Santiago

I love, love, love Santiago! I was there some months ago when my friends from Canada were playing there. it feels like a hidden gem, tucked away there in the sweet ass of Grand Arcade. It’s the kinda place i loved to hang out in as an angsty late teen, so maybe it had me from the off for the sheer nostalgia it inspires.
I went there on a Wednesday night with my other half, not expecting much with it being a school night. little did I know that Santiago does a little thing called Whisky Wednesday — £2 for a shot of whiskey, mixer optional. OH fancies himself as a bit of a whiskey officianado so he was won over immediately.
Don’t be put off by the tired looking wood panel décor downstairs. it’s upstairs where the real action is. This is where the bands play, in a gothic looking lounge with an oval bar stocked with all your favourites. i was in a room FULL of Canadians following my friends (Carpenter, if you’re interested) and the secluded, private party feel of this room took me right back to Vancouver. it was AWESOME.
if i had friends in town that were looking for a cool place for people watching, liked their drinks cheap and their bartenders as dry as bones, then this is the place I’d take them, hands down.

This place is bad ass. Or, at least it was on Saturday, since that was the evening of their Bad Ass Dirt Ass Trailer Trash Party. My word, it’s been a while Santiago, but you never let me down. I don’t often end up drunk as a lord, much as it may seem otherwise, but Saturday heralded a night of such excess that there are parts missing. Fortunately, those parts occurred whilst en route homeward, so I was safely away from endangering myself about town. (And hopefully, not shaming myself in Santiago, although my dancing was likely so wild some may have been offended. I was really going for it.) That’s what you get for drinking Talisker alongside lager pints. Wowzers.
Firstly, these guys know how to roll out a party. There were several live bands playing as part of the event, and although the travesty is that I only knew one of them (and haven’t since discovered the names of the others), each and every one was fantastic. There’s nothing like a soulful singer blasting it out, to be followed by some seriously bluesy action to make a proper night of it right there. The bluesy action? Those guys are called The S.S.S.S.S. and they’re second to none when it comes to all out fun. Dan Beesley-​legend. Add into the mix awesome bar staff, face painting, and friendly as you like folk to complete the party. An extra boon is that the toilets (the ladies’ at least) are super clean. An important note –it’s cash only.
Thinking about it, although I don’t come in often enough to be classed as a regular, I’ve not had a bad night in here. Get yourself down and catch some of Leeds’ best live music, amongst reprobates similar to myself, for an all out drinking session. Love it!

good bar good beer and good staff, not much more you can ask for, seen some strange bands here but thats part of the fun

I was only introduced to Santiago about a year ago now, and I’ve gotta say I’m definitely a fan! It’s not the biggest or liveliest place in Leeds (although I haven’t ventured upstairs yet), but it’s one of those places that has a friendly atmosphere, with the staff contributing to this massively. I did find it more of a place to hop on the rum train before heading off to somewhere else, but I always enjoy being there. Oh and the music is excellent too!

I’ve been a regular at Santiago for years now, it’s effectively a dive bar but it’s a really good dive bar. I highly recommend whiskey Wednesday as a cure for mid week mediocrity

I have never been a huge fan of Santiago’s, and I can’t quite pin point exactly why. I find that as a venue it is trying hard to be a popular bar but is still very middle of the road.
The décor is smart and brightly colored with large oval sofa’s great for large groups of friends. There are only two of these though and a few tables so never create a vibrant atmopshere due to it being quite a compact bar. The good décor doesn’t move onto the upstairs of Santiago’s however. On the second floor is a small stage which is used for the occasional gig. Santiago’s has never bought in any big names, however does support up and coming music, especially jazz, latin and acoustic acts. If you do go and see a band here get upstairs early as it is a small space which can get very cramped and sweaty!
On the plus side they make up and shake up very tasty, and very alcoholic cocktails with one of the biggest and vast cocktail menu’s I have seen around the city! Whenever I walk past the candles are lit and several 30+ couples are sipping on Cosmo’s. If you want a cocktail in a venue not cramped with students this is your place.
Sanitago’s is a lovely change from pubs and clubs however I personally wouldn’t make a habit of coming regularly. Regardless of what I think I have friends who go with their partners and regularly sit in there for some cocktails on a Friday night!

In terms of category, Santiago’s is a cocktail bar, but I couldn’t find the appropriate description.
Another trendier Leeds bar, in the same vein as North Bar, Mojo, any Call Lane bar etc. I think Santiago’s has a bit more to it than many. Mainly due to the fact that they have live music, and cluttered yet trendy-​cool posters and pictures littering the walls. Another haunt you can add to your tequila swigging, Mojito sucking list, Santiago’s gets incredibly busy, particularly at the weekend. With the friendly barmen, and the occasional promotional offer (I got myself a pack of Sailor Jerry cards this weekend), it is a friendlier place than some of the others labelled above, that evidently sees quite a few regulars.
The upstairs room is available for hire for private shindigs.