Leeds First Friday Info
Next Event: Fri 6th Mar 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.
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
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.
Viaduct Showbar
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!
Later still, party hard long into Saturday morning or chill (weather permitting) outside. Often open til 4am!
Fibre
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.
Farrands
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
The End
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.
Behind Closed Doors
Behind Closed Doors
With a liberating and hedonistic atmosphere, this bar has an intentionally sleazy vibe. Expect cocktails with risque names & cool tunes.
Blayds
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
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
Bridge Bar
Bridge Bar
Where the MADEIT newcomer event meets from 7pm every LFF. Later, it's got drag, it's got karaoke!
Queen's Court
Queen's Court
This is the place to get reacquainted with noisy pop classics. Plenty of seating & an outdoor terrace
The New Penny
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!
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!
Revolucion de Cuba
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.
Smokestack
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.
Coffee Shops
Flamingos
Flamingos
Flamingos is Leeds' premier queer friendly Coffee House, providing a friendly, safe space for all, 7 days a week.
Restaurants
Viva Italian
Viva Italian
A lovely family owned & run Italian restaurant not far from Lower Briggate & popular with many LFFers
Bibi's Italianissimo
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
Hotels
Travelodge Central
Travelodge Central
This hotel has long been popular with many LFFers.
Distance from Viaduct: 2 mins walk
Distance from Viaduct: 2 mins walk
Marriott Hotel
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
Distance from Viaduct: < 2 mins walk
Leonardo Hotel
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
Distance from Viaduct: Approx 5 mins walk
Discovery Inn
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
Distance from Viaduct: 5 mins walk
Briggate Hotel
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
Malmaison
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
Distance from Viaduct: 2 mins walk
Car Parks
Trinity Car Park
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
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
Citipark Leeds Dock
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.
Q-Park
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.
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.
Featured
Safe Space Bus
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 the Janie Marie Swann Memorial Bench on Lower Briggate.
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
Always check before booking hotels & travel to avoid disappointment
Where is LFF?
LFF currently meets at Bridge End Social in Leeds from 7pm. This is THE place to start your LFF - a friendly safe place to meet & greet friends old & new.
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 Leeds First Friday'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. Start your night with MADEIT til 8ish when the group will move on to Bridge End Social to merge with the rest of the clan.
You can get in touch with the team via Instagram, Facebook, chix or the Leeds First Friday Discord server
MADEIT is Leeds First Friday'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. Start your night with MADEIT til 8ish when the group will move on to Bridge End Social to merge with the rest of the clan.
You can get in touch with the team via Instagram, Facebook, chix or the Leeds First Friday Discord server
Where to stay
If you plan to stay overnght for Leeds First Friday, 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!
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!
Key to venue info symbols:
Moderately loud
Very loud
Facebook page
Instagram page
Website link
Moderately loud
Very loud
Facebook page
Instagram page
Website link
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