There are so many levels at which I've fallen in love with this fabulous new bar. From the prohibition-style hidden entrance, obvious only to those in the know or savvy passers-by, to the classy, simply attired interior, to the fantastic staff, who offer up cocktails of the highest order. It almost feels like the 'bar'(wo)man's bar, since every detail in the drinks are so meticulous - they take obvious pride in what they provide, and that alone is commendable. (And also worlds apart from some of the other 'cocktail' orientated places you can find.) If you've not been along yet, expect tea cups attached to glass stems, Victorian perfumery bottles enveloping absinthe, blowtorches and flammable powders, alongside a back bar of cocktail dreams, a multitude of fruit and a selection of damned good beers. I've been back several times since the opening night and have enjoyed every last drop of liquid that I've consumed within. The music was fantastic as well, with a more electronica-infused soundtrack from the DJ on the Friday, and a lively 80s mix on the Saturday. (Think Chaka Khan, "Ain't Nobody".) Of course, mention must be made of the fantastic staff that serve their libations until 4am. (Not every night, I don't think, but that's their licence.) Every one of them has been fantastic; friendly, full of banter, expert at mixing up the drinks and each and every one of them looks ruddy dapper to boot. It's a class act. Essentially, don't just take my word for it. Check 'em out for yourselves. Most of the cocktails on the list will set you back about £7, which might be steep for some, but once you get a taste you'll know why you came. read more

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I first heard about The Maven, which opened just a month ago, through a friend of mine who works at Milo bar over the road. In fact, apart from the lucky few people who got invited to the launch party, it seemed a pretty well kept secret. You could pass the stairway on the street and not notice the sign, and with the bar being off street level, it's not somewhere that would attract random passers by 'drawn in' by the atmosphere. Therefore, it needs to be good.... Well it's in a great location for a start. Bars seemed to have opened in every crack in the pavement on Call Lane, and just when you think there's no space left, The Maven start from the next level up. I went in on a Tuesday night with a couple of friends at about 9pm and we were the only ones in the bar at this point (although not for long). We weren't even sure it was open at first as the doors upstairs were closed but as we pushed our way in, the barman was welcoming and we grabbed a seat while he got us a menu. I'm a big fan of candlelight and table service in bars, and I wasn't disappointed here. We ordered a bottle of wine and our glasses were topped up for us without this being intrusive. I hope for his sake he wasn't listening to our conversation too closely anyway... There is an extensive cocktail list and I noticed some delicious sounding sharing platters on the menu (mmmm cheese). They even run a quiz night on the first Monday of the month. As the venue is brand new, everything is looking fresh and clean. I'd be interested to see what it's like when it's busier, and if it keeps the relaxed vibe as well as great drinks and great service. All in all, an impressive addition to Call Lane. I hope it does well! read more

The Maven - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Leeds, XWY

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I called in here on Saturday night as I had a hankering for an Old Fashioned. We walked in at 8pm prompted and there were only 2 other couples in. Great I thought as I assumed we would get our drinks quickly. I placed our drinks order and was told that they would be brought over. So we waited. And waited. And waited. It was a very muggy evening and the heat was starting to get a bit over powering and ere were only a few couples in. After an age the waitress came over, but not with our ordered drinks, but with a carafe of water until out drinks were ready. Now I know that a good cocktail takes time but 15 minutes is a bit extreme. The drinks were spot-on but we were melting as well as the ice in our drinks. It was so uncomfortable. When my partner stood up from the leather couch she was almost stuck to it. She had never been here before and she couldn't get out quick enough. As we left a loud group of people came in dressed in Ts and shorts. This is not how I expected it to be. Very disappointed in the whole experience. read more

The Maven - Perfect drinks. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Leeds, XWY

