Spectacular views of the city can be gazed from the outdoor balcony of this bar. It was a beautiful…read morefull moon on the night we visited. The lounge has a classy interior and is located up on the thirteenth floor of DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre. The hotel had given us drink vouchers redeemable for a medium house wine, beer, lager or soft drink. The rosé was nice and smooth. My brother also ordered a dessert cocktail, which had a good, strong coffee flavor. ----- Solstice Pinot Grigio Rosé - Italy (£7.75 for 175ml). ----- Stravinsky's Coffee - Spain: Rémy Martin VSOP, Licor 43, dark chocolate liqueur, coconut purée, espresso, coconut syrup (£13). -----

Full of WAGs (did I really just use that word?) and other idiots, the people that go in here are…read moreusually enough to make me never want to myself if I'm completely honest... The door staff are occasionally rude, the bar staff always serve the pretty girl before the bald man, the on floor staff are generally more than abrupt when it comes to throwing you off the balcony (in to the bar, not _off_ the balcony)... At this point you'd be forgiven for thinking that I hate The Sky Lounge. The truth is that if it wasn't for the drinks I honestly would, but the cocktails here are amazing - with the Mojito and French Martini's being amongst the best I've had in Leeds... and probably much further afield than that too. Arrive early, avoid any staff that you don't absolutely have to talk to in order to be served, and be prepared to wait for your drinks to be made... then sit back, relax and enjoy!

There are so many levels at which I've fallen in love with this fabulous new bar. From the…read moreprohibition-style hidden entrance, obvious only to those in the know or savvy passers-by, to the classy, simply attired interior, to the fantastic staff, who offer up cocktails of the highest order. It almost feels like the 'bar'(wo)man's bar, since every detail in the drinks are so meticulous - they take obvious pride in what they provide, and that alone is commendable. (And also worlds apart from some of the other 'cocktail' orientated places you can find.) If you've not been along yet, expect tea cups attached to glass stems, Victorian perfumery bottles enveloping absinthe, blowtorches and flammable powders, alongside a back bar of cocktail dreams, a multitude of fruit and a selection of damned good beers. I've been back several times since the opening night and have enjoyed every last drop of liquid that I've consumed within. The music was fantastic as well, with a more electronica-infused soundtrack from the DJ on the Friday, and a lively 80s mix on the Saturday. (Think Chaka Khan, "Ain't Nobody".) Of course, mention must be made of the fantastic staff that serve their libations until 4am. (Not every night, I don't think, but that's their licence.) Every one of them has been fantastic; friendly, full of banter, expert at mixing up the drinks and each and every one of them looks ruddy dapper to boot. It's a class act. Essentially, don't just take my word for it. Check 'em out for yourselves. Most of the cocktails on the list will set you back about £7, which might be steep for some, but once you get a taste you'll know why you came.

I first heard about The Maven, which opened just a month ago, through a friend of mine who works at…read moreMilo bar over the road. In fact, apart from the lucky few people who got invited to the launch party, it seemed a pretty well kept secret. You could pass the stairway on the street and not notice the sign, and with the bar being off street level, it's not somewhere that would attract random passers by 'drawn in' by the atmosphere. Therefore, it needs to be good.... Well it's in a great location for a start. Bars seemed to have opened in every crack in the pavement on Call Lane, and just when you think there's no space left, The Maven start from the next level up. I went in on a Tuesday night with a couple of friends at about 9pm and we were the only ones in the bar at this point (although not for long). We weren't even sure it was open at first as the doors upstairs were closed but as we pushed our way in, the barman was welcoming and we grabbed a seat while he got us a menu. I'm a big fan of candlelight and table service in bars, and I wasn't disappointed here. We ordered a bottle of wine and our glasses were topped up for us without this being intrusive. I hope for his sake he wasn't listening to our conversation too closely anyway... There is an extensive cocktail list and I noticed some delicious sounding sharing platters on the menu (mmmm cheese). They even run a quiz night on the first Monday of the month. As the venue is brand new, everything is looking fresh and clean. I'd be interested to see what it's like when it's busier, and if it keeps the relaxed vibe as well as great drinks and great service. All in all, an impressive addition to Call Lane. I hope it does well!

Headed here whilst in Leeds for the day and pre-dinner at a nice Italian round the corner! Very…read moresimilar to the layout in Manchester but very quiet as it was a Monday. We took a booth and opted for a quiet corner to take advantage of the 241 cocktails. We both went for a passion fruit number (I really am bad with names) and it arrived in a pineapple glass - nice touch! I went up to the bar to order and was stood for 10 minutes for the only bartender to serve me - after asking if I could order her said he was the only one on tonight. Looking over to the right you could see a huddle of waitresses who were gossiping - not great. We only stayed for the one drink but lack of service wasn't great.

