As freshers week draws to a close, you may be wondering how you can possibly keep up with the hectic, demanding nightlife that comes with being a student in Leeds. Between cheesy Friday nights at Fruity, #edgy evenings at Canal Mills, Wire and Mint and club classics at Mission, HiFi and countless others, I wouldn’t blame you for feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of non-stop parties on your doorstep.
Fear not, however, for there are loads of great alternative nights out across Leeds that will give you a break from the crowds but are still guaranteed to be an amazing time.
Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen
Tucked just off Merrion Street, Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen is home to great food, live music, art, film, comedy and a spectacular roof terrace. The venue is spread over three floors and includes two bars and an event space that has a 200 person capacity. In one of the UK’s most creative cities, this is where you’ll find some of Leeds’ best artists and performers showcasing their talents.
Lazy Lounge
If you’re looking for a slightly quieter, independent bar where you can have drinks and a chat then Lazy Lounge is perfect. It not only has a great menu but is also THE establishment in Leeds for fine wine, gin and whisky. So, if you fancy yourself something of an alcohol expert then go and check it out!
The Alchemist
If you haven’t yet heard of the Alchemist, where have you been hiding? Located on the second floor of the Trinity centre, this small bar has some of the best cocktails in the land. It can be a bit pricey for most student budgets, but the atmosphere, excellent bartenders and beautiful city views from the heated terrace make it well worth your money.
Roxy Lanes
Live Art Bistro
Visiting the Live Arts Bistro is truly a unique experience. The centre acts as a hub for live art in Leeds, with independent film screenings, dramatic and dance-based performances and just about everything in-between. Live art is resistant to definition and seeks to be shocking in nature, so a night out here is bound to be truly one of a kind!
Hyde Park Picture House
If you’re after a quieter night out, the picture house in Hyde Park offers an old fashioned ambience and screenings of independent films, new movies and old favourites.
The Chemic Tavern
The Chemic Tavern, voted one of the best pubs in Leeds last year, is great for those of you who love live music. The pub hosts several different gigs a week, featuring a wide range of genres from Irish folk to Indie to Blues. There’s also a weekly quiz on a Monday night, and occasionally the pub holds spoken word nights and theatre performances.
Mook
Last but by no means least (and a Her Campus favourite!), Mook is a chilled cocktail bar found just off Call Lane. It not only serves signature cocktails but also has an eclectic vibe as the music changes from funk to disco to house in a matter of minutes.
Image Sources
Image 1 – http://www.belgravemusichall.com/gallery/
Image 2 – http://lazy-lounge.com/gallery/
Image 3 – http://thealchemist.uk.com/trinity-leeds#gallery
Image 4 – http://www.roxylanes.co.uk/
Image 6 – http://www.grandarcadeleeds.co.uk/portfolio_page/bar-soba/
Image 7 – http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/06/34/fc/a8/hyde-park-picture-house.jpg
Image 8 – http://leeds-list.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/FooChemicBA2-web.jpg
Image 9 – http://www.jsdesignpartnership.co.uk/images/portfolio/retail/mook/2.jpg