'I tried this cool, neon-lit tequila bar and pool hall bringing something genuinely fresh to Leeds' nightlife'

Perched on Wellington Street, right on the edge of the city centre, Salon Madre is impossible to miss.

Since opening just a few weeks back, its floor‑to‑ceiling glass walls have glowed with neon signage, casting an electric haze across the pavement on dark winter evenings.

I’ll admit I initially tried to walk in through the fire exit - a mistake I quickly learned is surprisingly common - before finding the actual entrance and stepping into a sleek, moody space.

The main bar sits directly ahead, illuminated by deep orange lighting and and signs with Mexican‑inspired spirits.

Small tables for two to four run along the back wall beside the taco bar, while the room opens out into a spacious pool hall dotted with TV screens showing live sport.

It’s a clever layout: the central bar anchors the room, allowing Salon Madre to shift easily between cocktail spot, sports bar, and late‑night hangout. The pool tables sit far enough back that I could forget they were even there while focusing on drinks.

And drinks are where Salon Madre shines. The menu leans heavily into Mexican flavours - margaritas, jaibols, tequila‑based cocktails, and Mexican lagers including Modelo on draught.

Even Mexican Coca‑Cola makes an appearance, a small but charming detail for those who swear it tastes better.

I started with the spicy mango margarita, made with El Rayo blanco, mango, habanero, and Tajín. It struck the perfect balance between sweet and fiery, the kind of drink that instantly transports you to a warmer month.

My guest went for the Picante - cucumber, jalapeno, and coriander - a bold, herb‑forward option that won instant praise. However, as a coriander sceptic, I had to sit that one out.

Cocktails come in at £11.50 each, placing them on the pricier end, but the beer offering softens the blow. Modelo, crisp and refreshing, feels just as suited to a cold night as a sunny afternoon.

With its bold decor, inventive drinks list, and a concept that blends pool, tacos, and tequila without tipping into gimmickry, Salon Madre feels like it has the makings of a city‑centre staple.

Its slightly out‑of‑the‑way location may be its only challenge, but with all that neon, it’s unlikely to stay overlooked for long.

Factfile

• Address: 114 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 4LT
• Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun, noon-11pm; Fri-Sat, noon-1am.
• Website: https://www.thisismadre.co.uk/madre-salon

Scores

• Drinks: 8/10
• Value: 6/10
• Atmosphere: 7/10
• Service: 7/10