159a Lower Briggate,
Briggate,
Leeds,
LS1 6LY
(0113) 245 2222
The ViewLeeds Review
A sexy bar with a bluesy feel. Smokestack is a honeypot for those with eclectic music tastes and a penchant for sophisticated drinking.
The Venue
Smokestack is split over two floors. You enter by a rather unassuming doorway off Lower Briggate with a staircase leading immediately up to the first floor.
Moody hues and low lighting create a sultry, sassy feel and ensure that everyone who enters realises that although this is a hip bar, it's laidback, and more mature than the city's hormonal moshpits.
The first floor has a more chilled-out vibe where you can lounge with a cocktail, mooch to some funky tunes by candlelight or, if you’re up for a boogie, head upstairs to let your hair down where the atmosphere is a little more rowdy.
The upstairs area, known as the Roost, is only opened for special events such as live music and it's also available for private hire. The setting up here is still intimate with a bar at one end and a small cave-like dancefloor at the other. The only set back is the size, as when it's busy it can feel a little cramped and there is limited seating.
The People
Expect a trendy, well-groomed crowd cracking on to some disco or blues. Smokestack has an impressive line up of music, including the monthly appearance of Mystic Brew, a collaboration of three of Leeds established names as well as special guests from afar.
The Drink
The bar here is thorough with an extensive drinks menu. Cocktails and an international beer and spirit selection ensures that whatever your tipple you'll leave feeling satisfied and refreshed.
Drinks aren’t bargain basement stuff though and cocktails go from £5.50, wine is £13 a bottle and beer is £3. If you’re a student, a visit to Smokestack might be more of a treat, but it's well worth it if you’re looking for something a little different but unpretentious.
The Last Word
Smokestack is a funky, jazzy bar where you can chill or groove to some soulful beats in a sexy and stylish surrounding.
Smokestack has been reviewed by 2 users