I came here for a bottomless brunch on an early Sunday afternoon. The service was perfect, drinks…read moretasty, and food was AMAZINGGGGGG. The food was not lacking in any flavors and the drinks kept coming.

Such a stunning place. I visited for dessert and a drink. I was by myself but they had a perfect…read morelittle single table/booth that I was able to sit at that was away from many of the groups. I got one of the seasonal beverages, a whisky drink with blood orange, and then their lemon tart. Together these were great. There was even live music from about 8-8:45pm and he was phenomenal. Would definitely recommend this place. Maybe make a reservation if you have more than two in your party.

I love plants & the botanical vibe and the inside reminds me of a dark, but cozy greenhouse with…read morehanging plants and greenery. They had a whole menu of signature cocktails that all sounded great, but I chose the lily pad martini, which worth "hopping" over for! The food was simple, but delicious. I had the kebab of the day which was chicken & chorizo and coconut rice. The kebabs come with a bit of playfulness when you pour the sauce on top which drizzles down your kebab and into the rice. The service was friendly and attentive, but not annoying. Definitely recommend trying this place.

A lovely place boasting rooftop views of Leeds, with a nice outdoor area if you don't mind a little…read morewind. The ambiance was great to experience after dinner at Crafthouse which is a floor below, however, it was slightly disappointing that there is quite a limited cocktail menu which was unexpected for such a bar. One of the cocktails was unavailable too, which is understandable. A good fit if you like particularly sweet yet well crafted cocktails

Based on my last experience here, I can't not upgrade their rating to five stars. Of course, the…read moreexpense of such a place is always relative to the quality of the libations received, the overall atmosphere, and the staff. And in this instance, all three arenas could hardly be criticised. My friend and I caught the private lift up and we were met cheerfully, and almost immediately, by one of the staff members. I reckon she must have been a manager of some kind, since she had an ear piece in, and she was more than adept to handle our specific cocktail fancies. I wanted a Tom Collins with an elderflower sort of twist, and she obliged without batting an eyelid. I'm not saying this is a really random request, but she just instantly new what I meant. Delightful! My companion desired a gin martini, dry as a bone, with no garnish. Of COURSE she nailed it. She stirred to perfection. She emptied the vermouth. She handled the slightly idiotic, random, laddish punters with grace and authority as she prepped our beverages: not rude, but firm with a smile -- they immediately ceased behaving like school boys. Did I mention how much I adore the roof garden? Heaters, blankets, and fairy-lit trees will accompany your evening tipples. We were lucky enough to be graced with an idyllic moon as we supped. The second round was just as delightful, in spite of being served by a different bar tender. These guys really are pro, in my opinion. Rest assured that you can order a fine cocktail, however you like, and these guys will ensure it's utterly top notch. (Albeit, pricey.) For my money, I'm happy to pay that extra couple o' quid.

I'm visiting from America and my friends brought me here for some drinks and we had the BEST time!…read moreThe atmosphere was exciting and fun, the drinks were delicious and everyone was up dancing and singing to the music! I wish we had places like this at home, it would be my go to place anytime I want to party! Thank you for a memorable experience!!

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

The idea of Smokestack is a Speakeasy design. Basically that means small, dimly lit with dark…read morefurniture. 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!

Having been back since the initial visit, it's time to spread some love for this secretive and…read moresecluded spot. You may or may not have realised, but Sandinista have a new and super little bar, and it's called Blind Tyger. As you approach Sandinista, you'll spot a thin hallway right next to the bar, leading up. In the growing popularity of such phenomena, it seems that Leeds has another secret, prohibition style bar. (I don't know if I count 51% any more, since it has lost that prohibition feel for me.) The bouncers will check you out before letting you go up, but what their criteria is I'm not sure. I was asked if I'd been there before, and on confirmation, was granted access. Perhaps that swung it. Or perhaps it was merely a quick test of my sobriety - since it's a classy affair. Once upstairs you'll find that there are but three or four tables, some in little booths, and a modest bar at the end. Basically, my guess is that the maximum capacity would be about 30, perhaps a few more, but not comfortably so. This means that of a Saturday, I can present to you: Leeds' next top spot for civilised Saturday drinks. You are a) Able to grab a seat most of the time. And b) Hear yourselves speak without strain. Wunderbar! The next point is the cocktails. Oh the cocktails! I don't consider myself a true connoisseur, but since becoming obsessed with daiquiris, I will say that the ones here are mighty fine. Go straight up, of course. The list boasts all kinds of in house treats, and all take a little wait, but the creations are lovingly and expertly made, so far as I can tell. One chap in particular was great, with plenty of banter, and he even discounted one round for our wait. I like that kind of service, especially when the average spend on one drink is £8-9. Lovely. The toilets are another thing. You must remember the door code if you don't want to land in purgatory, or somewhere hotter further down in Sandinista's busy Saturday-mayhem. To get in and out to the loos, keeping it pure-prohibition style, you'll need the door code to get back in. (Not that I'm saying Sandi's is hell - I rather like it, but the analogy kind of worked - especially since they've a devil as their mascot.) The conclusion is that I can see this being respite for me on many a manic weekend. You've got your classy drinks, your table space, your friendly staff, and your music at speaking volume. And now that I've passed it on, I beg you, don't go spoiling it and crowd in at once. That just wouldn't be cricket. If we all take turns, I'm sure I feel as though I can share. *Edit - It's called Blind Tyger after William Blake's poem, The Tyger.

