We'd heard the bar did 'very well' due to its permanent "2 for 1" deal on cocktails - but nothing had prepared us for this!
3.15 pm on a sunny Saturday afternoon - it was busy enough to have been 10 o'clock at night! Slug & Lettuce was packed with huge gangs of 'quite mature' women clearly out for a BIG session (in fact it looked like 5 hen parties merged into one!)..... and groups of slightly uneasy, very drunk men taking in the proceedings...God knows what it actually DID look like at 10 o'clock at night!!!!!
The bar was thick with staff and customers alike - our poor bartender was clearly new, reading the cocktail ingredients from a card and using her hands to scoop the crushed ice onto my Raspberry Margarita..... The drinks themselves were fine - a bit on the small side and not very spectacular, but at 2 for £7.45 you can't really complain.
I COULD however complain that the floor and tables were absolutely awash, our bags and sleeves were sodden in minutes. The noise was almost unbearable - having a conversation of any kind was nigh on impossible, and as the bar got more and more crowded on both sides of us, it all felt a bit of a crush and quite intimidating. Getting out of the bar was a battle in itself, people spilling drinks and falling about, we were relieved to get outside into the fresh air and out of the tussle. It all felt like the tail end of a late night in a low rent city centre club, but it wasn't even 4 pm.
Not my kind of place I'm afraid - but VERY profitable I'm sure.
Tuesday 19 March 2013
Browns, Leeds
I have a soft spot for Browns, its true. I love the building, the atmosphere, the staff uniform, the hustle and bustle - it really is one of my favourite spots. So on Saturday last, after an ill advised visit to Slug & Lettuce on Park Row (don't ask, see next blog...) we found ourselves in Browns at about 4 pm. It was HEAVING. The only spot we could find was tucked away in the furthest corner in the front window area, but with a bottle of House Red at only £14.95, and some very good company, we were happy enough. Because of our concealed seats, staff overlooked us for a couple of hours though, and the bottles and glasses around us on our table and others, started to look a bit untidy. A huge party group arrived later, and ended up clearing the space (and ours!) themselves.
We'd had the foresight to book a table to eat at 8, neither of us wanted to stay where we were seated for a meal, so we were shown to a table on the upper level, by the exit into The Light. We ordered the baked Camembert to share as a starter, which came with a lovely rich chutney and some delicious warm bread. It took all of 5 minutes for us to demolish it, and our burgers were with us very quickly. It was all about the meat - not many chips, a blob of coleslaw, but totally divine. Staff were attentive and friendly, and we left vowing to come back very soon.
We'd had the foresight to book a table to eat at 8, neither of us wanted to stay where we were seated for a meal, so we were shown to a table on the upper level, by the exit into The Light. We ordered the baked Camembert to share as a starter, which came with a lovely rich chutney and some delicious warm bread. It took all of 5 minutes for us to demolish it, and our burgers were with us very quickly. It was all about the meat - not many chips, a blob of coleslaw, but totally divine. Staff were attentive and friendly, and we left vowing to come back very soon.
Tuesday 10 April 2012
The Cottage Road Cinema, Headingley, Leeds
This is my local cinema by several miles, but I've not visited for about 20 years. Couldn't bring myself to drive down to Vue on Kirkstall Road, big and glossy as it is, nor to fork out the best part of £10 each for a ticket. What's more unbearable there is the cost of drinks and snacks...I know its a well talked up complaint, but really, £ 5+ for POPCORN???? Gram for gram more expensive than gold as I'm sure you'll have heard...I always feel ripped off and have resorted to taking all my own stuff.
Anyway, back to CRC. Our little group of 3 got there one evening last week for a showing of "Pirates" at 5.30 pm. Very few there, no queue, no frantic scanning of huge electronic boards to find your film screen, just a little glass fronted TICKET BOOTH ( I know! Amazing!) where the tickets come up out of the metal counter - AND they're each on different coloured card depending if you're child, adult or senior!!!! Call me easily pleased but it was wonderful - and we weren't even IN the place!!! Then our first hiccup. Cash only. "WHAAAT!!!" I harrumphed at the poor boy on the counter "In this day and age" etc etc. He very politely explained that they can't afford the technology, what with the film makers taking 80% of the ticket price (£5) and the remaining 20% going on VAT...in fact the only way they make money at all is on the food and drink. I shamefacedly made my way to the very modest snacks counter ( Pringles, Skittles, polystyrene cups of tea for £1...) and parted with my money willingly, hoping my contribution helped.
The auditorium was bigger than I expected, with the pullmans (extra comfies) impressively roped off, I even saw some DOUBLE pullmans!!! The big dramatic red velvet curtain across the screen and a little piano to one side all added to the atmosphere. Even the Pearl & Dean titles were the old ones - it was fab. Granted the sound system wasn't totally mindblowing, and the intermission (it came up on the screen and the curtains closed - our younger guest was most puzzled!) between the ads and the film was odd, but only added to the experience.
We were seated behind the obligatory row of very noisy, misbehaving, seemingly unsupervised kids, which, considering they were accompanied by 2 neglectful mums who sat and talked all the way through the first 10 mins of the film, was hardly surprising. A loud theatrical SSHHHH did the trick - usually does I find - unless you're in an 18 cert of course when its best to shut up and put up we find....thats another story.
