As the summer season starts to creep in, what better way to embrace the warmth than with a refreshing cocktail in hand? To kickstart your sipping adventures, here is a list of some of the best outdoor cocktail spots in Leeds just in time for World Cocktail Day on May 13th…

Located in the heart of Leeds, Rolands offers a charming outdoor terrace where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails amidst vibrant city vibes. This trendy cocktail bar offers a varied menu ranging from their chosen whiskey of the month, wine and drinks on tap to delicious cocktails such as a margarita verde and the girl next door. If you get hungry in between drinks, you can enjoy a slice of mouthwatering Homeboy Pizza Co pizza! If you happen to be at Roland’s on a Wednesday night, you can enjoy the delicious taste of New York at their NYC pizza night.

Nestled in a historic building, Headrow House boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city skyline, making it the perfect spot to sip cocktails under the sun. You can also grab a bite to eat at the award winning grill restaurant, the Ox Club! There’s nothing better than enjoying good food and good drinks in the sun!

With its laid-back atmosphere and spacious outdoor seating area, Northern Guitars is a favorite among locals for enjoying cocktails and live music on warm summer evenings. Here you can escape the chaos of the city centre in the cool, relaxing bar. Their drinks selection is constantly changing as they try out new and local breweries and distilleries in Yorkshire! If you are a guitar lover this venue is perfect for you as there is a guitar shop located upstairs for you to check out.

Tucked away in a cosy corner of Leeds, Farrands’ outdoor courtyard provides a secluded haven to unwind in after a busy day around yje city. Here you can choose from a range creative cocktails made from premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Their signature cocktails are inspire by the zodiac with options including the kyudo swizzle and the queen of hearts. Or if you don’t fancy anything too big, you can enjoy one of their tiny tipples for only £4.50 each. If you’re feeling cheeky, you can also grab a bite to eat in between mai tais and negronis!

Dubbed the social heart of Leeds, Green Room’s garden terrace offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can sip on handcrafted cocktails in a serene setting. Their garden terrace is the perfect location to enjoy the summer sun right in the heart of the city centre. Here you can enjoy delicious signature cocktails that include the Sicilian sour, Caribbean rum punch and more for only £11.95 each!

Step into a world of far away lands at The Lost and Found, where you can enjoy signature cocktails on their enchanting outdoor terrace. Here they push boundaries with inventive and tasty cocktails including the popcorn old fashioned or the pineapple and ginger mojito. If you love to share, why not indulge in the tangled teapot sharing cocktail for only £32, perfect to be enjoyed by two people.

Situated by the water’s edge, Waterlane Boathouse invites you to indulge in cocktails inspired by the sea. At Waterlane Boathouse you can soak up the riverside views from their spacious outdoor deck whilst enjoying 2 cocktails for only £13.95 all day, any day! Choose from the wide selection of cocktails with options ranging from the kiwi sling and exotico to the hobi shake and tropic sangria.

Empire Cafe is a Leeds hidden gem with a courtyard that offers a cosy retreat to enjoy artisanal cocktails and gourmet bites in a relaxed, intimate setting. For over 120 years, people have been enjoying a cocktail and a relaxing summer evening at Empire Cafe.

Images – @greenroom_ , @waterlaneboathouse, @farrandsbar