Our Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Leeds

From old fashioned drinking dens to more contemporary establishments, Leeds is packed with cool cocktail bars. With so many watering holes to choose from, it's hard to know where to start - but here are a few suggestions.

1. Mojo

Rock 'n' roll bar Mojo has been running since 1996, building up a devoted fan base along the way. Head down there early for a chilled, intimate vibe, or wait until the crowds turn up later if you like things a little louder. Order a Mojo Swizzle: three-year-old rum, pineapple and lime with grapefruit soda and bitters, it's tangy, refreshing and temptingly more-ish.

2. The Botanist

The Botanist has a fast-growing reputation as one of Leeds' most exciting new cocktail bars. With their bartenders and budding botanists developing an original menu of British herb-inspired combinations, it's not hard to understand why. Bloody Mary fans will love the spicy Bloody Porcini: Gin Mare and tomato juice with garlic chive, celery and porcini syrup.

3. The Alchemist

Experimental cocktail bar The Alchemist uses laboratory-style beakers and eye-catching glassware to create their diverse range of elaborate concoctions. Pick the Caramelised Rum Punch and watch as the bartender uses a mini Bunsen burner and pan to heat up some sugar, before mixing in the rum and spices.

4. The Maven

This prohibition bar is well hidden behind a door with no sign, but on busy nights the queue to get in might just give the game away. Aim for a week night or early evening for a more exclusive atmosphere, and order an Old Fashioned to complete the speakeasy experience.

5. Browns

Housed in the same Art Deco building as our Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre, the relaxed and elegant setup at Browns lets you sip their signature Passion Fruit Daiquiris while listening to live piano music on weekend afternoons.

6. Épernay

Specialising in rare and exclusive champagnes, Épernay is the definition of sophisticated. Don't worry if you're a novice when it comes to bubbly; they extend a warm welcome to all with delicious £6 cocktails on offer. Don't leave without trying a 1796 Classic - champagne, rum and orange bitters.

7. Revolution

Another established stalwart on the Leeds cocktail scene, Revolution are vodka experts. Drop into to see them at the trendy Exchange Quarter and ask for a Midsummer Mule, which mixes Revolution's own strawberry infused vodka with lime juice and ginger beer.

8. Roast + Conch

From the founders of Hotel Chocolat, this bar mixes cocktails with cocoa beans - who could ask for anything more? Try the house spin on a G&T: cacao infused gin, tonic and a twist of orange.

9. Jake's Bar & Still Room

Call Lane is the place to go for cocktails in Leeds, with some of the city's best bars concentrated around the area. Jake's have their own still room, where they prepare several cocktail ingredients in-house. Try the Steampunk Collins with homemade limoncello.

10. The Living Room

Located on central Greek Street, The Living Room is a smart, stylish bar and restaurant with background music provided courtesy of a live pianist. If you're a gin drinker, the English Country Garden with fresh cucumber will be hard to beat.