Oporto

Huzzah, I finally made it into this tucked away venue after sampling most of the other delights on Call Lane! I’ve often seen the bar looking inviting, but chance meant I only got to visit yesterday, after heading in for the Crybabycry gig. First impressions are rather good, as the place itself is nicely put togther, with the exposed brick and comfy sofas which seem to be a trademark of the trendy bars in Leeds these days. The bar was nicely stocked up with exciting rums and other fine beverages, and although the prices were a litte more expensive than I’m used to, I’m reminded that it is Call Lane!
What keeps the bar from falling into the usual indie-​hipster mass is the fantastic stage next door to the bar; only a small one, but once the screen comes down in front of the windows, it’s closed off from the rest of the city in it’s own little bubble of music. The acoustics inside are great for live music, and it holds enough people to get nice and cosy, without feeling like you’re trapped in a mosh pit!
All in all, a nice bar which I’d go back to explore for just a drink, but definitely one to check out for the music side of things!

Okay, so I’ve only been to Oporto twice, and you could argue that that’s just not enough times to form an educated opinion of the place. With that said, each time has been such a nice, relaxing visit that I felt my mind was made up well enough to just jump in and tell you my thoughts on it.
Firstly, most of the bars in the Call Lane/​Duncan Lane area range from good to great. I’ve found this to be more of a regular haunt of late as I just can’t stand that sinkhole of chaos and chavvy hijinks that is Albion Street after a certain time (if you ever have to catch your bus outside of Tiger Tiger on a Friday night, you’ll know what I mean).
Oporto was somewhere randomly chosen by my co-​workers on a recent night out. One of the group had spoken avidly about how cozy it was with its bare brick walls, tribal paintings and big plush chesterfield leather booths. I do have a thing for Chesterfield couches (I even have one in my living room, donated to me when I was on the dole!) so straight away — great sign.
These guys love their candles, and not in a pretentious way. There’s a real New Orleans ambience here with the splashes of brooding red next to the strong mahoganies and chestnut of the wooden floors and tables.
Most of your favourite tipples are here, from crisp San Miguel on draught and smoky Buillet Bourbon whiskey to my precious Rekorderlig cider (nom nom nom). The staff are really friendly and attentive and are more than happy to make a recommendation if you’re in a ‘surprise me!’ mood.
The reason this is a 4 star review is the price of the drinks — just a little bit too much on the steep side to make me stay here all night (as much as I’d love to!)
Not gonna lie, I love the fact this place is quiet the majority of the time. I was there last Friday with a friend and there were about 5 other people in there so we had the pick of the seats (woo!). I feel bad about that because I’m sure the Oporto staff would like the place to be brimming to the rafters, but I just can’t stand that claustrophobic feeling of a crowded club (we had called in on my precious Distrikt and walked straight out again for that reason).
For now at least, I feel like Oporto is my little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Leeds nightlife. Best of all? No stags or hen do’s allowed. Down to Tiger Tiger with you, riff raff! :P

Bar of choice when out with during the week.
Good bar staff, great selection of drinks at reasonable prices.
Eclectic mix of people and good music make this the perfect place to chill out on the sofas after a hard day at work.

I head here most nights I’m out but we wandered in for a refreshing and well deserved pint here Saturday afternoon.
Am a massive fan of them having San Miguel on draught and also, unlike some other establishments, they serve it, everytime, in the branded glass which always makes it more enjoyable!
There was only 2 other people in there having a drink (4pm) and some nice tunes in the background.
Lovely and relaxing to sit on the huge comfy sofas and people watch with a nice pint.
I was quite amused to see them turn away a pack of rowdy women on a Hen do– apparently they have a ‘no hen or stag do’ policy– yipee! I’ll remember that!