Little boxes hidden in the attic, dusty trunks under the bed, that necklace you forgot about and left in an old handbag, a gorgeous top stuck under a jacket in the cupboard, Nana's secret cookie jar, sparkly nail varnish trapped at the back of the drawer and a crisp fiver in an old coat pocket.........little surprises are everywhere, waiting patiently to be discovered and put a big smile all over your face. And The Maven is one of them. This is a treasure hunt and if you win it your reward is tea cups of pink gin, fruit on fire, magical flavours and the feeling that you've wandered through the Looking Glass. There are no signs, you have to find your own way to this new religion. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh fingers to lips, a nod of the head and the sparkliest little secret wink I could ever give you...go and find out for yourself x read more

The Maven - Captain gin eye x - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Leeds, XWY

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I went to The Maven for the first time tonight having heard lots of people talking about it for a while. I knew where it was but didn't know where it was, if you know what I mean. This is a speakeasy type place. I felt like I should have had a password to be allowed in - it felt very authentic, exciting & perfectly unexpected. I was surprised when I got upstairs to the main bar. This place is simple yet luxurious. Lovely soft seating as well as wooden chairs. A candle at every table. Barmen wearing braces (for trousers, not teeth). The service was great. It felt like they were really looking after us. We were brought water (without having to ask) & our cocktails were very lovingly & well made & brought to out table. I had the reggae punch. It was excellent. Not sure when I last had a cocktail that good. And the flaming passion fruit on top of it - genius! If you want somewhere that feels exclusive yet still accessible, then this is your place. If you want great drinks, atmosphere & a flaming cocktail, then look no further. Can't wait to get back there! read more

The Maven - Reggae Punch? Yes please! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Leeds, XWY

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I'm going to start by saying that the inside is actually far better than the smell in the doorway... When I first came here- there wasn't another bar with decor like this in Leeds- but there was at least one in every other city. I love the dark wood, but I'd already seen the "paintings" in the Victoria in Birmingham- part of me thought it could almost be one of a chain. I think after that, it did become a bit of a comparison game- The bar is very full, and the mixologists do know their stuff, and the small listed menu has a good and diverse range of cocktails on offer (the lime and chilli one was far far hotter than expected- burny lips!), and the prices are cocktail prices- but I've had cocktails just as good in London and other southern cities in bars I would actually consider "secret bars". Their floral cocktails are mega, their staff are nice, it can get pretty cramped in here- it's no less busy than any other bar on call lane even without signage. I've been several times and I will go again, but I wouldn't want to spend all night here. read more

Hello, ladies, look at your man, now back to me, now back at your man, now back to me. Sadly, he isn't me, but if he stopped drinking in awful cheesy bars and switched to The Maven, he could certainly hang out in the same places as me. Look down, back up, where are you? You're walking through a discreet door in Leeds city centre. We go up some stairs, back at me. What's in your hand, back at me, I have it it's an amazing gin cocktail crafted by the bar man just for you. Look down, look up we are sat at a table laughing drinking punch. Having a great time Anything is possible when your man drinks in The Maven and not some terrible bar. I'm on a horse. read more

Pretentious douchebaggery mixed up with high prices and obnoxious crowd. If your idea of a cocktail bar is somewhere with music so high you can't possibly hold a conversation, waiters in pretentious attires (not elegant though; these chaps should learn to button up their shirts and spare us the sight of their chest hair), and a crowd too lofty for its own good, then go ahead. But be warned---the cocktails are nothing special and seriously overpriced. In addition, I've been here twice and in both occasions my friends and I have found the waiting staff pretty annoying. On one occasion, a friend and I were asked to remove our hats because they have a "no hat policy". Now, I'm quite happy with formal attire policies in general. But we were standing next to a guy in a hoodie, another one with a red Adidas tracksuit top, and a third in a thick plad shirt. My own hat was much more formal than all of the latter, being a fedora. If you ask me to remove that and are happy with tracksuits, dude---in my book, you're trying to be fancy, but you just don't have a clue where to start from. If you've been in some decent cocktail bars in any big city around the planet, you can't help being disappointed. On the other hand, if you've pretty much never left Yorkshire, are prone to mistaking pretentiousness for sophistication, and don't mind overpaying for your drink, Maven might make you happy. read more

