8 Yorkshire cocktail bars have been named in the UK top 50

A total of eight Yorkshire cocktail bars have been named among the top 50 in the UK, with six of those listed based in Leeds.

The Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, which was announced by the organisers behind top50gastropubs.com'‹, was revealed at the Loft in Manchester and proved some of the UK's hottest bars are based in the north of England.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While the number one spot was claimed by Edinburgh bar Bramble, Yorkshire ranked highly on the list, including one establishment in the top ten.

Leeds: a cocktail hotspot

Quirky Leeds bar Epicurus: Death & Taxes was the highest ranked among the Yorkshire contingent, coming in at number six on the list.

The unique venue is a small members bar, where membership is "free for those who know exactly what they like to drink and how they like to drink it".

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It takes its prohibition theme very seriously, with mobile phone calls forbidden within its walls.

Closely behind Epicurus was fellow Leeds bars Blind Tyger, which came in at number 11, and speakeasy-style bar Smokestack, which placed at number 13 on the list.

The two bars are both owned by the Sandinista Group and are popular for their cool atmosphere and creative drinks menus.

A source for cocktail fans

A new website was launched at the reveal of the list to help people find their nearest Top 50 Cocktail Bar, and can be found at top50cocktailbars.com.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Nicholas Robinson, editor of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, said: "This is the first time we've published a list of the UK's top 50 cocktail bars and it's refreshing to see bars outside of London claiming high spots and gaining the recognition they deserve.

"There is something on the list for everyone, showing that cocktail bars aren't overpriced, pretentious venues where only those in the know can go.

"London is the cocktail capital of the UK and, indeed, the world, but there are so many amazing bars on offer in the UK that we need to shout about."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Leeds-based drinkers certainly won't have to travel far to locate their nearest top 50 venue, with as many as six acclaimed cocktail haunts dotted around the city centre.

The Hedonist Project, which is famed for changing its drink, food music and decor seasonally to fit with a new theme, claimed a spot at number 28 on the list.

Completing the Leeds venues is Vice & Virtue, ranked at number 38, and the Alchemist, ranked at number 47.

Yorkshire also proved it does have other worthy cocktail spots for drinkers to enjoy with York based bars Evil Eye and Jalou also making the prestigious 50-strong list, ranking at number 47 and 48 respectively.

The full list of Yorkshire entries in the top 50

Epicurus: Death & Taxes, Leeds (8)

Blind Tyger, Leeds (11)

Smokestack, Leeds (13)

The Hedonist Project, Leeds (28)

Vice & Virtue, Leeds (34)

Alchemist, Leeds (38)

Evil Eye, York (47)

Jalou, York (48)