At the end of the film, the lights went up, and as we left we all handed our rubbish in to a lady stood at the bag with a binliner. It felt like we were all part of some precious community event, where everyone has a part, very respectful and quite touching really. I'll be back - it knocked spots off Vue for me, long may it continue! The film was good too!
Anyway, back to CRC. Our little group of 3 got there one evening last week for a showing of "Pirates" at 5.30 pm. Very few there, no queue, no frantic scanning of huge electronic boards to find your film screen, just a little glass fronted TICKET BOOTH ( I know! Amazing!) where the tickets come up out of the metal counter - AND they're each on different coloured card depending if you're child, adult or senior!!!! Call me easily pleased but it was wonderful - and we weren't even IN the place!!! Then our first hiccup. Cash only. "WHAAAT!!!" I harrumphed at the poor boy on the counter "In this day and age" etc etc. He very politely explained that they can't afford the technology, what with the film makers taking 80% of the ticket price (£5) and the remaining 20% going on VAT...in fact the only way they make money at all is on the food and drink. I shamefacedly made my way to the very modest snacks counter ( Pringles, Skittles, polystyrene cups of tea for £1...) and parted with my money willingly, hoping my contribution helped.
The auditorium was bigger than I expected, with the pullmans (extra comfies) impressively roped off, I even saw some DOUBLE pullmans!!! The big dramatic red velvet curtain across the screen and a little piano to one side all added to the atmosphere. Even the Pearl & Dean titles were the old ones - it was fab. Granted the sound system wasn't totally mindblowing, and the intermission (it came up on the screen and the curtains closed - our younger guest was most puzzled!) between the ads and the film was odd, but only added to the experience.
We were seated behind the obligatory row of very noisy, misbehaving, seemingly unsupervised kids, which, considering they were accompanied by 2 neglectful mums who sat and talked all the way through the first 10 mins of the film, was hardly surprising. A loud theatrical SSHHHH did the trick - usually does I find - unless you're in an 18 cert of course when its best to shut up and put up we find....thats another story.
At the end of the film, the lights went up, and as we left we all handed our rubbish in to a lady stood at the bag with a binliner. It felt like we were all part of some precious community event, where everyone has a part, very respectful and quite touching really. I'll be back - it knocked spots off Vue for me, long may it continue! The film was good too!
Friday 2 March 2012
Divino's, Adel, Leeds
Divino's went through a period where it could do no wrong, great food, service and atmosphere, then it seemed to lose its way a bit. We were there last on New years Eve and it was very disappointing - the pizzas were meagre and looked cheap, and the portions were noticeably stingy. Takeover perhaps? Certainly the staff were all new to us.....
So, you can imagine that it was with some trepidation that the companion and I turned up last night. It was only 7.30 pm, but the place was buzzing - theres an offer on till 7 pm and that really seems to pull them in. We sat and had a drink at the bar, bottles of Peroni ( Why no draught??? You too Gusto with only one on offer!) and were left to it - in a good hassle- free way. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant and ordered a tomatoey garlic bread to share which was good, then I had the Fusilli Prima vera with Chicken, and compo had Seafood Pasta. Both were very simple but tasty, an ample portion but not generous by any stretch. At £16 the Sauvignon Blanc was decent enough and the service was good, our waiter was particularly friendly in a discreet way.
The decor still strikes me as a little harsh and cold, purple and white with lots of corners and hard finishes, all very clattery, amplifying the noise from 2 tables of women near the front - they weren't especially raucous, but the volume really echoes around the place.
I suppose if I was honest it fell a bit short, it just wasn't special enough, or much of a "treat". Better than at New Year, but only just.....
So, you can imagine that it was with some trepidation that the companion and I turned up last night. It was only 7.30 pm, but the place was buzzing - theres an offer on till 7 pm and that really seems to pull them in. We sat and had a drink at the bar, bottles of Peroni ( Why no draught??? You too Gusto with only one on offer!) and were left to it - in a good hassle- free way. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant and ordered a tomatoey garlic bread to share which was good, then I had the Fusilli Prima vera with Chicken, and compo had Seafood Pasta. Both were very simple but tasty, an ample portion but not generous by any stretch. At £16 the Sauvignon Blanc was decent enough and the service was good, our waiter was particularly friendly in a discreet way.
The decor still strikes me as a little harsh and cold, purple and white with lots of corners and hard finishes, all very clattery, amplifying the noise from 2 tables of women near the front - they weren't especially raucous, but the volume really echoes around the place.
I suppose if I was honest it fell a bit short, it just wasn't special enough, or much of a "treat". Better than at New Year, but only just.....
Wednesday 21 December 2011
La Grillade, Leeds
On a cold wet night in December it takes alot to tempt me 'outnabout', but this place gets me every time.
Underwhelming from the outside, hidden away down steep cellar steps, Grillade even smells French - they must import their cleaning products along with the wine and the President butter.
Pleasantly busy but not as frantic as the bar at Restaurant Bar & Grill had been half an hour earlier, we were greeted by a lovely French waitress, and seated quickly.
