The Freedom Quarter is the heart of an LFF night. From around 9pm, most people spend the rest of the evening moving freely between these bars — starting whenever they're ready, finishing whenever they like. No schedule, no required route. Browse every venue below, updated each month.
The main circuit runs through Viaduct Showbar, Fibre, Smokestack, Behind Closed Doors and The-End. Blayds Bar and New Penny are regulars too — and Bridge Bar is returning soon. Some venture further to Call Lane later in the night. See the Guides page for the full picture of how the night works.
Recommended
Visit the memorial bench to LFF's coordinator, Janie Marie Swann. This fitting tribute in the heart of Lower Briggate was funded jointly by Leeds First Friday attendees and Leeds Council. Take a moment to visit the bench (outside Westrow House near Smokestack), have a quiet moment to remember this great lady and take some fabulous selfies!
A place to come if you feel concerned, unsafe, unwell or vulnerable. The Night Safe Space Bus will be parked close to Janie's Bench on Lower Briggate.
Recommended
The official meeting point for Leeds First Friday, just a minutes walk from Bridge Bar (similar name but different venue!).You'll find seating, low volume music, great drinks at normal prices, and that all-important opportunity to meet friends and chat to one another before touring round the rest of the venues.We particularly love the family friendliness of the Bridge End Social staff. This is an independent venue and it shows with the brilliantly welcoming staff.
Recommended
Watch amazing drag cabaret shows from Viaduct's own awesome performers or one of their special guest acts. Later still, party hard long into Saturday morning or chill (weather permitting) outside. Often open til 4am!
Recommended
Just over the road from Viaduct is the incredible Fibre. With its fantastic sound system & top class DJs spinning lush vocal house bangers, it's a hit with many an LFFer. The cool outdoor terrace & plenty of seating are perfect to chill when you need to rest your dancing feet. Best of all when you're with LFF you don't have to queue and you can get in early!
Recommended
An independent bar located in the heart of Leeds near the Central Travelodge. To sample a great selection of fine wines, beers and signature cocktails you'll need to book in advance here: www.farrandsbar.com
Recommended
A bright, modern, contemporary space offering cocktails & drinks with a backdrop of quality house music.Pro tip: Approaching via Briggate there is a narrow alley - be wary of people congregating here
Rugs, Funk ‘n’ Soul and an innuendo-packed cocktail menu, this bar has a liberating and hedonistic atmosphere.
Crowd offers an eclectic selection of beers, brilliant spirits & cocktails, complemented by a variety of displays from local artists.
An award winning cocktail bar that blends coolness and sophistication with eccentricity and fun. The intimacy of a speakeasy with a roaring twenties party vibe.
A little piece of Yorkshire - brunch by day, craft beer by night
Zoom Bar & Restaurant offers global cuisine with bold Asian flavors at Hyatt Place. Discover a diverse menu catering to all tastes.
Recommended
Blink & you'll possibly miss the entrance to the alleyway that leads you to Blayds Bar from Lower Briggate. One of the longest running LFF venues. Once inside you'll find a warm welcome and a variety of great value drinks on sale including a selection of shots. Speaking of shots, grab a 'See you next Tuesday' seflie while you're there if you darePro tip: Beware the cobbles in the alley
Recommended
Bridge Bar is currently closed. We anticipate it will reopen in 2026.
Fridays in Pride are open from 9pm with free entry until midnight, with free entry to any LFFers after midnight.
Another LFF favourite, Queen's Court is the place to get reacquainted with noisy pop classics. Plenty of seating & an outdoor terrace
Reputed to be Leeds' oldest LGBTQ+ bar The New Penny is a great value venue popular with many LFFers - especially towards the early hours of Saturday morning. Pro tip: A cash cover charge applies after midnight but if you go before 11pm & get your hand stamped you can jump the queues for free later!
Calling all rum-loving LFF'ers for a Latin-inspired fiesta. From freshly prepared tapas to live music and late night cocktails, Leeds city centre has its very own slice of Havana right in the centre of the Freedom Quarter.
If cool drinks with soul & funk tunes are your bag, you'll quickly find out why Smokestack is so popular with many LFFers. With a huge variety of drinks to choose from & a varied clientele this multi-level venue is truly one to check
Ideally located for LFF drivers whether they're staying overnight or just need somewhere safe to park for the evening. Open 24 hours. Distance from Viaduct: Approx 2 mins walk. Discounted rates available with at Marriott and Travelodge.
A short distance from most LFF venues & hotels, Discounted rates available with the following hotels - make sure to get your ticket validated before you leave the hotel!The Queens: £20 for 24h Briggate Hotel: £22.40 for 24h - prebook via the Qpark website or app & use the code BBSSQ30 for discount.
About 15 minutes walk from most LFF venues & hotels. Discounted 24h parking available for £8 with The Leonardo Hotel. Ensure you get your parking ticket validated as you check out of the hotel.
