GigPig's guide to indie venues: Leeds

Whether it’s the raw, blood and thunder energy of a DIY outfit in a room no bigger than your mum and dad’s lounge, an intimate acoustic set or a pulsating night of dance floor mashing, you’re sorted for it all in Leeds.

So where should be on your list to go in the heart of the white rose county? Let’s throw a few recommendations your way, shall we?

It goes without saying that Brudenell Social Club should be at the top of your list. Which is why we put it on the top of ours. This legendary Leeds haunt is world famous and never disappoints for atmosphere. Lineups are eclectic and vibes are imperious. One of the greatest venues in the UK.

Belgrave Music Hall isn’t too far behind Brudenell when it comes to the aforementioned lineups and vibes, but can also boast some absolutely stellar food and drink options, with the mighty Dough Boys and Patts Burgers slinging stomach lining grub your way. Gigs by Super Friendz always guarantee a good time, as well.

Northern Guitars is a wonderfully named cafe bar with a regularly rammed schedule of gigs to enjoy. Weekly open mic and jam nights are always popular and the bev selection is very solid too. This Call Lane spot is an underrated gem.

The Wardrobe is another brilliantly christened venue with an equally brilliant lineup every week. Ellie Goulding and The Pigeon Detectives have both recently launched their latest albums here, with a whole heap of well known and respected DJs and bands passing through on their travels.

Domino Club is a personal favourite of ours. A venue that oozes class out of every square foot. The intimacy of a New York jazz den in the heart of West Yorkshire. Wine and beer menus are extensive and excellent, while the seasonal cocktails are unmissable. The cavalcade of funk, soul and jazz acts that grace the stage here are also utterly unbeatable. A stone cold classic of a venue.

Sela Bar is a beloved space where it’s scientifically impossible to have a bad time. There’s jazz and funk aplenty as well as a tip top pizzeria and enough drink options to keep you dancing into the night and out onto the streets.

Headrow House has rapidly established itself as one of the must visit venues in Leeds, whether it’s for rooftop drinks and views or some of the best live music and DJs in the city. There’s always a great crowd here and the set up is has an effortless cool about it that makes it hard to leave. An absolute must visit for any gig.

And finally, make sure to pay a visit to the mighty Oporto, which just gets better and better with each visit. A ‘proper drinking den’ in every sense of the term, this is a down and dirty dive bar with an incredible array of talent gracing their stage on a regular basis. We’re hopelessly in love with this place and we’re sure you will be too.

So now you’re armed with all the finest spots in town to hit up, get booking those gigs and thank us later for some of the best nights out you’ve had in recent memory…

For more helpful guides about the best indie bars in your nearest city, check out our Guide to indie venues: Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool.