Leeds First Friday Info

Next Event: Fri 6th Feb 7pm

Leeds First Friday is a regular trans+ social event. LFF generally happens on the first Friday of every month & meets in Bridge End Social from 7pm.

A lower key event called MADEIT intended for newcomers runs at The Bridge Bar from 7-8pm

Upcoming Leeds First Fridays

9th January

6th February

6th March

3rd April

1st May

5th June

17th July

7th August

4th September

2nd October

6th November

4th December

8th January 2027

5th February 2027

5th March 2027

2nd April 2027

7th May 2027

4th June 2027

2nd July 2027

6th August 2027

3rd September 2027

1st October 2027

5th November 2027

3rd December 2027

If you're new to LFF you might like to check out MADEIT - part of the event absolutely dedicated to meeting & greeting newcomers.

See the LFF Facebook group, LFF Instagram page, chix, the LFF Discord etc for detals about how to get in touch. Alternatively, just show up at the Bridge Bar from 7-8pm.

Bars

Bridge End Social

The official meeting point for Leeds First Friday, where there's always a warm welcome from the brilliant staff. Join the LFF crew here from 7pm every LFF.

24-32 Bridge End, Leeds LS1 4DJ

Viaduct Showbar

Watch amazing drag cabaret shows from Viaduct's own awesome performers or one of their special guest acts.

Later still, party hard long into Saturday morning or chill (weather permitting) outside. Often open til 4am!

11 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6ER

Fibre

Just over the road from Viaduct is Fibre. With its fantastic sound system & top class DJs spinning vocal house bangers, you can party here til silly o'clock.

168 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY

Farrands

An independent bar located in the heart of Leeds near the Central Travelodge. To sample a great selection of fine wines, beers and boozy (and some non-boozy) cocktails you'll need to book in advance here: www.farrandsbar.com

18 Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AG

The End

Featuring 'Leeds' only trans DJ' from midnight til 3am. Go for a selfie in the loos, stay for a nice cocktail or two.

Hirst's Yard, Leeds LS1 6NJ

Behind Closed Doors

With a liberating and hedonistic atmosphere, this bar has an intentionally sleazy vibe. Expect cocktails with risque names & cool tunes.

2 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 6DN

Blayds

Blink & you'll possibly miss the entrance to the alleyway that leads you to Blayds Bar from Lower Briggate. One of the longest running LGBTQ venues in Leeds.
Here you'll find a warm welcome and a variety of great value drinks on sale including a selection of shots. Speaking of shots, grab a 'See you next Tuesday' seflie while you're there if you dare
Pro tip: Beware the cobbles in the alley

3-7 Blayds Yard, Leeds, LS1 4AE

Bridge Bar

Where the MADEIT newcomer event meets from 7pm every LFF. Later, it's got drag, it's got karaoke!

1-5 Bridge End, Leeds LS1 7HG

Queen's Court

This is the place to get reacquainted with noisy pop classics. Plenty of seating & an outdoor terrace

167 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY

The New Penny

Reputed to be Leeds' oldest LGBTQ+ bar The New Penny is a great value venue popular with many late stayer outers.
Pro tip: A cash cover charge applies after midnight but if you go before 11pm & get your hand stamped you can jump the queues for free later!

57 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BT

Revolucion de Cuba

From freshly prepared tapas to live music and late night cocktails, Leeds city centre has its very own slice of Havana right in the centre of the Freedom Quarter.

64-68 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 6DT

Smokestack

Billy Ocean sang 'Red Light Spells' danger but rest assured, bathed in the dank light of the top floor you're perfectly safe-ish. Popular with older folks & soul fans.

159A Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY

Coffee Shops

Flamingos

Flamingos is Leeds' premier queer friendly Coffee House, providing a friendly, safe space for all, 7 days a week.

