Leeds is an amazing city for many reasons.
And one of those reasons is the abundance of incredible rooftop bars in Leeds.
I mean, who doesn’t love enjoying a few drinks in the sun with their mates?
Many of the rooftop bars in Leeds have incredible food menus too, so you can get there early in the day and not have to worry too much about getting hungry halfway through the day and having to change bars.
The city has a great skyline, with beautiful architecture dotted across it which you’ll love to look out on while you sip on a pornstar martini or a cold pint.
So have a read through this list and get your friends together for a day of relaxing on a rooftop in the sunshine!
1. Headrow House
Address: 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
Phone number: 0113 245 9370
Headrow House is one of the coolest bars in Leeds.
And luckily for you, it has not just one, but two, of the best rooftop gardens too!
Headrow is set in a converted textile mill and is popular among the locals for its great food and drink, as well as for the variety of bars within it.
You need to add it to your weekend in Leeds itinerary if you’re visiting from afar!
The first rooftop terrace is part of the Redondo Beach cocktail bar, while the second is upstairs at Kennedy Meadows and has a lovely rooftop garden with views across the Leeds skyline.
On the Redondo Beach rooftop, there’s a huge neon sign with text that is changed regularly.
This makes it a great place to get a funky post for Instagram, too.
It’s not hard to see why Headrow has become such a favourite on the Leeds bar scene!
2. Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
Address: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP
Phone number: 0113 234 6160
Belgrave Music Hall is an incredible independent venue that is spread out across three floors.
One of those floors houses one of the best rooftop bars in Leeds, and it’s the perfect spot for a chilled day drinking session with your mates.
Check their events calendar before you go, too, as they always have stuff going on, ranging from live music to foodie fairs, games nights to film festivals.
Their in-house pizza and burger kitchens serve up some of the yummiest food in Leeds, including some incredible veggie and vegan offerings.
This makes it a great place for everyone, whether you’re eating or just enjoying a boozy afternoon. Everyone loves it here so be sure to give it a try.
3. The Rooftop at East Parade
Address: 10-12 E Parade, Leeds LS1 2BH
Phone number: 0113 360 6907
The Rooftop at East Parade is in a prime location right in the middle of Leeds, so it boasts unbeatable views of some iconic Leeds sights, including the Town Hall!
There’s plenty of seating here for you to enjoy a drink or five in the sun.
And they also have a covered seating area, just in case the sun disappears for a bit (as it so often does here in the North!).
They also have an extensive menu covering everything from cocktails to beers, making it the perfect place to while away a summer’s afternoon.
4. Angelica
Address: Level 6, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
Phone number: 0113 897 0099
Angelica has the highest rooftop bar in Trinity Leeds, and the views across the city are absolutely incredible.
The terrace is super Instagrammable, too, as it’s decorated with trees, lavender and shrubbery.
It’s basically the spring terrace of dreams!
In the summer, Angelica hosts BBQ and DJ events on their terrace, so look out for those.
They also have a bunch of heat lamps so that you can continue well into the evening without having to worry about getting cold.
What more could you want from a rooftop bar?
5. Sky Lounge
Address: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Granary Wharf, Leeds LS1 4BR
Phone number: 0113 241 1007
The self-proclaimed “finest rooftop setting in Leeds”, Sky Lounge offers unrivalled views across the Leeds skyline, which you can enjoy from the lap of luxury on their gorgeous rooftop terrace.
This stylish cocktail bar is one of the more luxurious rooftop bars in Leeds.
You’re sure to feel like a celebrity while you sip on your cocktail here.
With everything from afternoon tea to weekend DJ evenings on offer, this is the perfect bar if you want to splash out a bit, no matter the occasion.
6. Issho
Address: Victoria Gate 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU
Phone number: 0113 426 5000
Issho has a stunning contemporary terrace where they serve delicious Japanese food alongside Asian-inspired cocktails.
It’s an oasis of greenery and comfy sofas and is the ideal setting for everything from drinks with friends to an alfresco date night with your other half.
As soon as you step onto this gorgeous terrace you somehow feel more at peace, which is part of the reason it has become such a favourite with the people of Leeds.
And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also one of the best vegan restaurants in Leeds.
Get booked in now!
7. The Alchemist
Address: Trinity Leeds, Albion St, Leeds LS1 6HW
Phone number: 0113 246 0540
The Alchemist is renowned for its unique and incredible cocktails, which are all themed around chemistry.
Some come in test tubes and others come with dry ice to jazz up your drinking experience.
However, The Alchemist in Trinity Leeds is even better because it has a wrap-around heated outdoor terrace that looks out over the beautiful spires and towers of the Leeds skyline.
Take a break from shopping and enjoy a well-deserved cocktail on this gorgeous terrace!
8. East 59th
Address: Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU
Phone number: 0113 426 5050
East 59th boasts a sophisticated Manhattan-style rooftop restaurant, where you can drink and dine in style.
The bar is characterised by sleek décor and quality drinks, as well as an American themed food menu with one of the best bottomless brunches in Leeds.
It’s the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon drinking with friends while snacking on nachos and burgers, and looking out over the beautiful sights of Leeds in the sun.
9. Fourth Floor Bar at Harvey Nichols
Address: Café and Bar, 107-111 Briggate Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor, Leeds LS1 6AZ
Phone number: 0113 204 8000
Harvey Nichols is the definition of class and sophistication, and their Fourth Floor terrace is no different.
