Meetings and corporate events are still a modern business mainstay. But, here’s the thing; they needn’t be stuffy or dull.

This is particularly relevant for smaller startups or innovative businesses. Such organisations aim to instill a fun workplace dynamic. They may also have an increasingly young workforce coming through the ranks. Avoiding ‘boardroom boredom’ is a key part of attracting and retaining this talent.

In slightly smaller UK cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, you may find there is a limited pool of appropriate conference venues to choose from. Even more so if you’d like to find somewhere unusual, with a splash of fun to boot.

Here are our top three picks for genuinely unusual business meeting locations in Leeds.

1. Thackray Medical Museum

How about injecting some personality into your business event with a venue that celebrates Leeds’ history?

Firstly, the museum can be found in the original Leeds Union Workhouse, built 160 years ago. On top of this, Thackray Medical Museum gives your staff a chance to travel back in time to see what Leeds was like in days of yore (eye opening to the younger members of your workforce, perhaps!) whilst providing plenty to talk about afterwards.

The modern business facilities at the museum balance its historical vibe. Also, your attendees will have free access to the museum’s collections and exhibitions. If you want to push the boat out, there’s the option to tag on extras like VIP gallery tours and talks about the museum’s work, the history of medicine or their collections.

2. The Bierkeller Entertainment Complex

Don’t get the wrong idea here. We’re not suggesting replacing your business meetings with a drinking sesh; this venue has plenty to offer for corporate events, too.

Right in the middle of Leeds, the Bierkeller is known for its ‘oompa’ bands and Bavarian-style food and drinks. Fun for a night out, definitely. But did you know it’s perfect for business meetings and corporate events, too?

According to the venue, their Leeds portfolio includes full venue hire, small meetings, corporate events, quiz nights, award nights, birthday parties, karaoke nights, race nights, anniversaries, networking events and more. You get the idea. And you can hire their spaces for as few as 10 people, so no need to fill the venue to make it worthwhile, either.

Check out their full list of business provisions and options to see if it would work for your next business meeting or corporate event. Don’t forget, the on-site facilities mean you can extend your meeting to a drink in the bar afterwards. Prost!

3. Escape Hunt

For smaller, executive-style business meetings in an unusual location, the Escape Hunt venue in Leeds could be just the ticket.

Right in the centre of the city but tucked away from the crowds, the Escape Hunt Leeds meeting room has all the bells and whistles to make your business event memorable. And because it’s situated in the same building as the escape rooms, the meeting space is given a touch of flair (table-top games and props, anyone?). Not to mention, there’s the option to bolt on a thrilling escape room experience to get your workers’ brains really ticking.

The meeting room space in Leeds can seat up to 16 people around a table, and 30 in a theatre-style layout. It’s a flexible choice too, available for hire by the hour with the option to arrange catering and drinks packages to accompany your meeting.