If I'd visited The Maven perhaps 18 months ago, I'd have raved about its interior. Though the bar display is impressive (they have a very large selection available) the paintings on the walls of animals dressed in Victoriana seemed almost a cliché - I've seen this in about half a dozen places now. Mooted as a 'secret bar', on the first floor off the street on Call Lane, you pretty much had to know someone who knew about it as there's no sign outside (though later in the evening the presence of a door man stood outside gave the game away entirely). The lighting was dimmed down as the night progressed and the staff dressed with a pre-prohibition look tried their best to keep up with the requests for cocktails - you can expect a bit of a wait if there are a few people ahead of you. I'd recommend a rum old fashioned here if you didn't fancy one of the listed cocktails. The background music that was playing, by Postmodern Jukebox, was really good and fit the vibe perfectly. I was glad that I got to check it out. read more

Maybe it was because I was still reeling from the unapolagetic decadence of The Great Gatsby, but something about the Maven just captured my heart. I'd heard about this place from various people and couldn't picture where it was for the life of me - now I know why. It's tucked away in some unassuming building on Call Lane, and you would only know of it's existence if one of your cool friends trusted you enough to take you. I say trust, because the Maven has a sublime atmosphere that is utterly dependent on its clientele. As soon as you bring a rowdy troupe of students on the tail end of their Otley Run, fuggedaboutit. Upon walking in, I thought immediately of the backdrop of all too many glamourous photospreads in Vogue. Hardwood floors, softly swaying cotton drapes on the window and the husky whisper of jazz music really set the tone. On the feature wall they have some quaint decor like those charming brass teatrays your Nan had, and the fancy mirrors she would apply her blusher in. The drinks here are fabulous - you can almost forgive them for being so pricey at a minimum of £6.50! I had one with a twist of elderflower with some dainty flower petals on top for garnish - lovely! The several intimate corners and lack of background noise makes this a perfect spot for an overdue catch up or a cozy drink with your other half. All that would've made this experience complete would've been to have our very own Leonardo DiCaprio lookalike in a sharp suit reclined against the bar with his champagne glass raised and a smile on his face. One can dream! read more

An amazing, hidden little gem of a bar! I hadn't even heard of The Maven, or known it was there, until a few months ago when invited out for a lovely friend's birthday for classy cocktails. I love the whole prohibition theme they have going on, and they've done that really well, even down to the almost secret entrance that you'd have to know about otherwise you may miss it. The bartenders really look the part, and really take pride in the cocktails that they make, everything is done so meticulously. The drinks on first glance may seem a little pricey, until you look at the ingredients and amount of alcohol that actually goes into each one. You have the usual classics, and for the designated drivers, the barperson will happily whip you up a 'mocktail' though these aren't even on the menu. The staff are really friendly, and always seem to be smiling even towards the end of the night when they really must be tiring of us drunken louts! All in all, I'd recommend checking The Maven out. But not all of you at once, I want to be able to get a drink sometime soon! read more

Now don't get me wrong I like a bit of class but this place fails me with borderline confusion. The bar is nothing special it's well just a bar really albeit clean. I've been back a few times based on the fact that yes there cocktails are pretty scrummy but they definitely come with a price tag which quickly burns a deep black hole in the wallet. The staff are generally ok dependant on who you get but are largely miserable and thinning on humour or chat. I think the emphasis on this place is supposed to be sophistication but I don't feel it. I've often found that even the clientele can be pretentious, rude and boast ogles of snobbery. Don't you just love it when folk give you the up and down stare followed by a grimace... As I've mention you can get a nice cocktail here with the real deal when it comes to alcohol. It excites by way of an eclectic selection. However, make sure you have allot of time to kill and do not mind almost going into as state of dehydration whilst waiting. read more

