Ten alternative nights out in Leeds.

Chloe Mincher.

If unlike most students, the sound of repetitive loud music, a dingy nightclub and people grinding on you, sounds like nightmare the solution is an alternative night out.

These venues over a different experience. A more relaxed approach with live music, cheap drinks and alternative music.

These are the top ten alternative venues in Leeds.

1. Dry Dock.

Dry Dock boasts not only an impressive look, (How many other pubs have an actual boat attached.) but a very impressive interior.

It’s musical selection ranges from Arctic Monkeys to The Stone Roses. The drinks are cheap and it offers a superb student discount. The pub offers nights such as rock n roll karaoke.

It’s location is ideal, being placed directly between Leeds Met and Leeds Uni.

The ideal hangout for the student after the student after a quiet yet exciting night out.

2. Fab Café.

Don’t let the name fool you. This is far from a Café. The outside is simple and quite easy to just walk past. The inside however is decorated with all different kinds of Sci-Fi memorabilia even complete with a cryogenically frozen Han Solo.

With regular events such as the riddle me this quiz (a general knowledge quiz with a sci-fi twist) and Darkside night (a night with the heavier music genre’s).

This place is perfect for the Sci-fi fan who loves a good night out, think Howard from The Big Band Theory.

3. The Cockpit.

The number one venue for alternative live music. Although again it’s seemingly easy to walk past. Located under a bridge. You may feel a little like a troll on the way in.

It is independently run and is home to all different types of alternative music.

From the Slam Dunk night with the best of pop punk like Fall Out Boy, Blink 182 and Paramore to the Garage night, with all different types of music.

4. The New Penny

The oldest gay bar in Leeds and possibly the UK. A little bit different to the other venues on this list.

The music is not alternative like most others on this list but it has nights of karaoke, drag acts and is possibly the most friendly venue in Leeds.

The drinks are cheap and there is always a happy hour going down here!

5. The Elbow Room.

Located in the calls. The area is fantastic for alternative night outs.

This venue is great for live music. The venue is decorated in the theme of a traditional American pool hall but still maintains the vibe of a busy bar.

It’s also a great venue for live sport. If that’s your thing.

There’s also a whopping 14 pool tables.

6. Nation Of Shopkeepers

Situated smack bang next to millennium square. This is possibly the coolest venue in Leeds.

Very Arty and decorated in fabulous décor. Although a little bit more expensive than other venues, it’s a lot more mature and less student like.

It’s also a fantastic venue for up and coming live music!

7. Wharf Chambers

So understated. Just a simple white door with the venue name over it. Located in The Calls.

The live music here is just epic. With all different types of music here.

Although you do have to be a member and must confirm your attendance to events 24 hours in advance. It costs just £1 for membership and you can confirm your attendance via facebook.

8. The Rock Bar.

Located in the Calls. Its location makes it a fantastic place for a night out.

It’s a little slice of Ibiza in Leeds.

Decorated like a proper Moroccan bar.

The music is less alternative and more authentic student.

9. F.U.E.L.

So okay, its not technically a venue, but Friday nights at the Leeds Met SU bar is the most alternative night around.

With insanely good music, reasonably priced drinks it’s a great student night.

There’s even fire breathers and constant mosh pits!

Music such as pop punk, metal and rock.

10. ANNND FINALLY,

If indeed you are a student who hates nightclubs, lets face it you are probably skint.

If none of these venues appeal, The best solution to this is naturally to have a house party and university is the best time to go all Project X.

Even better if you can do it in someone else’s house or your house ends up looking like this.