'Setting a new standard': The UK's best cocktail bars have been revealed - and two are in Leeds
Two Leeds bars have made a prestigious list, receiving glowing reviews from industry experts.
Below Stairs, in South Parade, and Tabula Rasa, in Eastgate, have both been named among the best cocktail bars in the country, earning a spot in the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars list for 2026.
The annual list, organised by the Morning Advertiser, is curated by more than 200 industry experts, from bartenders and owners to drinks writers and influencers.
Below Stairs is ranked at 20 on the list. The underground bar, known for its inventive cocktails and unique menu concepts, was named Sustainable Bar of the Year in the Top 50 list in 2024.
This year, the judges said: “With its unwavering dedication to sustainability, Below Stairs isn't just raising the bar for cocktail culture; it's setting a new standard for responsible indulgence in Leeds and beyond.”
Tabula Rasa, renowned for its chic ambience and expertly crafted drinks, took the 49th spot. It was praised for the “creative expression” of its bartenders, headed up by owner Filippos Filippopoulos.
Judges said: “It’s an elevated café, aperitivo and cocktail bar focusing on high-quality spirits.”
The UK’s best cocktail bar for 2026 went to Couch, in Birmingham, while Bar Glue in Liverpool and Satan’s Whiskers in Bethnal Green, London, took the second and third spots.
Three other Yorkshire bars made the list - The Brain Jar in Hull (4), Over and Above in Harrogate (38) and The Pearl at Park Hill in Sheffield (40).