If you have been searching around Leeds for a cheeky little speakeasy like those that you would find up a back street in Shoreditch, this is the place for you. So, what is a speakeasy I hear you say; think prohibition america (Boardwalk empire maybe?) people would seek out bars on back streets to be able to find something to imbibe. The alcohol might be homemade or bootlegged but generally rough so the idea of making it into a cocktail would help make the drink more palatable. These "bars" would often charge a fee to see a spectacle such as a blind tiger or pig and the alcohol would be offered as a complimentary drink.... In this vain maven doesn't have a huge neon sign to attract attention. A relative new comer to the Leeds scene opening a mere 3 weeks ago, I have already notched up a number of check-ins, generally i've been putting the lovely staff though their paces getting them to make long forgotten libations. For those that don't know me i've been known to knock up the odd cocktail in my past and will put my reputation on the line to say that they do know how to stir and shake! The cocktail menu is concise and regular to change, but like me if you fancy something that you cant see or really don't know what you'd like then the staff have been in fine fettle to go off the cuff. The decor is classic and simple and really looks like it could have been tucked away there for a long time, there are few bars where I will order cocktails but this is definitely one of them! Food is also available, cheese and meat boards etc which are great for sharing. You never know there might even be a blind tiger or pig on show... Strong work guys! read more

The Maven could easily be missed, It has very little street presence due to the bar having a barely noticeable sign. Passers-by may twist their necks and question where the stairs go? Should they follow their question and decide to ascend these stairs they'll be met with a door. On the door, the letter - M - This is the Maven:- "Leeds' most characteristic cocktail lounge with a pre-Prohibition look & feel with a twist" We decided to visit this bar mid week, shortly after the bar opened for the evening. Admittedly this isn't the best time to visit to truly appreciate a bars atmosphere but nonetheless, a mid week cocktail was calling. As mentioned above, the Maven is easy to miss, and if I'm honest, I missed this bar the first time I was looking for it. This time round however we managed to find the doorway, walk up the stairs, through the doors (M) and into the Maven. First impressions are that the bar definitely feels pre-Prohibition, I'm a big fan of HBO's Boardwalk Empire and I could relate a lot to this series from the look and feel of the Maven. The pre-Prohibition detail extended to the waiter who looked like he was plucked from the 1920s. Grey walls and brown wood dominate the interior of the bar, nothing over the top, simple and it works. A grown up, relaxed atmosphere. As we sat down the bartender brought over a bottle of water and two expensive looking tumbler glasses. - A nice touch... The Maven is sold to customers as a cocktail lounge, whilst they do serve some mainstream beers (Heineken, Sol) they're speciality is as advertised - Cocktails. The Menu has many to chose from, but after lots of thought we chose the cocktails - "Agave & Grapefruit Ramos" and the "Clover Leaf". Both were priced at £7 each, I'm sure some will consider this as slightly too expensive but I felt the bar deemed this price necessary as it was different to pretty much all cocktails bars I've visited in Leeds. Both drinks were beautifully put together by the bartender and the presentation of the drinks was top notch. If you're a cocktail lover you need to visit this bar. We were won over by the Maven, its only a matter of time until we visit again although the next time round we'll have to make sure its later in the evening to truly appreciate the bars atmosphere. read more

We often go to Leeds and hit the Living room as we are over 40 and want to be drinking with more mature company. We needed to ask to find The Maven and a doorman few yards away did not know but the girl inside knew and pointed us in the right direction. So up the stairs we went through the black door. What a night with females trying our cocktails, havng a laugh and our barman joined us for a shot and looked after us. The only down side was looking at my wallet next day with Cockails @ £8 but my lady loved "the wobble" cocktail and she certainlv was wobbling back to the hotel at 1.30am. Cant wait to go back to Leeds and have another great night in the Maven. read more

