Check out our top picks for where to catch your next gig

Brudnell Social Club 

Brudnell Social Club is in the Hyde Park area of Leeds, slap bang in the middle of one of the most popular student areas in the city. It boasts a large concert room, friendly atmosphere and cheap bar prices, the perfect formula for a great gig! With the capacity to support small and up coming bands along with internationally known artists along with being the host to a number of secret intimate shows from huge names such as Franz Ferdinand and Kaiser Chiefs over the years, the charm of the venue is obvious. The members club has evolved drastically in recent years to appeal more to its ever growing student patronage, starting to host a range of different events such as cabaret and bingo as well as their classic calendar of gigs. 

Oporto

Oporto has been a staple of the famous Call Lane for over 24 years, supplying Leeds with some of the best gigs and resident DJ’s. The bar has a 120 capacity venue, where you will find a lot of local talent along with some bigger names for intimate shows. Their famous wall of faces is worth a visit, where you’ll be able to see all the big names of rock that have played the venue in the past. When they’re not hosting gigs, the bar plays a great selection of rock and indie tunes, with a weekly playlist curated by Dead Young Records. 

Wharf Chambers

Wharf Chambers is in The Calls, an area at the lower end of Leeds by the River Aire. Hosting a wide range of music based events from live gigs from independent artists and DJ sets from some of the city’s best and brightest, to live screenings of concerts and mini raves, this venue is truly a hidden treasure. The venue is run by a workers co-operative, meaning that all the staff there have equal control and ownership over their work and space and events such as gigs are ran by the co-operative members club. While this means you often do have to be a member to enter the bar, membership is only £2 per year and is more than worth it as you’ll get to experience so many of their outstanding experiences, some of which are ticketed, while others run on a pay-as-you-feel system. With cheap drinks and great vibes, it’s definitely one for your Leeds bucket list!

Hyde Park Book Club 

Hyde Park Book Club is a central hub for the Leeds creative scene. The venue is a sensational hybrid, serving as a music venue, a bar, a coffee and brunch spot and an art showcasing space. No matter what vibe you’re going for, Book Club has got you covered. Popular with students and local residents alike, any fans of music, art and good food will be in their element here. With a basement area for performances, the venue hosts local and upcoming talent regularly, along with jazz clubs, theatre and arts performances and event club nights.

Hifi Club 

The HiFi Club is a nightclub and live music venue, offering plenty of live music and DJ sets for anyone looking for a good night. Hosting gigs across all genres including indie and rock, hip hop, funk and jazz, this place has something for everyone. Alongside hosting big names like SBTRKT and Aloe Blacc, the venue is also home to their own regular comedy club if you’re looking for something a little more laid back. HiFi Club has won several awards for its contributions to the Leeds gig scene, including Best Live Music Venue and Best Nightclub, so it’s well worth a visit.

Headrow House 

Headrow House is a Leeds gem, hidden in plain sight. Down an alleyway on the Headrow, this multi-storey has a great live music venue, along with a beer hall, cocktail bar, Michelin rated restaurant Ox Club and a huge roof terrace with views across the city. If you fancy going to a gig, this place is your one stop shop for a truly unforgettable night! The venue on the first floor of the building hosts everything from rock and indie bands to all your favourite DJs, and has even been the location for a secret Biffy Clyro show! 

Belgrave Music Hall

Located in Leeds’ Northern Quarter, Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen is a bar, kitchen and venue space providing a platform for local artists and performers to showcase their talent in the intimate 200 capacity gig space. Spread across three floors, the venue also has two bars, two kitchen areas with different food vendors in residence (currently the sensational Dough Boys pizza and Patty Smiths burgers) and an amazing rooftop terrace. Belgrave hosts everything from live music, film nights, art exhibitions and comedy shows. This unique and chilled out space is perfect for relaxing and kicking back pre or post gig.