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Whether it’s a smooth glass of red in a snug wine bar, a pint of real ale at a traditional boozer, or a fancy cocktail enjoyed on a rooftop with sweeping views over the city, Leeds’ drinking scene caters to every kind of night out.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reviewers have visited more than 50 bars and pubs in the city this year, from new openings to longstanding institutions. Venues are given a score out of ten for drinks, atmosphere, service and value.
There were plenty of fantastic reviews, but these 13 bars and pubs stood out this year, earning the highest average score and strong praise from our reviewers.
7. The Maven - 9
Another speakeasy bar to scoop high scores in 2025, The Maven's unusual cocktails and "charming beauty" wowed our reviewer - "the covered windows and outrageous decor make me feel like I’ve entered a totally different world." The Call Lane bar scored 9 for drinks, 7 for value, and 10 for atmosphere and service. | Yorkshire Evening Post
8. Nono Wine Bar - 9
This Granary Wharf wine bar received acclaim for its relaxed atmosphere, delicious small plates and extensive wine list, which you can browse at your leisure using an iPad. It scored 9 across the board - "confident in what it offers". | Jonathan Gawthorpe
9. Oporto - 8.75
Our reviewer visited this beloved Call Lane bar during Independent Venue Week, and said it was doing "crucial work" to keep the city's music scene alive. They praised the "many faces of Oporto", from the lively music stage to the Irish bar. It scored 9 for drinks, value and atmosphere, and 8 for service. | Steve Riding
10. Azotea - 8.75
Perched 12 floors above the city at Sovereign Square, this vibrant bar and restaurant is the "crowning jewel" of the new Hyatt Hotel. Our reviewer loved the Latin American cocktails "with a side of breathtaking skyline views". It scored 9 for drinks, 10 for atmosphere, 8 for service and 7 for value. | Azotea
11. Cargo Wines - 8.75
Visiting this Farsley wine bar for a date night, our reviewer tried a highly-recommended red - the Cherubino Uovo Cabernet Nebbiolo - and crowned it it "the best wine I had ever sampled by an absolute country mile". The bar, located in the Sunny Bank Mills complex, scored 10 for drinks, 9 for service and 8 for value and atmosphere. | Yorkshire Evening Post
12. The Social - 8.75
Stumbling on a happy hour deal, with pints available from £3, our reviewer was impressed by this Merrion Street bar's atmosphere and value for money. Having recently undergone a facelift, The Social "has managed to retain its pub-like feel". It scored 9 for drinks, value and service, and 8 for atmosphere. | Simon Hulme Photo: Simon Hulme