Leeds City Guide - Nightlife

The sheer variety and quality of nightlife on offer in Leeds is testament to the fact that this is a city that likes to party. With everything from old fashioned drinking dens to swanky cocktail bars, visitors don't have to walk far to find something that suits their tastes.

Discreetly located in Turk's Head Yard off the main shopping street, Briggate, is Whitelocks - a wonderful former gin palace that dates back to 1715 and is reportedly the oldest pub in the city; it's a great place to enjoy a pint in wonderfully traditional surroundings. Or try Doctor Okells on The Headrow in the north of the city for its great selection of world beers. For a more laidback cafe-bar vibe, try the award-winning North on New Briggate. For late night tipples, cocktails and a lively party atmosphere, head to Mojo on Merrion Street or Boutique in Hirsts Yard off Briggate.

Clubs abound in this city of revelry, but one of the most popular with the young and trendy crowd is Gatecrasher (website: www.gatecrasher.co.uk) at the top of New Briggate. Another venue that's won loyal support amongst the city's clubbers is The Cockpit (website: www.thecockpit.co.uk) at Bridge End House on Swinegate; each month it serves up a great mix of club nights and live music. Another good venue to see live music in a laidback environment is The Wardrobe (website: www.thewardrobe.co.uk) on St Peter's Square, which is styled on an American diner with booth seating and a decent dance floor.