Sela

Another cracking bar on North Street where good music and good atmosphere is at the top of the priority list. Sela delivers cool in spades.

The Venue
It feels like Sela hasn’t been around that long but then it’s not one of those bars that shouts out loud. It now has two floors with the recent development of the groundfloor section.

The original, and still the best part of the bar, is below street level, hence the name. It's sufficiently dingy and dark enough to be the perfect place to listen to live music or sit and have a chilled-out drink. Church benches line the walls and retro lighting illuminates its cavern like space.

Downstairs is long and narrow with a bar at one end and an impromptu stage at the other which gives you an insight into Sela’s art school approach. The attitude here is - drink, chat, music - what else matters? It can get congested and awkward at busy times if you haven’t bagged yourself a seat. A small alcove at the back is a good spot for groups of friends.

Upstairs is a bit more generic with some poor contemporary artwork, tables and chairs and more light. Too much light! The dirty basement-look has worked its magic with music venues from day one, why change it?

The People
Sela is full to the brim with people enjoying themselves in a civilized, non-threatening way. Of course that’s not to say it's boring, far from it. It has its die-hard revellers and more and more people are catching on to the fact that North Street is the best place to go for a night out in central Leeds.

There's a great mix of people at the weekends and in the week, especially when bands play. There’s folk music and weekly jazz events to comedy and DJs, and with an ever changing line-up and small gigs it keeps things fresh and interesting and makes you vow to come back again next week.

Staff are cool but not cold and don’t give a hoot if you spend two hours playing a board game with a drink or hop around to the live band. All in all, Sela is a relaxed but upbeat bar which keeps its punters happy.

The Drink
It’s the vibe and the music that pulls the crowds here. Most people are having too much of a good time to be worried about what to drink and certainly aren't disappointed by the absence of champagne and other glitzy drinks on the menu. However, there is plenty to choose from, with enough unusual drinks to keep the fussy happy and the creative in-check.

Cocktails are good and pretty reasonable at £5.50 for the classics including the ever popular mojito. Wines are of average cost, and there's plenty of spirits to sink while listening to some jazz (rum and coke is £3). Strawberry beer appears popular with the girls at £2.60 (it's served in half measures) and Staropramen, equally popular with the boys, is on tap at £3.20 a pint.

The Last Word
Underground bars have always proved irresistible - dingy and dark yet full of life. Think New York basement bars and you’re not far off. Sela is a great addition to North Street and a sure favourite.

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