12 Best Rooftop Bars In Leeds

The past decade has seen many bars in Leeds develop themselves into high-end boutique locations serving unique cocktails and high-end meals.

And what does every high-end bar in the city need? – A rooftop drinking/dining location.

As such, we’ve seen multiple rooftop bars open in the city that are well worth checking out over a summer’s bank holiday weekend or before a night on the town.

1. Angelica

Located in Leeds’ Trinity Centre, Angelica is a popular restaurant and bar with sweeping views of the city. 

The food menu is inspired by British and European cuisine, with dishes such as chicken liver parfait, lobster macaroni and cheese and sticky toffee pudding on offer.

When it comes to drinks, there’s a wide selection of cocktails, wines, spirits and beers available.

Angelica also has an outdoor terrace which is the perfect spot for enjoying a summer’s day in Leeds.

Find it at: Level 6, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW

2. Sky Lounge

Sky Lounge is located on the top floor of the Hilton Leeds City hotel and offers stunning views of the city.

The bar serves a range of cocktails, wines, spirits and beers, as well as a selection of light snacks.

However, this place is perhaps most well known for its boozy bottomless brunches available on the weekend from 11am until 1pm.

The brunch costs £25 and includes two courses and bottomless drinks including; tea, coffee, juice, Bellini, Bloody Mary, Virgin Mary, Prosecco and Pornstar Martini.

There’s also an outdoor terrace perfect for enjoying the views in the summer.

Find it at: Granary Wharf, Leeds LS1 4BR

3. Headrow House

Headrow House is a popular bar, restaurant and club located in Leeds city centre.

The venue has an expansive roof terrace that offers panoramic views of the city and regularly hosts live music and DJ sets.

However, the food menu here is limited to kebabs with either chicken shawarma, doner meat or seitan.

Sadly, this might not make it an ideal location for everyone if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat while you’re out.

However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the drinks menu here is quite the opposite, with a wide range of cocktails, wines, spirits and beers available and an extensive champagne list.

Find it at: 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU

4. Belgrave Music Hall

Belgrave Music Hall is, unsurprisingly, a music hall and therefore has an extensive range of live music acts playing most nights of the week.

This venue is independently run and is split across three floors, with the rooftop bar at the top providing far-reaching views across the city.

When it comes to drinks here, the focus is on local beers, with a wide range available on tap and in bottles.

Meanwhile, the food menu is often changing based on the resident food company at the time.

Previous partnerships have included Fish & Stuzzi, Laynes Espresso and Doughboys Pizza which helps to provide a reason to go back multiple times throughout the year.

Find it at: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP

5. The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a chain bar that’s become increasingly popular in the city since it opened in Trinity Leeds, back in 2013.

The large outdoor roof terrace offers views along Boar Lane and is perfect for al fresco dining on a sunny day.

Speaking of food, The Alchemist serves everything from sharing plates to main meals such as burgers, pizzas, and salads.

However, the real speciality here is the cocktails which come with a range of special effects, including; bubbles, foam and even fire.

This makes The Alchemist a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.

Find it at: Level 1, Trinity, Leeds LS1 6HW

6. East 59th 

East 59th is an American-style rooftop bar and restaurant located on the top floor of Victoria Gate.

This place has a real New York feel, with chic décor, city views and a menu full of classic American dishes.

Sadly, one downside to this venue is that it can get quite pricey, with cocktails starting at £11 and main meals averaging around £20 each.

However, if you want to experience a unique Manhattan-style rooftop terrace with large parasols, heaters and incredible views, then the cost may be worth it!

Find it at: Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU

7. Lamb and Flag

Lamb and Flag is a traditional pub in a historic, restored building. While it’s predominantly an indoor pub with lots of space, there’s also a small, cosy terrace. 

This is one of the best places in Leeds to enjoy a pint of real ale or cider, with 12 hand pumps serving up a selection of cask ales from local and national breweries.

There’s also an impressive range of over 30 bottled beers available, as well as wine, spirits and soft drinks.

Food-wise, you can expect pub classics such as fish and chips, pies and burgers.

Find it at: 1 Church Row, Leeds LS2 7HD

8. Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brassiere and Rooftop Terrace

Harvey Nichols is best-known as a high-end department store; however, many people don’t realise that the Leeds branch also has a brasserie and rooftop terrace.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a spot of lunch or dinner with stunning views over Leeds city centre.

The food menu features everything from salads and sandwiches to more substantial main meals, while the drinks list offers an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, Champagnes and beers.

While the interior is finished with high-end decor, meanwhile, the outdoor terrace is more relaxed with comfy sofas and a retractable roof, making it the perfect spot to enjoy some al fresco dining, whatever the weather.

Find it at: 107-111 Briggate, Leeds LS1 6AB

9. Roland’s 

Roland’s is a laid-back bar with a small rooftop terrace that’s well worth checking out during a trip to Leeds.

While the terrace is relatively small, it’s still a great place to enjoy a few drinks with friends on a warm summer evening.

There’s a good selection of beers available on tap and an impressive range of over 50 different bottled beers from around the world.

The venue has recently opened up table bookings which can be done online or over the phone by leaving a deposit.

Therefore if you know you want to visit Roland’s during your trip to Leeds, reservations are advisable, given its limited capacity.

Find it at: 23 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6AP

10. The Rooftop at East Parade

The Rooftop at East Parade is one of the newest additions to Leeds’ rooftop bar scene.

Situated in the former Post Office sorting office, this place has incredible views over Leeds city centre.

The terrace is open on Wednesdays through to Saturdays, weather dependent and while there are some undercover spaces should you experience a slight drizzle or breeze during your visit, these spaces are limited and are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

In terms of drinks, you’ll find an extensive selection of alcoholic slushes, cocktails, wines, beers and spirits available.

Find it at: 12 East Parade, Leeds LS16 ET11

11. Issho Restaurant and Bar

Issho is a Japanese restaurant located on the roof of Leeds’ Victoria Gate development.

The rooftop terrace here boasts incredible views over Leeds city centre and includes oversized chairs and sofas alongside botanical plants.

The food menu features everything from sushi and sashimi to teppanyaki dishes cooked right in front of you.

Meanwhile, when it comes to drinks, you’ll find an excellent selection of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits available.

Find it at: Victoria Gate Casino, George St, Leeds LS27JL

12. Parkside Tavern 

Parkside Tavern is a hidden gem located in Leeds’ historic quarter.

The small terrace at the back of this pub is the perfect place to enjoy a pint of real ale or cider on a warm summer’s day.

There’s also an excellent selection of over 30 different bottled beers available, as well as wine, spirits and soft drinks.

Food-wise, you can expect pub classics such as fish and chips, pies and burgers.

Find it at: St Johns House, Merrion St, Leeds LS2 8JE