Good experience Good service Good food I recommend for a unique experience that I think you'll enjoy read more

The idea of Smokestack is a Speakeasy design. Basically that means small, dimly lit with dark furniture. Extensive, averagely priced cocktail list. I tried a Caipirinha priced at £8. Unfortunately it was pretty awful. The worst Caipirinha I've ever tasted. And I've had a lot of them! Better sticking to wine/beer options, avoid the cocktails! read more

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Smokestack. Strange mix of genres, Early 20th Century prohibition feel, with mid 20th Century retro cool, and late 20th Century cocktail and lounge culture. Mixing genres really isn't an issue with me, some people get a bit arsy about this, but whilst the image you create is dark wood and bold and moody colours, a bit run down in the furniture department, and more bar stools than tables it's really the wrong impression to create. Smokestack is a combination of bright white walls, awesome music, extensive drinks collections, easy atmosphere that isn't rowdy but is far from devoid of life, comfy and enjoyable. Smokestack really suits my sort of ideal evening experience, as you can sit down, with a group of friends, catch up in a close but not too close proximity, enjoy whatever themed music is playing that night, splurge on a cocktail, and not be forced to scream your voice sore with insane noise levels from over excited individuals out on the pull, or from the bass thumping in your throat to the over pumped house music. The music in here really is awesome, with a combination of Northern Soul, Blues, Funk, Motown, Old School R'n'B, it really suits my tastes, and with the live performances on the upper bar echoing this, it's a cool place to go. Cool for me, not in that I'm too good for the cheap and cheerful way, or in that it's an awesome place to get wasted way, but it's a good bar with a good atmosphere and good music. The only thing people in the collective have an issue with is the drinks prices, between £5 and £7 for a cocktail, but they are rather nice. Oh and if you know a whiskey/bourbon connaisseur, then Smokestack has many many varieties and qualities to choose from. read more

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The Smokestack has recently become one of my favourite bars in Leeds. There are a couple of reasons for this which I shall share with you now. Because I'm nice like that. Really. The biggest reason for my amorous feeling towards this little place is the tunes. Funk, soul and blues are pumped out at levels which allow for casual (or serious) chat whilst being loud enough to bob your head along to the funky bass line whilst pretending you not only own the record on vinyl but you can name each of the band members and any subsequent bands they played in. Um, perhaps that last bit's just me. They also do live music and though I've not been myself I've been reliably informed that it too is an aural delight to savour. Summing up: good music. Drinks are varied and plentiful ranging from the bog standard to more exotic cocktails. My only gripe here (grumble, grumble) is that they don't provide the correct glasses for Belgian beers. Seriously? Am I complaining about wrong glasses I hear you cry. Yes, I blinking well am. It's unbecoming. So if you like soulful music and aren't a complete beer glass fascist like myself, Smokestack could well be a place you might enjoy to frequent. But don't take my word for it... Oh no wait, do. That's why I wrote this. read more

Did Smokestack in the early hours last Friday. Spent the night upstairs which has the main dance floor and what seemed to be plenty of seating. DJ was playing some fun retro mash-up stuff before settling in to a fairly standard but not dis-interesting soul/funk set. The decor of dark wood and music-related paraphernalia reminded me of Mojos but with a lot more room, and it's not as expensive as Mojos either. No entry fee, skilled and rapid bar staff and excellent air conditioning (for sweat-free grooving) helps make Smokestack a surprisingly refined option for those looking for a gentle dance at the end of the night. read more

