Smokestack

Reviews

• Jennifer N.

  star star star star star_border 3 June 2026

  The atmosphere at Smokestack is wonderful; it's one of the main reasons that I'm a fan.  I also appreciate their choice of music - R&B; it fits perfectly with their vibe.  Through in some fairly decent prices and you've got yourself a nice night out :-)
  
  While the drinks aren't cheap, you'll get good value for your money - they don't pour half measures!  
  
  My only complaint about this place is that it gets really full sometimes.

• James C.

  star star star star_border star_border 31 May 2026

  The idea of Smokestack is a Speakeasy design. Basically that means small, dimly lit with dark furniture.
  
  Extensive, averagely priced cocktail list. I tried a Caipirinha priced at £8. Unfortunately it was pretty awful. The worst Caipirinha I've ever tasted. And I've had a lot of them!
  
  Better sticking to wine/beer options, avoid the cocktails!

• Natalie O.

  star star star star star 31 May 2026

  This place is always a winner for a boogie. I cannot help but dance every time I go. Top floor is the best in my opinion but both floors are great.
  
  The atmosphere is top notch and the dance floor is always fun.
  
  Climb the stairs, it is worth the effort ;)

• Hannah R.

  star star star star star_border 20 May 2026

  I always think you have to know a place is going to be good before you venture up a staircase to get in. If a bar is street level, it's easy enough to turn around a walk back out.. but here, there's the risk of not knowing what greets you at the top, and then the awkward descent if it's not to your liking.
  
  This can also be a blessing. It avoids being a bar people pass through and starts becoming a hidden gem.
  
  The Smokestack sits quietly on Lower Briggate in the second and third storey above a restaurant. The tired looking signs at street level don't give much away really. It's easy to miss.
  
  I've been here a couple of times. Their Soul and Funk nights are always a good time. There's posters adorning every wall, lit candles and a lively atmosphere. Drinks are usual city prices (for Leeds) - a G&T cost ~£3.50.
  
  You can hire out the room upstairs  - with it's own bar, dance floor and DJ booth. The only downside is you have to go downstairs to the bathroom.
  
  The Smokestack has been around for as long as I can remember. It's a reliably good night out if you're in the area, so don't be afraid to climb the stairs.. what's at the top is all good.

• Rowena H.

  star star star star star_border 13 May 2026

  On a wee re-union of sorts, a bunch of old friends and I chose to dance most of the night away in Smokestack last night. We'd only planned to stay for one, since a friend was DJing, but it quickly became apparent that everyone was enjoying the music so much that we were going to stay for the duration.
  
  With a mix of jazzy funky classics it was impossible not to go for it, the entire room became a dance floor, and everyone appeared to be having an absolutely fabulous time. The bar staff were great, full of smiles, and although I only ended up drinking Sol I believe they've a range of more exciting bottled beers to choose from -Beer Lao being the one my friend chose as it was his drink of choice in Thailand. (Though, out there you could get several for the price of one here. That being said, I'm sure most things are less expensive over there.)
  
  Judging by the level of my own headache today, I know that a great night was had by all. Whilst there were plenty of very keen gentlemen within, which isn't always the best thing, most of the crowd seemed fun-loving and jovial in a friendly way, on this occasion, so that was grand. There was one chap who simply wouldn't give up, trying is luck with every lady in the group, but then there's always one isn't there?!
  
  Not much more to tell, except that if you're looking to escape the usual pop and dance orientated venues this is probably one of the best places to do so. Great music, awesome staff and a good crowd is how I'd sum up my Friday night, here, last night.