Indulgent donuts and fabulous coffee just opposite the Marriott Hotel
Recommended
Great Coffee, Fresh Food & Good Vibes At Flamingos, coffee is just the beginning. We take pride in serving locally roasted, ethically sourced coffee, brewed to perfection every time. Prefer tea? Explore our Good and Proper teas, refreshing iced drinks, and indulgent chai & matcha — there’s something for every mood. But we’re more than just a coffee house. Our menu is packed with fresh, thoughtfully sourced food, from freshly baked pastries, tray bakes and cakes, to all-day favourites and light bites. We’ve also got plenty of plant-based and gluten-free options, so everyone feels welcome at our table. Every cup counts too — because with every purchase, you’re supporting the Flamingo Fund, helping us give back to LGBT community projects right here in Leeds.
Recommended
Probably the only hotel LFF people know about that provides earplugs for its guests. Each of its 16 rooms is individually styled. Customers fond of early quiet nights may prefer rooms on upper floors. Distance from Viaduct: < 30 secs walk Make sure to book direct on their website briggatehotel.com with the code below.
Still a reasonable walking distance from the main Freedom Quarter venues, this generally affordable hotel with basic rooms is known for its labyrinthine corridors. DIstance from Viaduct: 3 mins walk
Long time LFF regulars will remember the former Cosmopolitan Hotel, or Cosmo. The building remains. The tempo has changed. Today, the space has been reimagined as a boutique, design led hotel with a distinctly more premium positioning. Interiors feature bold artwork, considered lighting and a layout that favours comfort and conversation over bustle. It is a marked evolution from its predecessor, reflected in both finish and price point. Bedrooms are modern and polished, offering a calm retreat above the city streets. Downstairs, The Banksia Bar and Restaurant delivers Mediterranean inspired dishes alongside crafted cocktails and a carefully selected wine list. It is an environment designed for seated drinks, dinner reservations and measured evenings rather than spontaneous standing room crowds. Guests expecting to fill the bar with a lively mix of LFF attendees may instead find themselves courteously shown to a table. The atmosphere leans towards relaxed sophistication rather than crowded pub.
Recommended
Formerly Jurys Inn, this hotel is a short walk over the bridge from the centre of Freedom Quarter action. Note: if travelling by car, the hotel's favoured car park is currently at Leeds Dock - a good 10 minutes brisk walk away. Distance from Viaduct: Approx 5 mins walk
Offering standard rooms that are anything but 'bog standard' The Mal is popular with LFF'ers who want to push the boat out a bit without breaking the bank.Distance from Viaduct: 2 mins walk
Recommended
We mean the Marriott Hotel in LEEDS obviously. Distance from Viaduct: < 2 mins walk Use the code C1950 to get a discount when booking
A ten minute walk (or about £8 Uber) from most LFF venues this hotel is ideal for the more cost conscious LFF'er. Not far from Leeds train station & there's also parking available nearby at NCP Wellington Street (£14.95 for 24h)
Recommended
This hotel has long been popular with many LFFers. Distance from Viaduct: 2 mins walk
Recommended
A lovely family owned & run Italian restaurant not far from Lower Briggate & popular with many LFFers
With an unrivalled reputation built up over four decades, Bibis Italianissimo is the ultimate venue in Leeds when looking for the best Italian cuisine, cocktails and live music entertainment within easy walking distance of all the popular LFF venues
Upscale chain brasserie serving a classically French menu devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.
First built in 1775 and steeped in the heritage of the city, it’s now home to some of the most vibrant independent food traders. It’s a place to go to eat, drink, kick back, catch up and hang out. Home to four kitchens, a coffee shop and a wine bar, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Boasting a large selection of both draught and cask beers as well as a fantastic range of belgian beers.
This is a modern taproom, opened in November 2025, with an easy, informal feel, centred around a strong craft beer selection and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The focus is firmly on the taps, with a rotating line up of independent breweries alongside familiar favourites. Interiors are unfussy and sociable, designed for conversation rather than ceremony. Pricing remains accessible, the mood is inclusive, and standing with a pint is entirely part of the experience. It is a straightforward, well run spot that feels comfortable hosting a crowd without asking anyone to lower their voice or take a seat unless they want to.
Serving great beer, wine, charcuterie and cheese to the good people of Leeds.
Testimony to the opulence of late Victorian architecture, The Adelphi is the perfect setting for a laid-back yet distinctly memorable drinking and dining experience
Previously known as North Taproom, this venue has recently undergone a major refit and has just re-opened. 16 taps and 2 cask lines from Kirkstall and friends - a rotating selection from some of the country’s best breweries. Locally roasted coffee, a curated list of Alcohol Free options, and street food from Little Bao Boy make the taproom a true day-to-night venue.
Recommended
Kirkstall Brewery have taken stewardship of the former art deco Tetley's Headquarters. Offering a showcase of Kirkstall Brewery beers and other local beers in the heart of Aire Park.
