One of the few downsides of student life is that having such a busy social life often drains the old bank account. Well, fear not. Having a few leisurely drinks in Leeds doesn’t need to leave you bankrupt.
We’ve handpicked a selection of pubs and bars from around the city that pride themselves on value as much as they do quality, take a look:
Tucked away round the corner from Millennium Square, this gem of a cocktail bar has gradually built a loyal fan base since opening in 2015, largely due to their ingenious smart phone app. Flash the app when you arrive at the bar and the staff will set the ‘Appi Hour’ timer, meaning you’ll get half price cocktails for the next hour. Not only is this a great deal, but these are some of the best cocktails you’ll taste and the staff are friendly and know their stuff.
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You can’t miss this charming little pub as you head from Leeds University into the city centre - it’s the one shaped like a rather tatty old boat! Five Jaeger bombs will set you back a paltry £10, whilst a double Smirnoff and Red Bull is just £4.50. Wolf down as many chicken wings as you can at just 25p a pop on Wing Wednesday and enjoy cocktail pitchers for just £6 on Thursday.
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Located just off Call Lane in Hirst’s Yard, Mook is all about cocktails and serves up 80 classic, weird and wonderful concoctions. Music can vary from The Doors to The Manics to more modern sounds, but the magic really happens when you flash your student card and receive 2 for 1 cocktails all day, every day. Just ask for their special student menu.
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Boasting 100 bottled beers from around the world, 24 draught ciders and 12 real ale’s on pump, there’s something for everyone at Mr Foley’s on the Headrow. Voted Cider Pub of the Year in 2015, this York based establishment always offers value for money but also does some awesome deals. 4 O’Clock Fizz runs daily offering customers 50% off Prosecco.
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Now into its 34
th year, Strawberry Fields is not just part of the infamous Otley Run but a living Leeds legend. Prices are reassuringly low at all times, with Amaretto and Coke for just £2.30 and six bottles of lager for only £13.80. Beer Pong is also free Monday to Friday, making Strawberry Fields a great venue to kick things off before a night in the city.
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Briggate has many a good bar hidden down its often missed side-streets, and The Angel is one of the best. Whilst it’s not going to win any design awards, you can enjoy a pint of Sam Smith’s finest ale for less than £2 and a pint of mild for around £1.50. The food menu takes the same no-nonsense approach, offering everything from bangers and mash to Thai green curry.
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This lively and unassuming pub sits in the heart of Hyde Park and has been the starting point for a million and one legendary student nights out. Whilst the likes of Fosters and Carling won’t exactly break the bank, the likes of their very own, specially brewed Hyde Park Blonde come in way under the £3 mark. Wednesday night is Quids In, with selected tipples from a pound and Fuse on Thursday serves bombs for just £1.75.
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A self-proclaimed ‘proper pub’, Woodies is another Otley Run essential that has always had a loyal following, thanks to good prices, pleasant outdoor seating and live sport. With an enviable range of craft ales, wines and spirits on offer, Woodies also offer a small but perfectly formed menu of English pub favourites.
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Don’t let its Call Lane location put you off, Brooklyn is one of the city’s most generous bars, serving happy hour drinks between 4-8pm each day. Drinks start at £3 and cocktail lovers can enjoy two for £10 at all times. The music is a lively mixture of upfront RnB, hip hop, disco and pop, and if you dance yourself hungry, the New York burger kitchen upstairs happens to be one of Leeds’ best kept foodie secrets.
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Distrikt is one of the best bars in Leeds, but that hasn’t stopped them from providing value for money. The dance floor gets rammed on a Friday, but you can still enjoy half price beers, wines and spirits from 5-10pm. Some of the biggest names in dance have taken to the decks in this bar, often with free entry, and they do a mean Sunday roast and an eclectic tapas menu.
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