How and where to celebrate post-graduation.
Whilst your graduation itself is a big celebration, it can often be the time you spend celebrating afterwards with friends and family that makes the day extra special.
We’ve compiled a list of different ways you can celebrate post-graduation, breaking it down into campus, restaurants, bars, cafes, and activities.
Celebrate on campus.
Campus has a wonderful atmosphere, with exclusive activities and food just for your big day. Head over to the Precinct opposite LUU for drinks, or to the many different bars, cafes, and food outlets.
You can head over to the Parkinson Building to have your photos professionally taken or to purchase your on-stage graduation photo.
Also, check if your school is holding a celebration event for graduates. You don’t want to miss saying goodbye to your course mates and lecturers.
A lot of your family and friends may never have been on campus before, so this is a great chance for them to really soak in the Leeds atmosphere!
Restaurants.
Booking a sit-down meal with friends and family is always a great way to debrief about the day and your time as a student whilst enjoying some of the fine food Leeds has to offer.
A lot of restaurants will book up fast, so make sure you call them to reserve a table as soon as possible! Here are a few independent restaurants not far from campus:
Location: Minerva, 29 E Parade, Leeds LS1 5PS
Open every day, typically from 12pm — 11.30pm
Location: 24 Central Rd, Leeds LS1 6DE
Open every day from 12pm — 10pm
Location: 115 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3PX
Open every day, typically from 12pm — 2pm and 5pm — 9pm
Bars.
Again, these will book up very quickly with everyone having the same idea so don’t hesitate to start planning numbers for tables now before it’s too late.
Whether you’re looking for cocktail bars or more indie bars, we’ve got you covered:
Old Bar and Terrace (of course!)
Location: Leeds University Union, Lower Ground East, Leeds LS2 9JZ (Old Bar)
Leeds University Union, Lifton Place, Leeds, LS2 9JT, Leeds LS2 9JS (Terrace)
Both open most days, typically from 11am — 12am
Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen
Location: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP
Open most days, typically from 12pm — 1am
Location: 26–27 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AG
Open every day, typically from 12pm — 11pm
Location: Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS
Open every day, typically from 12pm — 11pm
Location: 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
Open every day, typically from 12pm — 12am
Location: 39 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT
Open every day, typically from 4pm — 1am
Location: 25 Great George St, Leeds LS1 3AL
Open every day, typically from 4pm — 1am
Looking for something quiet? Cafés, brunch spots and afternoon tea
These are always great options if you have an early graduation, say around 9am — 12pm.
Leeds has an amazing array of local coffee shops so you’ll never be short of choice. Here are just a few places for a coffee or afternoon tea:
Location: 16 New Station St, Leeds LS1 5DL
Open every day, typically from 7.30am — 3pm
Location: Queens Arcade, 18–20 Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LF
Open every day, typically from 9.30am — 4.30pm
Location: 43 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT
Open every day, typicall from 8am — 5pm
Just Grand! Vintage Tearoom (Afternoon tea)
Location: 8–9 Grand Arcade, New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6PG
Open every day except Tuesdays, typically from 10am — 4pm
Crafthouse (Afternoon tea)
Location: Level 5, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
Open every day, typically from 12pm — 2.30pm and 5pm — 9.30pm
Location: The Light, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 8TL.
Open every day, typically from 11am — 9pm.
Location: 10 Central Arcade, Leeds LS1 6DX.
Open from 11am-6pm.
Escape the rain at these activities.
From boardgame cafes to paint and sip, celebrate inside and in-style!
Location: Chance & Counters, 6–8 Merrion St, Leeds LS1 6PQ.
Closed on Mondays.
Over 500+ board games, drinks and food, great for families. Book in advance to save.
Location: 22 Central Arcade, Leeds LS1 6DX.
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Release your inner artist! Paint and sip sessions over the graduation period. Booking in advance necessary.