Another great night of fresh local musical talent, ot Oporto for the Gaslight special.
Tonight was Matt Bentleys’ album launch ‘Something to Find’ is the album, and the songs played tonight were all exceptional. The evening Started with regular host Gary Stewart dishing up some fine folkey tunes, (Always good, his EP launch is at The Brudenell on 17^th May, GO to it!!!) followed by Steph Stephenson, who needs to get an album out soon, ace!!!
Then the main bit with Mat Bentley aided by his double bass player Josh Goodey, with a small slot for the cover of Bees wing sang by Matts dad. All excellent.
I love going to Gaslight at Oporto, you get to see some great new talent from around the country, only slight problem is the noise from the other bar sometimes get a bit much especially if there is someone doing quiet songs.
All in all a good sociable bar, good beer, (the better ones are the bottled ones unfortunately but i can cope with a few San Miguels on draught,), good music, good varlety, and ‘Gaslight’s’ on Mondays so what else are you going to do !!!

Rowena, how weird reviewing the same venue, on a Monday night! Again I have to agree with you on the price of drinks in Oporto, a little on the steep side! However, the entertainment (music) was actually second to none! The music gave me one more star!
I would recommend going elsewhere for a few hours and getting some food and a few drinks and slow your drinking in Oporto and just really enjoy the music!

I came back in to Oporto recently to attend the Gaslight Club, hosted by Leeds singer-​song writer virtuoso Gary Stewart and had a fantastic couple of nights. On these occasions the bar staff were much better, I was served swiftly and in turn, and although the beer prices are a little steep we still had a lovely night. As it was a Monday there weren’t any door staff on to contend with and so there are really no complaints in that area.
It’s obviously still one of the most popular venues on the street, and Call Lane appears to have become much less vibrant in recent times, since most of the other venues nearby were either closed or empty. I would, of course, hazard a guess that it is the popularity of their awesome live music on Mondays that keeps people flocking in.
The scene is set, once you’ve navigated past the cocktail drinkers and trendy students, through to the side room where you are greeted by an intimate surround of candle lit tables and quiet folk, who sit in abeyance for the next acoustic act to play and arrest their anticipation. I don’t think I’ve listened to a single dud on these nights, each performer being honest, unique and entertaining in turn, and it truly feels like you are a part of some hidden den of talent and like-​minded ponderers. Although I’d rarely come here on a weekend, for it is a little rowdy for my tastes, the Monday nights are something very special and worthwhile indeed.
I highly recommend you come here on a Monday, take a seat, and soak in the sounds.

Often playing great tunes and has fair spirit selection, including for the bourbon lover like myself. Unfortunately, it’s run by a set of morons whose customer service skills must have been adapted and put together in jim hensons workshop! The staff are above arrogant, the door staff obnoxious and violent (seen a number of people being shoved around outside). A bar that was once great, but certainly fallen from grace. Try Mojo, Shed or Reform.

Tried to get into Oporto on a works night out last week. Quite a few of us headed over there in seperate groups, and most got in. Unfortunately, I was walking over with another bloke and they wouldn’t let us in because we weren’t a mixed group!
I queried it, but the idiot bouncer said there weren’t enough girls in compare to blokes, so we couldn’t get in. Idiots.
Won’t be going back if I can help it…

Oporto is one of the best on Call Lane. It’s been a staple of my nights out in Leeds ever since I moved here. The music is always good and the atmosphere is nice (if somewhat pretentious on a Friday night).
I have to say I was really surprised the other night when I’d arranged to meet two male acquaintances there and they were promptly turned away at the door for being men unaccompanied by women. Unimpressed Oporto…

Oporto is based down the very popular area of The Calls/​Call Lane in the centre of Leeds. The venue plays host to live music and houses two bars.
Oporto is always very, very busy at the weekends with the huge glass window frosted up with steam. I tried my first Jäger Bomb here and for that reason Oporto remains a special place in my heart!
Recommended visit if you like indie/​rock music. Strangely they do not allow entry to single sex groups which was a bit disappointing when a male friend and I visited only to be refused entry. Since when was 2 people even a group? I’ll bet a hen party would NEVER be refused entry — power trip bouncers eh.
Every other time I have been has been great — really good, lively atmosphere with a good selection of drinks (though very pricey). Overall recommended visit!

