Reviewing every last watering hole in Leeds city centre

SkyLounge

SkyLounge

Author
  • Beer
  • Atmosphere
  • Amenities
  • Value
The Sky Lounge sits at the very top of the the DoubleTree Hotel. It's up there, I promise!

The Sky Lounge sits at the very top of the the DoubleTree Hotel. It’s up there, I promise!

The SkyLounge decidedly gets five stars in the being-in-the-sky category. It’s far and away the city centre’s highest-altitude bar, and on a clear night the views really are worth the lift ride up to the thirteenth floor. There’s a lovely wraparound balcony that seems to be open year-round, so if you go when it’s warm or you can brave the cold, it’s really quite a charming spot to take in the sights while you imbibe.

Just take Schindler's lift up to thirteen.

Just take Schindler’s lift up to thirteen.

Now just what you will be imbibing — that is obviously the important question. Beer selection could certainly be worse — their bottled range includes a handful of world lagers (Budvar, Cusqueña, Asahi, Peroni and Tiger) as well as Leffe Blond and Guinness. With a large spirit shelf, Sky’s true focus is cocktails, offering the usuals plus their own interpretations of some classics. Beers are £4-£4.50 and cocktails are £7-£10, so you’re definitely paying a premium for being in the sky.

The bar area, with its so-so selection of beers and more impressive selection of spirits.

The bar area: a so-so selection of beers and more impressive selection of spirits.

The atmosphere is about what you’d expect in a hotel bar that’s trying to be upmarket: sleek sofas, innocuous lounge music, dim lighting. It’s definitely targeted at the business crowd who may be looking to impress their out-of-town clients, but avoids being snobbish. You’d feel at home here whether you were wearing a smart suit or casual jeans, and the bar staff are very friendly.

It can be hard to get a seat, even if the place isn’t rammed, but you really want to spend most of your time outside anyway. The view is what you’re here for. Without that, it’s just a another boring hotel bar.

The next train to arrive on Platform 15 wil be....

The next train to arrive on Platform 15 wil be….

Bridgewater Place in all its neon glory.

Bridgewater Place in all its neon glory.

Tower Works and Holbeck.

Tower Works and Holbeck.

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Map

Contact

Address
DoubleTree Hotel
13th Floor
Granary Wharf
2 Wharf Approach
Leeds LS1 4BR
Telephone
0113 241 1000
Website
http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-leeds-city-centre-LBACCDI/dining/index.html

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