Central Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6D

Restaurants

Viva Italian

A lovely family owned & run Italian restaurant not far from Lower Briggate & popular with many LFFers

9-11 Bridge End, Leeds LS1 7HG

Bibi's Italianissimo

With an unrivalled reputation built up over four decades, Bibis Italianissimo is the ultimate venue in Leeds when looking for the best Italian cuisine, cocktails and live music entertainment within easy walking distance of all the popular LFF venues

Criterion Place, off Sovereign Street, LS1 4AG

Hotels

Travelodge Central

This hotel has long been popular with many LFFers.
Distance from Viaduct: 2 mins walk

Blayds Court, Blayds Yard, Off Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AD

Marriott Hotel

The Leeds Marriott Hotel has been popular with LFF regulars for a long time. It's not too far away from the main venues.
Distance from Viaduct: < 2 mins walk

4 Trevelyan Sq, Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6ET

Leonardo Hotel

Formerly Jurys Inn, this hotel is a short walk over the bridge from the centre of Freedom Quarter action. Note: if travelling by car, the hotel's favoured car park is currently at Leeds Dock - a good 10 minutes brisk walk away.
Distance from Viaduct: Approx 5 mins walk

Brewery Wharf, Brewery Pl, Leeds LS10 1NE

Discovery Inn

Still a reasonable walking distance from the main Freedom Quarter venues, this generally affordable hotel with basic rooms is known for its labyrinthine corridors.
Distance from Viaduct: 5 mins walk

13-15 Bishopgate St, Leeds LS1 5DY

Briggate Hotel

With 16 rooms individually styled rooms, this hotel is right in the beating heart of Lower Briggate. Customers fond of early quiet nights may prefer rooms on upper floors. Distance from Viaduct: < 30 secs walk Make sure to book direct on their website briggatehotel.com with the code below.

10 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6ER

Malmaison

Offering standard rooms that are anything but 'bog standard' The Mal is popular with LFF'ers who want to push the boat out a bit without breaking the bank.
Distance from Viaduct: 2 mins walk

1 Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AG

Car Parks

Trinity Car Park

Ideally located for LFF drivers whether they're staying overnight or just need somewhere safe to park for the evening. Open 24 hours.
Distance from Viaduct: Approx 2 mins walk.
Discounted rates available with the following hotels - make sure to get your parking ticket validated before you leave the hotel!
Travelodge: £17.50 for 24h
Marriott: £17.50 for 24h

Leeds, LS1 4AG

Citipark Leeds Dock

About 15 minutes walk from most LFF venues & hotels. Discounted 24h parking available for £8 with The Leonardo Hotel. Ensure you get your parking ticket validated as you check out of the hotel.

Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LE

Q-Park

A short distance from most LFF venues & hotels,
Discounted rates available with the following hotels - make sure to get your ticket validated before you leave the hotel!
The Queens: £20 for 24h
Briggate Hotel: £22.40 for 24h - prebook via the Qpark website or app & use the code BBSSQ30 for discount.

Sovereign Square Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AG

Featured

Janie's Bench

Visit the memorial bench to LFF's coordinator, Janie Marie Swann. This fitting tribute in the heart of Lower Briggate was funded jointly by Leeds First Friday attendees and Leeds Council. Take a moment to visit the bench (outside Westrow House near Smokestack), have a quiet moment to remember this great lady and take some fabulous selfies!

Lower Briggate, Leeds

Safe Space Bus

A place to come if you feel concerned, unsafe, unwell or vulnerable. The Night Safe Space Bus will be parked close to Janie's Bench on Lower Briggate.

161 Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY

Useful Info

What is LFF?

Leeds First Friday is a monthly social event for trans+ people & their friends & allies. It's primarily for trans, non-binary, genderfluid, gender-non-conforming etc people but all are welcome.

When is LFF?

LFF is usually held on the first Friday of every month. Exceptions sometimes arise around other events such as Leeds Pride or in the new year. Always check before booking hotels & travel to avoid disappointment

Where is LFF?

LFF currently meets at Bridge End Social from 7pm. People generally start there before moving onto other venues in & around Lower Briggate.

I'm new to this. What do I do?

If you've never been before & you don't already know somebody who's going, your best course of action is to plan to head to MADEIT. MADEIT is LFF's event dedicated to people new to the event. There's a small team of volunteers determined to help make your first LFF a brilliant & memorable experience. By starting at MADEIT, it's a more gentle intro than a busy bar. You can get in touch with the team via Instagram, Facebook, chix or the LFF Discord server

Where to stay

If you plan to stay overnght for LFF, there are lots of hotels within easy walking distance of the main venues.
If you're looking for a bargain, use Google Maps with a search term like 'leeds hotel near briggate january 7th'. Pro tip: The Central Travelodge isn't always the cheapest!