Being part of a growing Web Design Agency in Leeds means more than just building smart websites — it means knowing the city we work in. And while Leeds brings it during the day, it really shines when the sun goes down. Whether you’re schmoozing with a new client, catching up with other creatives, or blowing off steam with your team, this city knows how to do “after work” properly.
So here’s how we’d navigate an evening in Leeds — part professional, part playful, and fully plugged into the places that make this city tick.
Start classy. The Alchemist at Trinity Leeds is where deals are toasted and Instagram Stories get flooded. The cocktails? Part science experiment, part theatre. This is your “I mean business but I’m also fun” venue. You’re probably wearing a blazer, but you’re also ordering something that arrives in a smoking glass beaker. Set the tone.
Then shift gears. Headrow House is your flex spot. It’s modular. You can have a work chat over food, drift into the beer hall for a casual drink, and then somehow end up on the rooftop overlooking the city. It’s the kind of place that matches your energy, whether you want to talk brand strategy or just decompress. Bonus: it’s got that cool-but-not-try-hard vibe Leeds nails so well.
From there, if you’re in the mood for something slick but off the radar, duck into The Domino Club. Hidden behind a barbershop in the Grand Arcade, it’s got live jazz, low lights, and that speakeasy energy that makes you feel like you’re in the know. This isn’t where you network with business cards — it’s where you connect with people who get it. Order something brown and stirred, and let the music do its thing.
Prefer a slower pace? The Reliance on North Street has been doing the relaxed-local-who-knows-their-wine thing long before it was trendy. This place doesn’t shout — it’s confident, calm, and always delivers. If you’re chatting over a cheese board with a glass of something you can’t pronounce, you’re in the right place.
Or maybe you’re looking to impress — in which case, Sky Lounge is your move. It’s on the 13th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton, and it’s all sleek interiors and skyline views. This is the high-flyer zone — suited chats, polished cocktails, and LinkedIn connections that might actually go somewhere. It’s professional, with just enough sparkle.
Need to loosen the collar? Belgrave Music Hall is your crossover spot. Live music, rooftop beers, local art, and sourdough pizza. It’s a melting pot of designers, developers, musicians, and misfits. Come here if you’re not sure what kind of night you’re having — Belgrave will sort it out for you.
From there, you might stumble into The Maven. You won’t find it unless you’re looking for it — a discreet door on Call Lane hides one of Leeds’ best cocktail bars. Think candlelight, leather booths, and bartenders who ask questions like, “Herbal or citrusy?” It’s intimate without being awkward, perfect for a post-meeting debrief or date-night-turned-work-chat.
If you like your networking with a bit of history, Whitelock’s Ale House is your pub. Established in 1715, it’s proper old-school — all wooden panelling, tiled mirrors, and character for days. And if someone you’re meeting hasn’t been before, even better. It’s an instant Leeds credibility booster.
Need something with a bit more pulse? Revolución de Cuba brings the noise. Latin beats, mojitos, and a big energy that makes it easy to talk to strangers (or coworkers you normally only email). This is where office nights out hit their second wind. If you’re pitching over piña coladas, we respect it.
And for the nightcap? Friends of Ham on New Station Street. Charcuterie, craft beer, and low lighting. It’s warm, it’s unpretentious, and it’s got that “we might actually have a great idea here” vibe. The kind of place where quiet conversations turn into collaborations.
Leeds doesn’t make you choose between business and pleasure. It just mixes them both into one very drinkable cocktail. Whether you’re making connections or switching off, the city’s best spots offer the right backdrop — from jazz basements to rooftop lounges.
We should know. At Ee By Gum, we design websites that perform — but we also believe in connection, local flavour, and knowing when to shut the laptop and raise a glass. So if you’re out there mixing business with bitters, we’ll see you out there.
Just don’t order an espresso martini and start talking about bounce rate. Let’s keep some boundaries.
