From informal to intimate and budget-friendly, we’ve got all bases covered…
From making first encounters a little less awkward, to pleasing even the most contrary couples, location can go a long away when it comes to dating - whether your significant other, latest Tinder swipe or that random you gave your number to on Call Lane. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the ten best spots for a hitch-free date night in Leeds…
HEADROW HOUSE
With its Germanic beer hall, swanky redondo beach and that roof terrace for long sunset sessions, Headrow is dating paradise. With buy one get the second for £1 cocktails, you can neck the nerves and maybe even get a snap for the ‘gram. Loved up couples tend to hang here looking smug, so you might as well join in. Or, just eye up the aesthetically pleasing bar staff while they’re in the loo.
Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
IROKO
Formerly known as The Vanguard, this shiny tiled number is just the ticket if you want to show your classy side without going too formal. As it moves from day to night with the slide of a shelf, you can meet late afternoon for a coffee, and stick around for a cocktail - if they’ve not started showing you photos of their ex in Ibiza by then.
Iroko 7 Duncan St, Leeds LS1 6DQ
BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB
If you’ve bonded over obscure band lyrics and sticky floors, you’ll fit right in at Brud. With its sunny beer yard, and motley mix of students and regulars, it’s a great option for a casual (and cheap) pint. Plus, there’s ginger beer on tap…and also pie. If conversation dries up, try your hand at pinball, darts, snooker or table football. Just keep a lid on that competitive streak, unless you want to scare them away sharpish.
Brudenell Social Club 3 Queen's Rd, Leeds LS6 1NY
NORTHERN MONK
Who doesn’t love a brewery? Hoppy aromas and kegs for miles. A stone’s throw from the train station, Northern Monk is a solid choice, even if you’re not based in the city centre. With street food takeovers on rotation, the kitchen’s always got something to nibble on to soak up all those beers. Just beware, the toilets are unisex, so you might have to time your trips to avoid awkward touch-ups in the mirror…
Northern Monk Refectory, Marshalls Mill, The Old Flax Store, Marshall St, Leeds LS11 9YJ
THE SOCIAL
As one of Leeds’ great underrated bars, The Social is a top choice for a date due to its friendly staff and fab drinks menu. Hosting regular music, games, and crafty meet ups, it’s open seven days a week, well situated en route to the Northern Quarter. You can cosy up under the twinkling fairy lights, or hit the courtyard for an afternoon in good company.
The Social, 21 Merrion St, Leeds LS2 8JG
THE DOMINO CLUB
With prohibition vibes aplenty, treat your date to a cheeky drink under Leeds’ infamous Grand Arcade barber shop. If you’re lucky enough to catch a band on, they’ll have you tapping your toes or twirling your moustache in no time. £5 entry on Friday & Saturday nights.
The Domino Club, Grand Arcade, Leeds LS1 6PG
WHITELOCKS ALE HOUSE
Sometimes you’re just after a pub, and in that case, Whitelocks is the answer. And as one of the oldest in Leeds, it’ll charm the socks of your beaux, no matter how long you’ve known them. With an extensive range of ales, wines, spirits and softs, it’ll suit most humans and you can even bring your dog along.
Whitelocks Ale House, Turk's Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
ASSEMBLY UNDERGROUND
This relatively new kid on the block is a go-to date spot in my books - the long sharing tables offering a kind of informality that’s welcome when you’re trying to remember to listen, ask questions, not swear too much and play with your ear lobes if you’re interested. With 50 beers on tap, a secret gin hideaway, indie coffee, and all the street food you could wish for, you literally can’t go wrong, any time of day or night.
Assembly Underground, 12 Great George St, Leeds LS1 3AL
HYDE PARK BOOK CLUB
If you’re trying to say ‘I’m wavy, listen to acid jazz and eat vegan chicken wearing Carhartt,’ Hyde Park Book club is the choice for you. Even if you’ve never had a housemate who DJs here on weekends, it’s a sweet option for laidback vibes, affordable larger and serious culture points.
Hyde Park Book Club, 27-29 Headingley Ln, Leeds LS6 1BL
NATION OF SHOPKEEPERS
Tucked away between Millennium Square and the Art Gallery, Nation of Shopkeepers is easily missed besides the area’s flashy chains and eateries. But with 2-4-1 burgers on Tuesdays and 2-4-1 wings Wednesdays, if time’s flying, you won’t go hungry. And if you’re really loved up, make it official at the instant photo booth.
Nation of Shopkeepers, 26-27 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AG