On a wee re-union of sorts, a bunch of old friends and I chose to dance most of the night away in Smokestack last night. We'd only planned to stay for one, since a friend was DJing, but it quickly became apparent that everyone was enjoying the music so much that we were going to stay for the duration. With a mix of jazzy funky classics it was impossible not to go for it, the entire room became a dance floor, and everyone appeared to be having an absolutely fabulous time. The bar staff were great, full of smiles, and although I only ended up drinking Sol I believe they've a range of more exciting bottled beers to choose from -Beer Lao being the one my friend chose as it was his drink of choice in Thailand. (Though, out there you could get several for the price of one here. That being said, I'm sure most things are less expensive over there.) Judging by the level of my own headache today, I know that a great night was had by all. Whilst there were plenty of very keen gentlemen within, which isn't always the best thing, most of the crowd seemed fun-loving and jovial in a friendly way, on this occasion, so that was grand. There was one chap who simply wouldn't give up, trying is luck with every lady in the group, but then there's always one isn't there?! Not much more to tell, except that if you're looking to escape the usual pop and dance orientated venues this is probably one of the best places to do so. Great music, awesome staff and a good crowd is how I'd sum up my Friday night, here, last night. read more

This place is always a winner for a boogie. I cannot help but dance every time I go. Top floor is the best in my opinion but both floors are great. The atmosphere is top notch and the dance floor is always fun. Climb the stairs, it is worth the effort ;) read more

I always think you have to know a place is going to be good before you venture up a staircase to get in. If a bar is street level, it's easy enough to turn around a walk back out.. but here, there's the risk of not knowing what greets you at the top, and then the awkward descent if it's not to your liking. This can also be a blessing. It avoids being a bar people pass through and starts becoming a hidden gem. The Smokestack sits quietly on Lower Briggate in the second and third storey above a restaurant. The tired looking signs at street level don't give much away really. It's easy to miss. I've been here a couple of times. Their Soul and Funk nights are always a good time. There's posters adorning every wall, lit candles and a lively atmosphere. Drinks are usual city prices (for Leeds) - a G&T cost ~£3.50. You can hire out the room upstairs - with it's own bar, dance floor and DJ booth. The only downside is you have to go downstairs to the bathroom. The Smokestack has been around for as long as I can remember. It's a reliably good night out if you're in the area, so don't be afraid to climb the stairs.. what's at the top is all good. read more

Visited here a few Nights ago, after having dined a few doors away. One of our Group had recommended it, so in we went- or that should be up we went... Really didn't get the attraction of the place and the Staff were so sullen and not at all enthusiastic. It was pretty cramped and found it to be over priced. Doesn't the Clientele speak volumes about a place? on this occasion it was pretty full of less than desirable, steroid filled posers, who were very loud, intimidating and had a vocabulary of four letter expletives. Sat alongside that lot, were a shower of Chavs(( I was instantly put off and would not go again in a hurry. read more

Calling itself a bar and speakeasy, Smokestack conjures up images of smoky rooms filled with jazz music and witty conversation, with Clark Gable and Greta Garbo types propping up the bar. In actuality, Smokestack is brighter and breezier than this, with lots of low sofas, high ceilings, beams and exposed brickwork creating a relaxed and intimate vibe. While its more of a jazzy, funky lounge bar than an illicit drinking den, its a good place to spend an evening if you prefer cocktails and conversation over shots and shouting to be heard. Downstairs is a bar with comfy sofas and one of the best cocktail menus in Leeds, while upstairs features a dance floor where a sophisticated clientele let their hair down to soul, funk, jazz and blues. Prices aren't cheap, but they're what you'd expect in this part of town and the free entry policy more than makes up for this. read more

Smokestack - Bars Near Me - Leeds, XWY

Smokestack is bought to you from the brains behind one of Leeds most popular bars, Sandinista. Smokestack is hidden away behind an inconspicuous side door which just adds to it's smokey, mysterious, blues vibe. Smokestack's moody atmosphere transports you to an old school jazz scene in New Orleans. I find it a little small and boring, however some of my older collegues, and as they would say "sophisticated" friends find the vibe perfect for some chilled out drinks and live music. What draws the punters to Smokestack is the cocktails, drink deals and diverse range of live music acts. This venue hosts some the finest local jazz,soul and funk acts which isn't my cuppa tea but is a nice change from the chart hits being pumped out around the city nightclubs. Smokestack is all about a bluesy feel which I think they have achieved. I find it a little cramped and old fashioned but that's just me! If you are a relaxed personality and a fan of jazz and funk this is probably the venue for you. What makes Smokestack great for some people is the distinct lack of young student which suits an older drinker down to the ground! read more

