
Quick info
About Below Stairs
Below Stairs is a bar in Leeds at 12 S Parade, set below street level and styled like a 1930s hideout. Guests receive a complimentary welcome drink on arrival. The house cocktails carry whimsical names, with Eating an Orange in the Shower among them, and the team explains the concept behind the drinks and the menu. Classic cocktails and off-menu orders are also available, and the bar pours beer and wine too. Olives served in a can and pork scratchings are on hand as snacks.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention handbag snacks cocktail, complimentary welcome drink, olives served in a can and licking the spoon cocktail.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention handbag snacks cocktail, complimentary welcome drink, olives served in a can and licking the spoon cocktail.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers come for the inventive cocktails, whose unusual names leave first-timers wondering what will arrive. Handbag Snacks is singled out as smooth despite its whisky base, and Licking the Spoon comes with a small mousse-like bite that can be eaten alone or stirred into the drink. Another reviewer describes a cocktail that tasted like bread and butter, followed by an old fashioned variation. Olives served in a can and pork scratchings are called delicious and very good. The setting is described as a dimly lit, underground hideout in the style of a 1930s smoking room, easy to miss from street level. Staff are repeatedly called attentive, and a few mention a welcome drink and water that was regularly topped up. On the downside, one reviewer says prices run higher than at similar places, though they felt the experience justified it. Another chose drinks that did not suit their taste, and one notes strict age checks with a physical ID. Several describe a server explaining the concept behind each drink as it arrived.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers come for the inventive cocktails, whose unusual names leave first-timers wondering what will arrive. Handbag Snacks is singled out as smooth despite its whisky base, and Licking the Spoon comes with a small mousse-like bite that can be eaten alone or stirred into the drink. Another reviewer describes a cocktail that tasted like bread and butter, followed by an old fashioned variation. Olives served in a can and pork scratchings are called delicious and very good. The setting is described as a dimly lit, underground hideout in the style of a 1930s smoking room, easy to miss from street level. Staff are repeatedly called attentive, and a few mention a welcome drink and water that was regularly topped up. On the downside, one reviewer says prices run higher than at similar places, though they felt the experience justified it. Another chose drinks that did not suit their taste, and one notes strict age checks with a physical ID. Several describe a server explaining the concept behind each drink as it arrived.
Featured reviews
- Jane Swann
“What a fantastic cocktail bar! We visited after dinner at La Taberna and are so glad we did. On arrival we were given a complimentary aperitif, which was a lovely touch, and the staff were very attentive throughout, regularly topping up our water and making sure we were comfortable. The cocktails were imaginative and a refreshing change from the standard drinks you find in most bars. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, making it the perfect place to round off our evening in Leeds. We’d highly recommend Below Stairs to anyone looking for something a little different from the usual cocktail bar.”
- Mahesh Sharma
“Lovely experience in a dimly lit, 1900s smoking room style bar. I thought in my life I could say that I had a cocktail that literally tasted like bread and butter! These guys nailed it. Finished with an old fashioned variation that literally reminded me of my grandmother's over aged sweetie box. Top notch mixology, and and even better that it is an independent establishment. Had a lovely convo with the on shift mixologist. Being a hospitality staff member myself, the hospitality discount did not go unnoticed. Many thanks”
- Rachel Ward
“Awesome vibe for a special occasion! We were served by lovely Sara who quickly came up with our ideal drinks!! Such a treat, we loved the chilled atmosphere and choice of whimsical cocktails!! We will be back!!”
- Helen Henry
“Popped in for a couple of cocktails before going out for dinner. I love the feel of the bar, decor is great it almost feels like a 1930s hideout spot. You callus definitely miss this bar from street level if you didn’t know it was there. The young lady that served us was lovely. My partners really enjoyed his two drinks, I just made bad choices for my taste I think. But overall a nice little bar, certainly different to the Chain bars close by.”
- Katie Tolley
“Amazing cocktails and even better staff. Sat at the bar and chatted with the (v skilled!) bartenders and really enjoyed the fresh, unique drinks.”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Hideaway bar for a variety of refined craft cocktails, beer and wine in a sophisticated setting.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Location
Bars near Below Stairs
- Electric Shuffle Leeds4.87860 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleWi-Fi
shuffleboard with pucks, cocktails, drinks package
- 0 mi£10–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
craft beer selection, sunday lunch with yorkshire puddings, detroit style pizza
- Honi Poke Leeds4.21440.2 miWheelchair accessible
build your own poke bowl, chicken katsu curry, brown rice
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Below Stairs | 4.8517 | — | — | handbag snacks cocktail, complimentary welcome drink, olives served in a can |
| Electric Shuffle LeedsReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Wi-Fi | 4.8786 | 0 mi | £20–30 | shuffleboard with pucks, cocktails, drinks package |
| The Head of Steam Leeds - Park RowReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.41,701 | 0 mi | £10–30 | craft beer selection, sunday lunch with yorkshire puddings, detroit style pizza |
| Honi Poke LeedsWheelchair accessible | 4.2144 | 0.2 mi | — | build your own poke bowl, chicken katsu curry, brown rice |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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