[Howe_zat]

The Nation of Shopkeepers and Carpe Diem are my favourites, but anything around the Cookridge Street/Millenium Square area is solid (there's also a lot of best avoided chain places too, like Walkabout and Vodka Revs, but rough with the smooth and all that). The 02 arena is around there too, but that's only recommended if there's a specific band you want to go see.

That's the best area to head out hit the booze without much plan, anyway. Whatever you do don't be tempted by an Otley Run. The novelty of walking sizeable distances between pubs that shut at 12 with hundreds of freshers in "costume" wears off very quickly. I wouldn't bother with Headingley at all unless you plan on daytime drinking.

Another favoured pairing of mine is the Headley Verity (Wetherspoon's in thin disguise) opposite the Fab Cafe (late-night student's alt rock fare), but I doubt that's stag worthy.

In my admittedly limited experience, the best curry is at the Shabab, near the station; the best English restaraunt that won't break the bank is Browns, near the aforementioned Nation; the best sports bar is Shooter's, on the Headrow (main street); and the best real ale pub is a tiny place near the Victoria shopping centre called the Angel.

Can't help you with strip clubs.

I'm a house party man rather than a club man, so I'm not the one to ask. All I really know of clubbing is some atrocious ones from Fresher's week. You can't all come to my house. Probably.