From Mexican grub and cocktails at Neon Cactus to fighting to get to the bar at Call Lane Social and dancing the night away in Jake’s Bar, the street boasts some of the best bars in the city – and I inevitably end up there at least once a month. It’s Leeds’ best party street (IMHO) and despite the knockbacks of Covid, the venues are thriving.
Here is my ultimate guide to a night out on Call Lane, with 20 bars and restaurants to choose from – and I’ve been to them all.
7. If Bar
My favourite new addition to Call Lane is IF Bar (formerly IF At Night) from the team behind the legendary coffee shop opposite the road. Opened in May last year, the decor is slick and simple with warm LED lighting and greenery on the walls, classy furnishings and wooden floors. It's more laidback than some of its Call Lane counterparts which I love, and the staff are lovely here, too. Photo: Claire McClean Photography
8. Call Lane Social
Call Lane Social, and its upstairs Tiki Hideaway, is arguably the street's most popular bar - part of the brilliant Escapism bar group in Leeds. Downstairs there's indie anthems and hits guaranteed to get you singing along and if it's a lively atmosphere you want, you've come to the right place. Upstairs the Tiki Hideaway has a little more space to dance and it's home to the infamous 'Amputated Zombie' cocktail. Don't say I didn't warn you. Photo: Steve Riding
9. Power Corruption and Lies
I visited Power Corruption and Lies on its opening week in 2019 and have been back many times since - it's super classy and chilled out, with a soundtrack of disco which isn't too loud to hear your company speak. I'd say it's one of the best date-night venues in Leeds. Photo: Steve Riding
10. Doner Summer
Walk past the Corn Exchange and we're now over on the other section of Call Lane, home to the vegan junk food spot Doner Summer. Open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, it's the perfect place to start or end a day sesh - there's burgers, doner teller trays, vegan kebabs and fried chick'n combo platters. And it's delicious. Photo: Steve Riding
11. Wire
Some of my best nights out to date have been at Wire, an underground club which hosts big-name DJs and events. Taking over the club next Saturday are Brown Excellence, who infuse bollywood slammers and Arabic melodies with new-wave techno and UK rave sounds. Photo: Steve Riding
12. Istanbul Kebab
What better way to end a night out on Call Lane with a kebab or chicken shawarma, and Istanbul Kebab opens until 6am on Fridays and Saturdays. It's got the thumbs up from me, but if you don't take my word for it - Rate My Takeaway superstar Danny Malin reviewed the place last year. The staff left him "full of joy" and he described the food as "absolutely gorgeous". Photo: Steve Riding