Cocktails cocktails cocktails and very attentive staff…read more Excellent atmosphere and range of seating types for dates to group outings. Prices are relative and shouldn't put you off a visit to this delightful venue.

I just can't think of a flaw for this place. The one danger that I fear is the regular Call Lane…read morelot will get their hands on it, but I like to think the vibe would set them straight. (I've had plenty of good nights on Call Lane, but it's not generally my crowd.) I've been in several times since it's opened and I'm a real fan of the staff. The chap that owns the place is lovely and has put a lot of love and care into the drinks list and layout. The young lass that works there has got ace banter and she's a pleasure to chat with! Love the romantic window seats and the low lighting actually enhances the feel, rather than just give you sore eyes because let's make every bar almost un-visible because, standard. Absolutely adore the building and the fact it's so stripped down -- feels properly like an old Victorian house when you wander upstairs to the toilets. Don't forget the hidden garden. I imagine it'll be amazing when the weather properly warms up, with all the fairylights, secret walled in feeling, and outdoor bar. The drinks list is fantastic too. Often, if somewhere aims for a jack of all, it can be a miss. I'd say the cocktail list is solid and they go off menu if you want. Love the decent range of craft beer and I'd trust them to surprise me if I wanted to try something new. Favourite new place. Cosy, cool, not try hard, great drinks, incredible building, and fab staff.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Roland's…read more They are close to the top of the list for the best Espresso Martini in Leeds and they have a really relaxed lovely atmosphere. Open brick work, cocktails and papers/magazines on the bar for your perusal. This place really needs to be enjoyed and is a great place to relax on a Sunday afternoon/evening.

It's pretty new, it's pretty pleasant, it's pretty pretty…read more Bilbao's reputation definitely preceded them, so after having heard a few wax the ol' lyrics about this place, I decided to give them a whirl. I'm all about the tapas eats in general, being the type who likes to choose as much variety of a meal out as possible, so Bilbao was always going to make me happy. I feel as though I'll have to come back to experience the heady heights others had told me about, since my visit was fine (certainly not disappointing -- so I've gone for four instead of three stars) but it didn't wow as much as I expected. Perhaps it's the classic pitfall of having high expectations after hearing such good press?! We went in on Saturday sans booking and managed to grab a seat straight away. (It was the last one, so we were pretty lucky.) One of the waitresses did her best to serve us promptly, although she was pretty rushed off her feet. The only downside to the service was that we spotted another waitress who could have seen to us sooner (and even smiled at us) but chose to natter at the bar -- it was quite some time before we got to order a drink. Every other person who served us was absolutely fantastic, though, which ought to be noted. We picked one dish each for ourselves and then three to share and --with a dessert-- this was plenty of food. We shared the olives (super garlicky, which I liked), the garlic prawns (shelled for us and marinated in ultra delish garlicky butter), and a pork dish. The pork pieces were cooked beautifully and came with these incredible oyster mushrooms. I had the steak, which was tasty and cooked well (how I'd asked) but didn't blow me away -- I think this was simply because I'd had the most amazing steak elsewhere very recently! We also shared a bottle of rioja, which was totally lovely. The desserts were great too: warm gooey brownie and a traditional Spanish dessert with sponge, cream, and torched sugar on top. (Forgive me for forgetting the name!) The overall ambiance is fine, although I'd say next time I'd like to sit at a lower table as the high chairs weren't optimal to sit and eat in. The music was also curious -- it sort of seemed to be so purposefully background it stood out to us, if that makes any sense. Gentle, romantic lighting and a pleasant space make up for that, though -- especially if in a group. I imagine the experience is even better with more friends to share with! Overall, this one merits a second visit. Five dishes and one bottle of wine: £60 odd. On a Monday it's half price, so you'll get a lot more bang for your bunse. Check them out!

Came here on a recommendation and wow did it deliver!! Food was amazing! Service was great and had…read morea lovely chat with the owner and you can tell the passion they put into the food and overall experience! I will be coming back and shouting from the roof tops to anybody who will listen how good this place is !