With clubs, pubs, and bars galore, Yorkshire has a thriving nightlife scene. From venues that will get you up and dancing to historic, cosy pubs with art, ghosts, and games, here are ten of the best places to let loose for an exciting night out—whatever exciting means to you.
1. Roxy Ballroom
The Roxy Ballroom is a bar with a variety of entertainment options on offer. Visitors will find shuffleboard, bowling, pool, table tennis, basketball, mini golf, beer pong, and karaoke, all delivered in a vibrant, neon-infused atmosphere to keep you entertained for the evening. In addition, Roxy Ballroom has a selection of food and drinks that perfectly complement the activities, with the cocktail selection considered the highlight of the entire menu. The food is largely American-style, with pizza, burgers, and hotdogs to satisfy late-night cravings and your inner child all at once. Roxy Ballroom’s excitement draws many visitors, so book in advance to ensure you can dine and play.
2. The Tetley
Gallery and bar converge in this historic former brewery, creating a culturally rich nightlife experience. The building has a history dating back to 1159 when the site served as an abbey where monks brewed beer. In 1822, it became Tetley’s Brewery and, eventually, Joshua Tetley and Son Brewery. In 2011, the brewery closed, but the building was repurposed into The Tetley, now filled with brewery artefacts. This is the place to be if your ideal night involves good drinks and classic English fare.
3. 02 Academy Leeds
One of the go-to venues for concerts in Yorkshire is 02 Academy Leeds, which has brought performers like The Killers, The Stone Roses, Fatboy Slim, Deadmau5, and Courteeners to the stage. The building has been a performance space since 1885. At that time, it was known as the Colosseum and was unveiled to the public by the Prince and Princess of Wales. It has served as a political venue, circus space, and performance hall throughout its history.
4. Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
Another popular night-out destination is the Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen, which offers three floors of food and entertainment. Within the Belgrave Music Hall, guests will find movies, art, live music, and two kitchens—one serving burgers and the other pizza. It’s a one-stop shop for good times and good food.
5. Everyman Leeds
If movies and good food define a good time for you, then the Everyman Leeds is where you’ll want to be. The building offers multiple boutique theatres with luxurious double armchair seating, in-theatre cocktails, and gourmet burgers delivered to your seat. If the weather is nice, you can even enjoy the Everyman terrace for a drink in the night air.
6. Popworld
Popworld is a nightclub that caters to all your dancing needs. The site delivers a playful ambience with neon lighting accents and nods to pop art throughout, which sets the scene for spending the night on the dance floor listening to the cheesiest pop songs that we all love (or love to hate). Adding to the enjoyment are fun cocktails that suit the playful vibe and invite you to enjoy yourself to the fullest.
7. The Black Swan
If you love haunted houses and old pubs, you’ll adore The Black Swan, a place with all the classic pub essentials like simple, satisfying food and a variety of beers and ales to wash it down. The Black Swan stands out for its reputation for being a haunted site. If you’re a ghost hunter, you’ll want to show up for one of their candlelit haunted dinners, offering the possibility of a supernatural experience. If not, the pub also offers folk music performances.
8. Floodlit Evening Cruise
For a change of pace from a traditional pub, why not consider enjoying an evening cruise? The Floodlit Evening Cruise will take you along the Ouse River and allow you to drink in the beauty of York illuminated at night while you enjoy a delicious meal, drinks, and good company. The tour is 70 minutes long, leaving you time for theatre and dancing afterwards. But if none of the other options on this list sounds appealing to you after the cruise, you can always head home (or back to your hotel room) to enjoy slot machine games for mobile phones and still have a night filled with thrills and fun.
9. Ye Olde Starre Inne
The Ye Olde Starre Inne is the oldest pub in York, making this a notable place to visit for a night out. The pub was built in 1644, delivering historic charm and perhaps a ghost or two, as the building is reportedly haunted from its days serving as an English Civil War hospital and mortuary. Despite its historical nature, the building includes modern amenities like accessible features, TVs for football updates, and free Wi-Fi. The site is also dog-friendly, so have your pup (or pups) join you on your night out—no need to worry about returning home to check on them. Plus, anyone with a dog knows they tend to be the best company.
10. Flares
If the oldest pub in York is too far back in history for your interests, Flares might be a better fit for your night out. This nightclub delivers music and ambience dating back just to the ‘70s, inviting you to dance the night away to popular hits from then until now, making it a groovy place for an unforgettable evening.