The seasonal terrace menu combines Fourth Floor classics in a tempting range of light bites, mains and desserts, while the drinks menu is packed with delightful cocktails and refined fine wines.
If it’s a bit chilly, don’t fear! Their terrace features outdoor heating, so you’ll be sure to enjoy your time here even on a chillier English sunny day.
10. Everyman Cinema
Address: Trinity Leeds, Albion St, Leeds LS1 5AT
Phone number: 01233 555642
Everyman’s terrace is a tucked-away little sunspot for you to enjoy a few beers or a couple of cocktails.
A cinema date at Everyman is one of my favourite date ideas in Leeds, and their outdoor terrace will make your cinematic experience even better!
It’s a lovely narrow terrace which gives it an intimate feel, and after visiting once, this will fast become your favourite summertime cinema in Leeds.
11. Cuckoo
Address: 37 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT
Phone number: 0113 242 3966
Cuckoo is one of the coolest and unique bars in Leeds.
It has five different spaces on offer to guests, one of which is their incredible, and lesser-known, rooftop terrace.
The terrace also stays open until 4 am, making it the perfect place to spend the early hours of the morning after a heavy night drinking.
The bar on the terrace is fairground-themed, too, and you have to access it via a funky potting shed. It literally doesn’t get cooler than this.
12. Lamb & Flag
Address: 1 Church Row, Leeds LS2 7HD
Phone number: 0113 243 1255
Lamb & Flag’s rooftop terraces are one of the more hidden away rooftop bars in Leeds.
So if you’re worried about getting a seat, this one might be a better bet than some of the others.
This well-loved historic pub is the perfect spot for a craft beer and a Sunday roast.
And even better, they recently popped a roof over the top to make it suitable for any sudden weather changes.
It also looks out over Leeds Minster, so it has amazing views!
13. Rosa’s Thai Café
Address: Trinity Leeds, 27 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5AT
Phone number: 0113 834 3173
If you’re after a terrace where you can enjoy a meal as well as a drink, then Rosa’s in Trinity Leeds might be for you.
The vibrant décor offers a casual setting for diners, and the terrace offers lovely views for guests.
It’s the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat and a quick drink mid-shop.
Their boozy Thai iced tea is incredible, so make sure to check that out on a warm day!
14. Roland’s
Address: 39 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT
Phone number: 0113 318 2964
Roland’s roof terrace is one of Leeds’ best-kept secrets!
The rooftop terrace isn’t always open, but when it is, you’re in for a treat, as it’s a wonderful little spot.
They offer amazing beers, wines, and cocktails for you to enjoy.
The tucked-away sun trap takes you a world away from the busy city centre, so it’s a great spot for a chilled drink.
The fact it’s one of the lesser-known terraces of Leeds also makes it appealing to those of you who don’t always love a busy spot.
So if you fancy a relaxed tipple with a mate or a date, this is probably one of the best rooftop bars in Leeds for you.
15. Parkside Tavern
Address: St Johns House, Merrion St, Leeds LS2 8JE
Phone number: 0113 467 2005
The busy Parkside Tavern has as many as three outdoor spaces, one of which is an impressive rooftop terrace!
It’s literally the best spot for a day of summer drinking, offering local ales, craft beers, cocktails, and more to their punters.
They also have a great food menu featuring flatbread pizzas and sharer dishes.
Perfect for breaking up a boozy afternoon and making sure you’re not drunk by 2 pm!
16. A Nation of Shopkeepers
Address: 26-27 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AG
Phone number: 0113 203 1831
This amazing spot has one of Leeds’ most popular beer gardens, which is split across three levels.
It’s a great boho bar with plenty of space for everyone.
The whole venue has a capacity of 850, so if you’re looking for a busy bar then this is the one to go to!
A Nation of Shopkeepers also showcases work by local artists and run regular gig nights, making it perfect for a slightly more cultured evening, too.
The eclectic interior blends wonderfully into their lovely outdoor space, and it’s a great place to catch up with friends.
Or hey, even to make new friends, given the huge capacity and how busy it gets on a sunny day.
17. Crafthouse
Address: Level 5, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
Phone number:
Crafthouse is a British fine dining restaurant in Trinity Leeds, so if you’re looking for a fancier day out on a terrace, then consider getting booked in here.
On the lovely outdoor terrace, you can enjoy one of their changing seasonal menus while enjoying the beautiful views across the city.
This truly is fine dining and rooftop terraces at their very best.
Get ready to bask in the sun while enjoying a delicious meal.
18. Dry Dock
Address: Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 3AX
Phone number: 0113 391 2658
Not sure if this one technically classifies as a “rooftop” bar as such, but it is on the top deck of a longboat, so I’m going with it does count!
Dry Dock is quite randomly located, as it’s literally a boat in the middle of a patch of grass.
However, its affordable menu and unique setting keep people coming back again and again.
When it gets really busy, crowds spill out onto the grass below, making it a great place to have a cheap and social drink.
Having read this list, you’ll never be short of ideas again when it comes to the best rooftop bars in Leeds!
From beers on a boat to fine dining on a sophisticated terrace, there’s a bar to suit every taste on this list, and I’m sure you’ll find one that you love.
In fact, why not just try them all out?
We don’t get much sun here in the UK, let alone up in the North, so you may as well make the most of the few sunny days that we do get by spending them on all of the beautiful rooftop terraces that this incredible city has to offer.
Nobody can say no to a drink in the sunshine, right?
Get your sunnies on, put on your favourite outfit, and go and get that pint you’ve been craving all day.