Oporto

This is surely one of the funkiest bars to go to offering funky tunes and a community vibe. Its flyer reads "A selection of club DJ’s and night time celebrities play records clubs will not allow", as part of its "All Back To Mine" evenings. You can’t argue that is one hell of a tempting offer in comparison to the drudgery of some bars and clubs around the City.

Oporto had its roots in Call Lane four years ago. Back then, it was one of the first bars along that stretch, and it built its success from the community style atmosphere. However Oporto is challenging the ideology of trendy bars that are swamping Leeds and offering a new feel and agenda.

So what makes Oporto so different and independent? For one thing, you won’t find your average collection of mainstream students and clubbers. The bar has a far wider appeal than that, offering a more music based vibe and a restaurant that echoes the sounds from the bar. Food is as important to the atmosphere as is the music and the drink.

Oporto is the ideal place to begin the night with a meal and then, when the night fully kicks off, to be magnetised into the main bar. The meals are reasonably priced, with a new fresh fish menu offering something a little different and an up coming Christmas menu. No bargain basement lunches here, this is quality food. If you’re not hungry, you could always try some of the great cocktails on offer. All of them are tailored to having a great night so you may decide not to leave.

If this place is the starting point for a night out be warned you could be there all night as the atmosphere and spirit becomes quite hypnotic. Whilst many other places try in vain to sort out their New Year extravaganzas, Oporto has already got a 4am licence. If you can’t wait until the end of the year, pop along on any night with a late licence Thursday through to Saturday. It gets a bit sweaty on a weekend night so get in early.

Oporto
31-33 Call Lane,
The Exchange Quarter
LS1 7BT
tel: 0113 243 4008