Leeds might well and truly (and finally) be on the big stage when it comes to the world’s best live acts, but the city has for years boasted local talent that is just as worthy of being on the stage at the First Direct Arena. The good thing is that you don’t have to venture down to the arena to see some great live bands. Leeds is so packed with venues that you’ll never run out of places to go or bands to see. Check out our list of the top spots and make a habit of checking the Leeds Gig Guide to see what’s on any given night of the week.

Brudenell Social Club

What to expect: A bit of everything The Brude is one of the best venues for live music in the city, whether the bands are local or not. From folksters to funksters, you’re guaranteed to see some proper local talent here. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2355.8547002353494!2d-1.5729376839524725!3d53.80986914759079!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795eb3bca34c93%3A0xcab53c6289a2ceea!2sBrudenell+Social+Club!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1471958978700" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Belgrave Music Hall

What to expect: Alternative Located in a restored 1930s building in Leeds’ Northern Quarter, Belgrave is one of the city’s newest and liveliest venues. You’ll catch some of strongest alternative acts in the city in its 200-capacity venue (and you can fill your boots on some of the best pizza and burgers in the city whilst you’re at it). <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.364186799136!2d-1.543202183952744!3d53.80080304827383!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795c1afa816419%3A0xdc19993c1bbd0788!2sBelgrave+Music+Hall+%26+Canteen!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1471959007833" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

The Packhorse

What to expect: A bit of everything Whether you’re a toe-tapper or a head-banger, the eclectic range of music at The Packhorse has forged it into one of the best venues in the city over the years. Just be sure to go to the right one; this Packhorse is on Woodhouse Lane. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2355.824430737677!2d-1.557961083952474!3d53.81040774755024!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795eabb2b5a15f%3A0x7a8b20b4fc91dedb!2sThe+Pack+Horse!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1471959067855" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Sela Bar

What to expect: Reggae and jazz Based in the city centre on New Briggate, Sela Bar is the joint of choice for jazz fans. It’s only been around since 2004, but it’s played host to some incredible local and international talent and established itself as one of the best nights out in the city in that short time. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.4380527053254!2d-1.5438495839527813!3d53.79948854837284!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795c1a4d30c77d%3A0x5239cf78b57525bc!2sSela+Bar!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1471959086136" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

The Wardrobe

What to expect: Funk and soul If you’ve got funk in your bones, shuffle on down to the Wardrobe and you’ll be dancing until next Tuesday. It doubles up as a comedy venue and a restaurant, so this hotspot is everything you need for a funkin’ Friday night out in Leeds. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.569642769627!2d-1.5356851839527919!3d53.79714674854934!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795c16c8c1352d%3A0xd5727db52de3c639!2sThe+Wardrobe!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1471959256224" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Bad Apples

What to expect: Metal Get some metal in your lugholes and mosh the night away at Leeds’ top dive bar. Located on Call Lane, Bad Apples is the only spot to get your fill of proper meaty riffs from some proper local metal-heads. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.614067153998!2d-1.5420676839528764!3d53.7963561486088!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795c19eb25961f%3A0x8b84ceb161e992ca!2sBad+Apples+Rock+Bar!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1471959290758" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

The Grove Inn

What to expect: Folk Home to the longest running folk night in the world, the Grove Inn has been hooking locals in from the first chord since 1962. There’s live music on most nights of the week, including open mic slots to give you an authentic taste of local Leeds talent. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.9204067506507!2d-1.5500127839530178!3d53.79090414901947!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795e5a8e4cb921%3A0xdb89210b62833a8d!2sThe+Grove+Inn!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1471959330890" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Santiago Bar

What to expect: Rock The Gothic décor and creaky floorboards in Santiago Bar are the first marker of what kind of bands you can expect to see here. It’s located in the Grand Arcade, so its riffs rattle the windows of the Victorian glass tunnel, night in, night out.  <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.3949751811465!2d-1.5425886839527718!3d53.80025514831514!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795c1a5f6f5b21%3A0x429de8d0bd6e977!2sSantiago+Bar!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1471959360274" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>