I've been meaning to give this hidden gem a cheeky review for a while. A friend and I escaped up the stairs to the Maven on a quiet Tuesday night. We were, for a while, the only people in the place, but it was Tuesday and early. This was actually a great thing, as we had loads of personal attention from a super friendly and knowledgable bartender, who looked after us and made us top drawer cocktails. I had their version of a margarita, which was DIVINE, and I consider myself a bit of an enthusiast of the margarita. I can't remember what my friend had, but it was small and strong and really lovely. If we'd had a round two, I'd probably have had what she had, it was pretty perfect. All in all I can't wait to go back. Four stars because they're pretty pricey drinks, and the Maven would never be my three nights a week local. But it's definitely the place for a quality cocktail, lovely candle-lit ambience and friendly staff. read more

Only been once so I can't really rate 5 stars as I believe in consistency, the place was busy and had a great vibe, toilets clean, and some great cocktails. A small menu of cocktails but a LARGE selection of spirits so I guess you have to look behind the list and either rely on the bartenders creativity or your own! I would suggest a visit once you manage to find the entrance, I have noticed many places are starting to have this approach of no advertising from the outside! Couple of places I know in Liverpool and Manchester that do this. read more

Oh no what have they done?! We went to The Maven six months ago on a Saturday night around Christmas, fantastic atmosphere, a secret hidden away bar in a busy part of the city, nice cocktails, tasteful bar music, perfect, just the bar the city has been crying out for. However we tried to go again the other week. It was complete failure and we walked straight out. We arrived early evening about 8.30, as we opened the front door we confronted with a wall of awful and very loud music. From the nice chilled out relaxed speakeasy bar we first saw six months ago, it had changed into a upmarket Yates Wine Lodge or any other common preclub bar. Such a shame. I don't know what the Maven's management are thinking (probably cash!) read more

I would never have visited The Maven, not because I felt I would dislike it or I have some weird belief system but because I don't think I would ever have found it. I was led here by a group of initiates and, on an evening when I had car keys in my pocket, confronted with a rather large cauldron of delicious punch. The Maven is indeed a weird and wonderful place feeling, as it does, like walking into someone's parlour. Groups of happy looking people sit around being sociable and drinking punch from tea cups on sticks (or choosing from the rather well stocked bar). I felt immediately at ease and am even now seeking time and company for another visit (who needs a reason). I have a strange urge not to tell anyone about the place, it just feels so special I want to keep it hidden but I guess that won't work very well business wise. read more

I've only been here once, so you may have to read my review with caution.... this was not the place for me. Any place without a sign outside is bound to be a little full of themselves... although one has to admit this is a good marketing strategy. A place is bound to be popular that can only be found through word of mouth. Overall it felt a little too pretentious and unwelcoming to me, not to mention expensive. We had a two cocktails, one of which was disgusting (they must have made it wrong), the other was good though. Props for the coat check though, I wish more places in Leeds had them (and I have to admit the person on the coat check was very welcoming).... After reading the previous reviews - perhaps it's changed within the last year? read more

Isn't this place fabulous? The answer is yes. I was introduced to Maven in it's first couple of weeks, and remember thinking at the time that it was unusual, something that I'd not seen before. From the unmarked entrance to the staff all smartly dressed yet supercool (the opposite end of the spectrum to Browns), the place is just a little different to everything that Leeds has seen before. Of course when I took my friend from London there, the first thing she said was "Oh, it's a prohibition bar"... It hadn't of coure really occurred to me before, but she was right (as she usually is), and I felt rather stupid, but no less in love with the place. From the decor, through to the clientele, then to the amazing cocktails, onto the staff who are always friendly and finally to that hidden back room available for hiring, the place is amazing and with Call Lane Social and now Milo (completely different both of them), one of only three late bars in Leeds that I'd ever really choose to visit. Of course if you want draught beer or cider you're essentially screwed, but by the time of the night you end up at The Maven you're unlikely to really care about that. The Maven is fabulous! read more

