school vibe.
Tip: Prosecco, whether by the glass or bottle, is cheaper on Fridays, from 4 to 8 pm.
BOX Headingley
– From theboxbaruk
Address: 8 Otley Rd, Headingley
Contact Details: 0113 224 9345
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 12 pm to 1 am
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 12:30 am
If you think sports bars and rooftop bars don’t go together, you clearly haven’t been to the BOX Headingley. Here, barflies catch live matches on HD screens or chill out on the breezy terrace, which can pack in 130 folks.
The drinks list is constantly switching up, but you’ll always find fruity IPAs and hoppy pale ales on the cards. However, it’s the people’s pick that’s a total must: BOX’s thick, buttery, and chewy Detroit pizza.
Tip: Fancy a bit of belting out after drinking? Visit on a Thursday night from 9 pm for karaoke.
Parkside Tavern
– From parksidetnq
Address: St Johns House, Merrion St
Contact Details: 0113 467 2005
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 3 pm to 11 pm
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 12 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 11 pm
Aside from the pool tables and swanky interiors, one of Parkside Tavern’s biggest perks is its terrace’s beer garden-esque spot (beer gardens leeds). It has fine astroturf and picnic tables under the shade of streetside trees, plus the space overlooks the Merrion Street Gardens.
The best part? It’s not just a pretty face. With 18 taps lining the bar, you won’t run out of options quickly. To top it off, the tavern whips out hand-stretched and no-nonsense Margherita, which doesn’t go beyond a tenner!
Tip: You can book the rooftop! Check out their party packages and special deals.
Roland’s Leeds
– From stonecatherine
Address: 39 Call Ln
Contact Details: 0113 897 0099
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 12 pm to 11 pm
- Thu – 12 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 1 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 9 pm
Roland’s, perched and hidden up a staircase from the courtyard, might be this list’s best joint for a romantic escape. True, it’s not as massive as other spots, but with plants climbing old brick walls and twinkling lights, this nook feels extra intimate and magical.
Oh, and we’d be daft not to mention they were named one of the UK’s top 50 bars in 2022. Skipping a drink here would be a right mistake, especially if you’re missing out on Roland’s oaky and fruity-sweet Silent Night, one of their crowd-pulling blends.
Tip: They regularly drop new drinks and switch up the themes here. For the latest, check out their Facebook.