Bar Review Call Lane Social
A new bar comes to Call Lane from the team behind Verve and Reform
Bar Review: Call Lane Social
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It was more or less a given that Call Lane Social was going to be a quality bar. The owners of Call Lane’s newest drinking den opened up Reform on Merrion Street some six years ago, and then three years down the line bought a site neighbouring Reform and opened up their second bar, Verve.
Both bars are reliably busy at weekends, boasting a quality (not to mention tasty) combination of some of the best beers from around the world, great cocktails and a proper rock’n’roll playlist that’s packed full of indie anthems old and new.
The new dimly-lit venue blends a sense of the ultra-traditional with the swish and modern. The walls are all bare, stripped-back bricks, there’s a big old fireplace, and above that there’s even a massive stuffed stag’s head.
The bar is where the modernity comes in: some quality beers on tap (including Estrella and Erdinger), plenty of great world beers in the fridges (including some intriguing Americans, ultra-sour Belgian gueuze and some rich and strong monk-brewed beers) and an impressive backline of spirits that point towards the extensive range of cocktails on offer.
The chairs, booths and tables are all high, leather and, despite being so far off the ground, comfy enough to let you relax merrily with your beer or cocktail in hand while enjoying the music on offer.
Like its two sister bars, Call Lane Social is an indie kid’s haven, playing a diverse range of music covering the likes of Kele, Rolling Stones and Yeah Yeah Yeahs in the space of little over 30 minutes.
We head down on a quiet Wednesday evening, early doors, and share the bar with a smattering of young professionals mainly enjoying a pint or two post-work. The bar works well in this situation, but we’d be willing to bet that it really comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights when the surrounding Call Lane is full of the youthful, hip music lovers frequenting the plentiful great bars on the street – the kind of punters who will surely make Call Lane Social their second home.
And things should only get better: we’re told the upstairs will soon be opening up and offering regular live music too. The combination of great music, location and drinks means that this bar must be yet another grand addition to one of Leeds’ most popular drinking streets.
Posted on Wednesday 10th November 2010
TG
Call Lane Social
38 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 6DT
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Comment by Cindy Lopez
Posted on Sat 26th Mar 11 12:04 pm
Door Policy and Dress Code.
I have been to Call Lane Social Club about 10 – 12 times since Christmas and really enjoyed the Club and the music.
However, due to an “executive” decision by the Management – I am now refused entry to the club – the reason for this is that I am M to F transgendered.
The reason given by the door staff is “Dress Code”.
Some of my TG friends have also tried to gain access to the Club and have been given the same excuse by the door staff.
It is a pity the Management has taken this decision to discriminate again transgendered people like me. As me and my friends really love the Call Lane Social Club
Cindy Lopez
Comment by Tanya Carr
Posted on Mon 11th Apr 11 9:27 am
I think this is an outrage and very disappointing! Are people still allowed to discriminate in this day and age? This is not acceptable and should not be allowed. Something definately needs to be done about this biggoted behaviour. especially in a cosmopoltian city like Leeds.
All I can say is watch this space
Tanya Carr
Comment by Rachael Mccarthy
Posted on Thu 12th May 11 11:52 am
Had a great night in Call lane Social….amazing music, cocktails and staff….thank you xx
Comment by Gareth Wheyman
Posted on Mon 1st Aug 11 7:43 pm
i’m not even gay but this is pathetic. was just about to book a private party. dont think i’m going to do this anymore with this kind of discriminatory door policy. infact i’m telling all my friends both gay / straight and transgendered to avoid this place like the plague. has anyone else complained?
Comment by Kerri Payne
Posted on Tue 11th Oct 11 4:05 am
Have been to this bar a number of times for the past year.
I have either left because the barman/woman are too pissed and too involved with their friends to serve their customers or (for example tonight) the bouncers have charged us entry 10 minutes before closing only to find out from from the barman/woman that there was never an entry fee in the first place. The place to avoid on Call Lane.
Comment by Phil Harrison
Posted on Tue 11th Oct 11 12:35 pm
Hi Kerri, thanks for your comment. Last night we had an outside promoter hosting a night (for the first time ever), they should not have charged you entry 10 minutes before closing. If you would like to contact me via email: I will arrange for your entry fee to be returned to you. I will also review your other comment on the speed of service, and hope you choose to visit us in the future. Regards Phil
