Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 19/06/2026 20:29:00

The Bootlegger is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar on Park Row, in the heart of Leeds city centre, offering a fresh take on the city's nightlife with a nostalgic nod to the 1920s Prohibition era. Behind its discreet entrance lies a world of dim lighting, vintage decor and old-school charm, where expertly crafted cocktails and regular live music combine to create an atmospheric night out. Drinks are at the core of the experience, with an extensive menu of more than ninety cocktails ranging from century-old classics to inventive modern creations. Alongside favourites such as the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour and Espresso Martini sit house signatures, including the bar's namesake Bootlegger, while a full selection of spirits, beers, ciders and wines rounds out an offering designed to suit relaxed catch-ups and lively celebrations alike. The venue is laid out across two floors, with the main bar positioned between them to create an intimate, sociable atmosphere conducive to conversation. The carefully designed interior, all low lighting and period detailing, immerses guests in the glamour and secrecy of the Prohibition years, making it a popular choice for date nights, group outings and after-work drinks in the city. Live music is central to the Bootlegger's appeal, with performances filling the venue throughout the week. Bands and DJs play a vibrant mix of jazz, swing, blues, soul and rock and roll, and once a month the bar stages a full Prohibition-era tribute night, complete with live music and silent films, giving its programming a distinctive theatrical flourish. By combining a richly atmospheric speakeasy setting, an ambitious cocktail list and a steady diet of live music, the Bootlegger offers more than just a place to drink. Its balance of energetic nights and relaxed corners, along with its themed events, makes it a go-to spot for those seeking old-school charm and late-night energy in the heart of Leeds.