Before you start, yes i am aware of the irony of trying to find a prohibition themed bar with a satnav. But i'll be honest with you, even with directions i walked past the place twice! You must understand of course this bars dedication to the bit. Utter loyalty from the off, through the nondescript door whose inside only had a label "Maven" due to a high level reviewers function (i don't think i need to say which here!!), up the tiled staircase ripped from an episode of Boardwalk Empire and straight to a dark wooden bar. Blinds drawn half down, stools and benches clustered round candle lit tables. Now straight to the bar, where the convincingly dressed waiters and waitresses serve equally convincing cocktails. On a busy night they even seem to synchronise their movements, glasses tumbling and shakers rattling all together in an intoxicating kind of dance (and this is before you get to the tasting!). Though i confess i was loyal to rum based beverages on my first visit, if their care and attention with my selections is anything to go by i would say any drink you choose will be a winner. Now though i was sold on the ambiance, the service and the stock i must put one small word of caution for you. You will enjoy it, my god you'll enjoy it, but in a world where alcohol is illegal, what you can get your hands on don't come cheap. Be prepared to spend. But to my mind its worth it (like any good speakeasy is). Just needed a piano playing and bugsie malone and i don't think i'd have ever left !! read more

I now consider this one of the best finds I've made in Leeds in a loooong time. Having read about it online, I thought a cocktail bar that doesn't even have a sign on the door could be a failure waiting to happen. Fortunately, my faith in the internet was help up no end! Firstly, I'd say the just-a-doorway thing definitely gives The Maven an air of cool mystique. As you first make the trip up the stairway to get to the door you experience that 'will it be awful or amazing' sensation that comes along once in a while, and then you open the door to a fantastic experience! The place is decked out very nicely - nestled perfectly between cool and cosy - and the bar staff are immaculately dressed. The cocktails themselves though are the highlight here. The range of cocktails isn't your bog standard selection - almost all of the drinks would be pretty much completely uncharted territory for anybody, and the quality warrants going back to try all of the selections. Of course, all of this wonder comes with a price, around £10 for each cocktail, all of which seemed to be fairly small. However this isn't a place to come to guzzle cheap and nasty cocktails - it's quality and quantity all the way. Get yourself down here (if you can find it!) just to try one now and again and you won't regret it! read more

Find the secret door, Fine drinks mixed up with magic. Alcohol on fire! read more

I'm a sucker for secret bars and fancy cocktails so when I first heard hint of the Maven on Twitter about 6 months ago I put it on my Leeds wishlist. Through an unmarked door and up the stairs will take you to this little pre prohibition style cocktail bar with its alcoholic creations galore. I love it in here; there's good music at a level you can chat to, an interesting menu of drinks and plenty of quiet cosy corners. It lost a star simply because my purse does not stretch to too many cocktails at £8 a go. Apparently it gets a little livelier on a weekend but I'm yet to try it out. By the sounds of it, it could very well become my new Smokestack. To top it off, they let the choir that I sing in rehearse in their extra room for free! Now that is what I call an establishment! read more

Not really sure I want to write a glowing review for this place.....it's soooo good, I'm tempted to keep it a secret! As others have mentioned, it is a little difficult to find, as there are no signs, but it is well worth tracking down. We like to go there early so we can get a stool on the end of the bar and watch the talented bar tenders lovingly fabricating their delicious creations. Although we have a few favourites, we try to have a different cocktail each round, so that we gradually work our way through the menu. I have been to lots of other cocktail bars in Leeds, and elsewhere, and can honestly say that the Maven beats them all hands down. It's true that some of the drinks take a little time to make, so if you are a tad on the impatient side, I would suggest that you order a bottle of beer or a glass of wine at the same time as you order your first cocktail. After that, just ensure you order your next round a few minutes before you're ready for it......no probs! The Maven really is seriously good, but don't just take my word for it......Give it a try! However, please, please, please.......don't tell too many others about, okay? Ssshhhhh!!! read more

