The summer is here, and we intend to make the most of it. Spending time chilling with a few craft ales on some of the best rooftop bars in Leeds sounds like a great start to us. From hipster paradise to chic and stylish, the Leed skyline has got it all and we’ve put together a list of Leeds rooftop terrace and bars so we can make the most of the summer weather.
Leeds is fast becoming one of the best cities in the country to head to for a weekend away – or just a few drinks. And, it’s no surprise with the city having so many great bars that it’s hard to know which ones to visit. The cosmopolitan city is one of our favourites for a day out sipping on a few spirtz in the sun. So if you’re looking to make the most of your trip to the West Yorkshire city, then make sure you take some notes.
The sun may not shine all to often in England, but when it does you can make damn sure we are going to be making the most of it with friends soaking up the rays at one of Leeds top rooftop bars.
Checkout our list of the best rooftop bars in Leeds below:
1. Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
The hub of the Leeds hipsters. Belgrave’s rooftop bar is the perfect place to while away the summer days. They have a great selection of craft beers as well as come fantastic cocktail offerings including a strawberry sangria. They also serve great burgers from the likes of Patty’s Burgers and pizza slices from Dough Boys.
It’s one of the Best rooftop bars in Leeds by far with the decor screaming secret garden, and although it’s not a high rise rooftop bar, there is a quaint sense of community that is given to the place as it is surrounded by the new buildings that are taking over the Leeds skyline. Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP
2. IF…Rooftop, Leeds
One of Leeds’ best-kept secrets, the rooftop bar has some fantastic views of the Leeds skyline and regularly has DJ sets on throughout the summer months. But to enjoy any of its offerings, first of all you need to find it – which is easier said than done.
To access the secret rooftop at East Parade you need a passcode, which is located on their Instagram. You can gain entrance from Park Cross Street where you will be guided to the rooftop. IF Rooftop, ENTRANCE AT, 10-12 Park Cross St, E Parade, Leeds LS1 2BH
3. Sky Lounge
If you’re looking for a little bit of luxury, and a few cocktails then Sky Lounge found at the top of DoubleTree by Hilton has the best views of Leeds you’ll find in the city centre. Enjoy the city views anytime from daytime through to night, whilst sipping on one of their signature cocktails..
Found in the Granary Wharf area of Leeds, you won’t want to miss out on the SKy Lounges’ bottomless brunch and afternoon tea offerings either. Sky Lounge, Granary Wharf, 2 Wharf Approach, Leeds LS1 4BR
4. Green Room
The Green Room was named one of the best rooftop bars in Europe by Big7 travel. It offers, a little craft beer and ales from local breweries like Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery and Magic Rock as well as a selection of cocktails and a spritz menu all perfect drinks to enjoy on his brand new roof terrace bar. They also have a brunch food offering from Braizin’ Squad.
Expect tonnes of greenery and bench tables helping you meet a whole host of new mates on a night out. They have DJ’s on from Thursday to Saturday helping you party into the early hours. Green Room, 36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE
Read More: 9 Of The Tastiest Pizza Places To Visit In Leeds
5. Headrow House
Offering chilled vibes in the Leeds city centre, Headrow House is one of the coolest rooftop bar offerings on offer. Expect DJ’s throwing out some great tunes, whilst you sip away at craft ales, aperol spritz and enjoy time spent with friends.
They hold events throughout the year with rooftop parties that will have you dancing into the early hours. The venue is sleek and cool and a popular one for locals and tourists alike. Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
6. Angelica
Set on the sixth floor in Leeds Trinity, Angelica is a stylish and modern bar that looks out over the city of Leeds. It has a beautiful roof terrace that has amazing views, which people can enjoy while sipping on the high-quality range of beverages that Angelicas provide. It is one of the coolest places to visit if you love getting dressed up and getting on the cocktails with the gals.
The rooftop bar has summer written all over it. It’s a stone’s throw away from the train station making it the perfect place to start your day before heading to Greek Street or Call Lane – Leeds most popular bar spots. Angelica, Level 6, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
7. BOX Headingley
The sports bar has been a popular staple in Leeds for many years and now with the addition of the rooftop bar space it has it all. You can sit in this sun trap whilst trying one of bar’s famous fruity cocktails. It’s a popular student spot, so you know it’s always going to be lively and offer a fun environment. These guys may be student focussed but that doesn’t mean they don’t have quality. We highly recommend the food options at this one, if you’re looking for something to soak up the booze.
It’s a decent spot to head to if you’re in the Headingley area – especially when the sun is shining. It’s great value for money whilst still offering quality service. It’s also a part of the Otley Run, so expect some fantastic outfits – maybe sipping a pint with Super Mario and Luigi depending on what time you go. BOX Headingley, 8 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AD
8. Parkside Tavern
Looking out over Merrion Street, Parkside Tavern’s rooftop terrace is a communal space with long picnic bench stely setting perfect for socialising with pals. They serve a range of decent ales as well as a range of spirits and cocktails to keep everyone happy on a warm summer day.
It’s a great central location with Merrion Street just a stone’s throw away as well as Call Lane where you’ll find some of the best bars in Leeds. Parkside Tavern, St Johns House, Merrion St, Leeds LS2 8JE
9. The Alchemist
The Alchemist in Leeds has a long, varied and excellent cocktail list. We’ve always been a sucker for a smokey Old Fashioned at Alchemist, which is located in the Leeds Trinity Centre. We all know this spot for its cocktails, before cocktails were such a big thing and it still holds strong along with its chicken in a basket!
They appear to put a great deal of consideration into everything they do. It’s also one opulent experience that we’ve never grown tired of, from the showmanship of their cocktail crafting to the glasses that they come in. The Alchemist, Level 1, Trinity, Leeds LS1 6HW
10. Cuckoo
This fairground-themed cocktail bar is home to a super secret rooftop bar that can be accessed from a strange potting shed. It’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon with a few cocktails with friends, before getting ready to head onto the dance floor later in the day. It’s a great little find and is located on Call Lane, meaning once the sun goes down you’re ready to party.
They offer up a range of quirky cocktails that you’ll not find anything else. And, they aren’t just a gimmick either – these drinks are tasty. And, did we mention they do on-the-house pizzas with every drink till 9pm. Cuckoo, 37 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT
11. Roland’s
Roland’s lovely beer garden with stunning dangling twinkling lights is tucked away from the main strip in Leeds, right behind Call Lane. And one of the quainter summer rooftop bars in Leeds to visit. But, there cocktails are second to none, so they’re high on our list of places to visit when we are in town.
The patio seats about 30 people, but it’s ideal if you want a private sun trap for the afternoon chilling on one of the best rooftop bars Leeds has to offer. They have a wonderful assortment of craft beer as well as great drinks. Roland’s 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.
