Best bars with live music in Leeds

Leeds might be built on industry, but it runs on rhythm. From punk pioneers to dancefloor dominators, this city has always set the tempo, and its bar scene is keeping the legacy loud and proud.

Leeds doesn’t just march to the beat of its own drum; it throws a full-blown street party with it.

Whether you’re losing yourself to a DJ spinning Nu-Disco at midnight, vibing with a soul singer over brunch, or catching a DIY outfit gig in a room the size of your mum’s lounge, this city has it all.

Live music in Leeds isn’t just about the big arena shows. It's the heartbeat of the city’s hospitality scene, powering footfall, driving revenue, and turning one-pint pit stops into full-blown nights out.

With platforms like GigPig helping bars book local talent with ease, it's never been easier (or more essential) for venues to fill their spaces with live sound. And lucky for us, Leeds is packed with spots that are smashing it.

So, where should be on your hit list in the heart of the White Rose County? Let’s throw a few recommendations your way, shall we?

Rita’s

The new kids on the block? More like the new icons. Rita's has skyrocketed into the Leeds nightlife scene, becoming THE go-to for live music and chaotic good times. Their Beerhall-meets-Ballroom concept makes every night feel like a celebration, expect daily live sets from the region’s most exciting musicians, from stripped-back acoustic magic to disco groups and full-throttle DJs. The vibes are always high, the tunes are always on point, and the party? Non-stop.

Distrikt

Underground, intimate and totally electric, Distrikt is Leeds nightlife turned all the way up. This hidden gem delivers exactly what a subterranean bar should: High energy, serious sound systems, and a rotation of world-class DJs bringing House, Minimal and Disco until 2am. From Tuesday through Saturday, the space transforms into a music-lover’s dream, where every visit feels a bit different, but always just right.

The Domino Club

A speakeasy soaked in soul, The Domino Club brings serious swagger to the city. Tucked beneath a barber shop, it channels NYC jazz den energy with a northern twist. With up to 40 musicians hitting the stage every month, it’s one of the busiest (and best) live music haunts around. The setlists are stacked with Funk, Soul and Jazz, the cocktails are effortlessly cool, and the talent? Top-tier. This place doesn’t just serve drinks, it serves up moments.

The End 

Don’t be fooled by the name, The End is where the night really begins. Known for bottomless brunches that slide into late-night sessions, this vibrant venue attracts the finest DJs, serving up the best in Nu-Disco, Funky House and throwback classics. With expertly crafted cocktails in hand and a dancefloor that never stops moving, The End nails that perfect mix of laid-back cool and full-throttle party.

Neighbourhood

Looking for big city party energy with a New York twist? Neighbourhood delivers every time. It’s the venue that parties like it’s on Manhattan time, but with proper Yorkshire heart. This all-day, all-night spot flips from bottomless brunches to blowout parties with ease. On Fridays and Saturdays, live music and performances light up the venue, turning dinner-and-drinks into dancefloor euphoria.

Smokestack

You could fill a whole list with Sandinista Group venues, but if we had to pick one? Smokestack takes the crown. This speakeasy-style hangout oozes New Orleans cool, with live Funk, Soul, Blues and Jazz pulsing through its veins. It’s rowdy, it’s romantic, and the music always hits just right. Of course, Blind Tyger and Sandinista bring their own flair, whether it’s swing jazz and hip-hop mashups or late-night rock’n’roll, but Smokestack remains the soulful centrepiece.

The Bootlegger

Vintage vibes and roaring good times, The Bootlegger brings Prohibition-era swagger into the modern day. Think candlelit booths, strong cocktails, and a soundtrack soaked in Blues, Jazz and Swing. It’s the kind of place where the band’s just getting started as the rest of the city is winding down. The atmosphere? Electric. The talent? Always exceptional. The hangover? Absolutely worth it.

Green Room

Sunsets, cocktails and city skyline views, Green Room is Leeds’ rooftop paradise. By day, it’s an urban oasis with BBQs and laid-back beats. By night, it’s all about the basement, where local DJs light up the dancefloor with House, Funk, and feel-good energy. It’s a margarita-fuelled fever dream that keeps going until your group chat is nothing but blurry selfies, as the Green Room brings the rhythm to every corner.