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there is something very fulfilling about places like the Maven. it takes just that bit more effort to find the place. go down this particular street, look for a black door and walk through it. no signs, no glaring neon lights indicating it's presence, no irritating bar touts desperately trying to lure you inside. just a black door a corridor, some stairs and a superb bar. if you stand at a certain spot on the bar people who don't know better will keep asking you how to get out. and you casually inform them that it's the same way they came in and point to the inconspicuous door. the drinks here are superb. i am not a cocktails man. give me whiskey, gin and tonic, brandy or rum any time but mix them with anything else and i can't stand it. but this place has a great selection of cocktails, straight drinks and a full loaded bar. i've been in a few times and still havent managed to work my through the gin selection. it used to be very chilled out and relatively unknown but, as with all good things, its getting more and more popular. but the people in there are usually very nice and the atmosphere is always great. go check it out. look for the black door and go have some fun. read more

I've only had one visit to The Maven, but I've got to say it was enough to convince me that this is a pretty awesome place. It's a little difficult to find (our group failed to find it the first time round so had to organise a second night out to try again!), located up a staircase with very few clues to indicate that you're not making your way up to someone's house. After standing out on the landing for a minute or two deciding whether we were in the right place, we braved it and pushed the doors open to find a quiet but atmospheric drinking establishment. It's very old-school chic, perhaps just lacking a few velvety drapes for my taste, but on the whole a very nice place to imbibe. The table service was a really nice touch - having a drink at The Maven definitely has a sense of occasion and feels more like an event than your average rum and coke down the local. But most of all it's the cocktails that deserve special mention. They are divine. Honest to god, they are delicious. And dangerous - to my mind, alcohol has never tasted so good and it makes you want to try everything on the menu (which I don't recommend). The menu covers some old favourites (we had a bit of a mojito connoisseur in our group and he pronounced The Maven's to be the best he's ever tasted) and loads of combinations I hadn't thought of, but which worked a treat. This is definitely the place to go for something a little extraordinary, maybe for making a good impression on a first date or for a sophisticated celebration. I admit we went on a Sunday evening so it was quiet subdued, but there seems to be plenty of space for dancing + I imagine Saturday nights are pretty lively.... read more

oh my goodness this place is awful! AVOID! (and leave all the cocktails and coolness to me!) read more

This.. place... is... dire. I was so excited about this speakeasy - what a massive disappointment. So the concept is awesome - it's just a doorway opposite Milo - you climb some stairs, still doubting that there's anything at the top of them until you reach out to open the door to the bar. First of all (and I understand that this is probably a matter of taste), I was expecting a bar with lots of snugs and small spaces. It's just a massive room with a bit of seating round the edges. But I wasn't even bothered about the room/atmosphere at this point. I ordered a 'Wobble' cocktail (pomegranate et al.), and happily paid £8. Something about expense being reassuring - I thought this cocktail was going to be the bomb. After watching the barman clumsily bumble around with SPIRIT MEASURES to make my cocktail (as was his colleague) I was absolutely gutted when I tried it. And if something's shit, the more expensive it is, the shitter it becomes. If this cocktail was £2, I might have said it was the best cocktail ever (it definitely wasn't, for the record). All in all, a brilliant idea let down by over expense and a poor product. Come on Maven, Leeds wants to love you! read more

When a bar bills itself as pre-prohibition with a twist you get the idea that the Maven might be a little different. It borders on being style over substance, but is rescued by an array of lovely cocktails. It's not cheap and once the novelty of cocktails in tea cups wears off you might wonder what all the fuss is about. However, as I staggered across the bar, both hands wrapped round what appeared to be a an old bed pan full of passion fruit cocktail (topped by flaming, hollowed-out passion fruits no less) I could see the appeal. It's not somewhere I would spend a whole evening as many of the drinks were very sweet and/or tart, to the point where I was sucking back my lips over my gums like an inebriated Esther Rantzen. If however you want a change from the norm, or just have a penchant for a drink that is partially on fire, lots of candlelight or bar staff who look like they are from Mumford and Sons, then the Maven should do just fine. read more

Great 'secret' bar. The decor is abit odd, but a good odd. Staff are friendly, they're not arrogant and they're quick at serving. Drinks are a little pricey and it gets quite cosy if the other room isn't open. read more