Like most of the places on Call Lane, Oporto is geared towards the richer, trendier Leeds folk, and it has long been one of the finest of the Call Lane bars.
It’s probably the most unique of the bars in this area, which explains why it is always busting at the seams on a weekend. The well chosen choons, perfectly made classic cocktails and friendly staff mean that popping in for one drink while on the Calls often turns into a whole night spent here.
The DJ always seems to know exactly what tunes the place needs, which keeps the punters happy (he is replaced by live acts during the week, proving how music-​friendly Oporto really is), and I’ve never had at bad time in this joint — expect steep prices, however.

Oporto was created with aim of creating a relaxing, sophisticated and «cool» place to «hangout». Oporto most definitely have achieved their goal!
Oporto has a down-​town vibe attracting a very distinct customer! The clientele are chilled out, trendy, classy and have a love for alternative music. Oporto is passionate about supporting the Leeds music scene. Oporto is at it’s busiest on a Monday evening from 8.00pm with it’s «Gaslight» evening. The night is based around the themes of a New York hootenanny and gives local artists a chance to shine! Oporto are brilliant at picking suitable acts and I always agree with their choices.
To accompany to the cool, grungy vibe are a variety of slightly expensive yet gorgeous alcoholic cocktails. Such drinks include my favourites a Clifton Cooler and Vanilla Haze as well as many other gorgeous combinations. (average £6 a drink (
Head to Call Lane and have a drink there on a week day night and you could by happily mistaken to where you are. Before you know it you are drinking in downtown New York!

Oporto, quite simply put, is one of the best bars in Leeds. Situated on Call Lane right in the centre of the city’s nightlife, it’s always busy — be it on a weeknight, full with professionals fresh from the office or revellers on a weekend, making the most of the bar’s plethora of continental beers, exquisite cocktails and rare spirits.
Music is a big deal at Oporto — with regular nights and local acts performing regularly. Top local performer Gary Stewart hosts a new night ‘The Gaslight Club’, featuring a menagerie of acts from the Leeds music scene performing in a very cost and intimate setting. I, for one, will be there. The general theme goes a bit like this; live music on a Monday and Tuesday, with DJs a the weekend. Par for the course, really.
There’s also regular ‘Quidrophenia’ events, raising money for charity. It’s an all day festival with entry costing a quid. Drinks are a bit more though, sorry to shatter any illusions.
Oporto’s a good place to go hang out with your mates. Any day, any time. They serve a selection of grub and have a music policy worth listening to.

Great little bar this one, watch out for music events in the summer, usually around bank holiday time where you can see various local bands playing in this intimate venue, you are literally part of the stage as it’s ground level. Great selection of lagers, and spirits. Not sampled the food here as it went through a stage of not being open at lunchtimes but has now re-​opened its doors to us luch time drinkers. Friendly staff, good service live DJ’s.

Nice place to hang out with friends for a meal, always busy. Love going here when in town, great food.

I ate dim sum here once and it was tasty. Also it was nice being in the restaurant while the bar got dead busy so I could walk through from the loos looking dead smug cos I had a seat. Mooohahahaaaa.

At the trendier end of the spectrum of central Leeds bars, but none-​the-​less we’ve had some pretty good nights out in here. My main gripe would be the popularity of the place, you generally have to be pretty pushy to get served in any reasonable time on busy nights (Fri/​Sat), and it’s not cheap either. Obviously if I still lived in Leeds I would drink in The Grove and not here, but when you had to go out with a group of girls, it’s far and away not the worst choice!

This bar used to be great with an excellent vibe. Staff were friendly and you felt that you were welcomed. (al little different from the average bar)
However, they seemed to have scrapped that stylish difference and replaced it with a crammed bar to the brim of the so called beautiful people The type who think that beauty is overpriced clothes or cacked on makeup. The music is still as good, but the bar staff are nothing but rude.
Door staff seem to think they are guarding the queen and not just another bar. If you want to get in, smile and acknowledge them by being very confident. Or, have a short dress and show some cleavage.
Dont get me wrong, I used to love this bar and I am sure once the chav coke heads leave it may reclain it’s former glory.
Here is hoping!

I visited Oporto on Friday for few drinks on Friday, it was quite busy with quite a good crowd of people i.e. non of the chavvy types you get in Revolution! The music was cool and it was a nice relaxed atmosphere for a Friday night. Its def on my list of fave bars in Leeds.