Leeds bars: Below Stairs, Hedonist and Tabula Rasa named in top 50 cocktail bars in the UK

Top 50 Cocktail Bars is now in its fifth year, with the first list published in June 2018. The bars on the list are voted for by hundreds of experts, bartenders, bar owners and drinks writers, who review establishments across the country.

London dominates this year’s list with 23 bars in the Top 50 spots, followed by Yorkshire, which claimed five of the Top 50 spots – including three bars in Leeds.

Below Stairs, winners of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Oliver Award for best bar last year, has been voted the 42nd best cocktail bar in the country. The table-service cocktail bar, hidden in a basement on South Parade, serves unique and classic cocktails as well as fine wines and craft beer.

Coming it at number 45 was Hedonist on Lower Briggate – an easygoing joint with an old-school vibe, serving fancy mixed drinks, plus champagne afternoon tea. Tabula Rasa, which opened on the Headrow at the end of 2021, came in at 48. The Greek and Latin-inspired cafe and cocktail bar has a focus on high-quality spirits.

Chris Lowe, publisher of Top 50 Cocktail Bars, said “Whilst London continues to dominate this year’s list, it is very exciting to see other major cities across the UK make their mark. The ever-growing interest in cocktails and bartending within the UK means we are spoilt for choice on where to go, and this list allows for the best of the UK bar scene to have a spotlight placed on them – and for consumers to find these hidden gems.”