I'd not noticed this place before on trips to Leeds so i'm assuming it's new. It's got a kind of seedy jazzy/bluesy feel to it but in a good way. It's different to a lot of the bars in Leeds and is unpretentious and comfy. You can imagine getting stuck there for hours as it's all comfy sofas, candle light, exposed brick and soulful music. The drinks menu is worht a mention - they had all the classic cocktails (and used fresh ingredients) and about a million tequilas and vodkas. read more

I had a great time here last weekend! First floor a lively bar with sofas - and upstairs in the attic (complete with open beams) there is another good bar and a great dancefloor area, DJ playing funk, soul, etc. (and more sofas!) Friendly staff and atmosphere all-round, free entry, good music. Only downside was no beer on tap, but there is a decent selection of beers and cocktails to make up for it read more

A bold statement to make, but Smokestack is the best club in Leeds. My taste in music sways closer to rock than anything else, but the funky tunes they pump out at Smokestack would get even the most reluctant of dancers tapping their feet. Their is no entry fee and it opens til 3am most nights. It's situated on lower briggate, right near many other bars and takeaways. The drinks prices are horrendous but this is made up for in atmosphere. With low lighting and candles on the tables it remains intimate even when busy. If you like funk and soul music, or even if you don't, I would suggest a visit to Smokestack. It's good. read more

Great bar! I loved the atmosphere and the drinks menu was one of the best I've seen in the UK, especially the bourbons. If you want a vintage, though, expect to pay upwards of £10 a shot. This seems extortionate to most, but these are drinks that are simply not available elsewhere. There is also a competent cocktail menu, with classics like the Collins and Old Fashioned. Definitely worth a stop on any visit to Leeds. read more

Really enjoyed the atmosphere in here. The crowd were a mixture of youngish people and older people (I have a feeling that a few survivors from the Northern Soul periods were there) and the music was really funky! If James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Gil Scott Heron, etc are your thing this (and Hi-Fi) is the place to go in Leeds. The downside is that drinks are a bit pricey, but this is the place where you go to dance and the place makes up for it in atmosphere and best of all ENTRY IS FREE. It's a refreshing change from the Chav party and meat fest which is Albion St. There is something wrong with you if you don't like the music in here :) read more

Smokestack is a lovely place to go for either and relaxed drink or a full on boogie. The music is very uplifting and the dance floor is compacted which adds to the old school jazz feel. I really love this place and its always somewhere I would suggest on a night out. read more

I simply love this place! I mostly visit during the week with friends after work, we sit and listen to the awesome mix of funk and soul whilst we set the world to rights. Even the Jazzy tracks they play are cool and I'm not a fan of Jazz at all. I am however a big fan of the cocktails, really well made but at great prices for what you are getting. I'm an Old Fashioned guy that likes his Old Fashoined(s) and at £6 they are brilliant. My only concern with Smokestack is that too many people find out how great it is and it becomes too busy, keep it chilled and intimate Smokestack that's my advice. read more

I like this place. Good music, nice surroundings. That's all I have to say really...

Sunday 09/08/09 Atmosphere? Only 6 people in inc. us! Upstairs disco was shut!? Did I pick the wrong night? read more

I love visiting smokestack. The music is always great, and they host some great live music nights as well as the more regular dj nights. The drinks are a little on the expensive side, and it can be overcrowded, but that is a testament to the quality of the venue. If you love a great mix of funk, soul and motown, this is probably the best place to go out in Leeds. read more

Smokestack is my favourite new place in Leeds. Outstanding cocktails made by friendly and welcoming bartenders and the music is just brilliant. A great selection of soul, funk, jazz and blues to soak up in the cosy and atmospheric downstairs bar with DJs and a real party vibe weekend nights in the upstiars club. And best of all its free entry! read more

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A great venue! they do amazing cocktails and the bar always has a great atmosphere