Our starters were lovely, my charcuterie platter was beautifully presented, with lots of crusty baguette on the side - ideal with the two rustic pates.
The wine was reasonably priced, from about £15 up, we went for a £20.50 red (forgive my not remembering the name...I had alot of it you see...), which went perfectly with my equally perfect entrecote - medium rare exactly as requested. The delicate frites and peerless house salad dressing completed the dish. Although I was genuinely full, I HAD to go for Grillades legendary cheese board - amazing.
You can probably sense that this is one of my favourite haunts, The French staff are so professional and welcoming, the food so simple but amazing, I just love it.
Long may it remain hard to find!
Underwhelming from the outside, hidden away down steep cellar steps, Grillade even smells French - they must import their cleaning products along with the wine and the President butter.
Pleasantly busy but not as frantic as the bar at Restaurant Bar & Grill had been half an hour earlier, we were greeted by a lovely French waitress, and seated quickly.
Our starters were lovely, my charcuterie platter was beautifully presented, with lots of crusty baguette on the side - ideal with the two rustic pates.
The wine was reasonably priced, from about £15 up, we went for a £20.50 red (forgive my not remembering the name...I had alot of it you see...), which went perfectly with my equally perfect entrecote - medium rare exactly as requested. The delicate frites and peerless house salad dressing completed the dish. Although I was genuinely full, I HAD to go for Grillades legendary cheese board - amazing.
You can probably sense that this is one of my favourite haunts, The French staff are so professional and welcoming, the food so simple but amazing, I just love it.
Long may it remain hard to find!
Tuesday 13 December 2011
The Dyneley Arms, Pool Bank, Leeds
The last time we were here was about 2 years ago, and our experience was memorable for all the wrong reasons....CAN'T use a card, CAN'T sit there, CAN'T order that.....etc
But after 2 years we thought we'd give it a go for Sunday lunch. It was thankfully far more welcoming. The Landlord was holding court with the regulars, but managed to be quite friendly and attentive.
The decor is lovely, very smart, clean and cosy, complete with roaring log fire. Points for that.
The menu was huge with tons of choice, and extremely reasonable, mains for £5 and £6. We ordered the steak & kidney pie with veg, and it was with us in no time. The pie was piping hot, but the veg less so. It was perfectly acceptable fare, if a bit school dinnery, but the price reflected that. This meal wouldn't be a big 'treat meal' out, but would certainly do on the days you don't want to cook.
Being a Smiths pub, the beer brands were a little arcane, but the bitter was ok.....not many in for a Sunday lunchtime either, so a bit of atmosphere was lost. You could do alot worse than this, particularly if you're a family on a budget.
But after 2 years we thought we'd give it a go for Sunday lunch. It was thankfully far more welcoming. The Landlord was holding court with the regulars, but managed to be quite friendly and attentive.
The decor is lovely, very smart, clean and cosy, complete with roaring log fire. Points for that.
The menu was huge with tons of choice, and extremely reasonable, mains for £5 and £6. We ordered the steak & kidney pie with veg, and it was with us in no time. The pie was piping hot, but the veg less so. It was perfectly acceptable fare, if a bit school dinnery, but the price reflected that. This meal wouldn't be a big 'treat meal' out, but would certainly do on the days you don't want to cook.
Being a Smiths pub, the beer brands were a little arcane, but the bitter was ok.....not many in for a Sunday lunchtime either, so a bit of atmosphere was lost. You could do alot worse than this, particularly if you're a family on a budget.
Monday 5 December 2011
Home, Lincoln
We, along with 400 million (thats how it felt...) others, made the annual pilgrimage to Lincoln for the Christmas market on Saturday. They must have been planning it all year, so finely tuned was the level of organisation; pick up points, marshalls in fetching pink dayglo tabards, tannoys on every corners, metal fencing to corral you down the narrow lanes - a real feat. The crowds were VERY oppressive, and I'm sure on a few occasions I could have lifted my feet up off the ground and still have been carried along 100 yards! Imagine then what it was like trying to find somewhere for lunch! EVERYWHERE was full, queues out the door, standing room only in the pubs....put it this way, "Walkabout" and "Slug & Lettuce"were options at one point. Yes, we were that desperate, but even they were heaving.
So, when we glanced to our right up a narrow street off the main drag, and spotted a sign for "Home", it felt like fate had taken a grasp! The huge building hidden away had only been open since November, and billed itself outside as an 'entertainment venue', boasting several floors, bars and function rooms. We received a warm welcome at the door, and waited a few minutes whilst a table upstairs was cleared for us. I thought we might be stuck in some out of the way anteroom, but he area we were shown into was light, airy but cosy, with feature driftwood sculpture, a well stocked padded bar and the perfect level of music..... We were seated in a lovely suede booth, and were immediately attended to with speedily served chilled white wine. Always a good start. Our waiter was great, left us to chat awhile, no pressure to order, but kept his eye on us and spotted exactly when we paused for breath.
We shared a charcuterie platter with crusty bread and oil, served on a suitably gnarly wooden bread board, then I had the Smothered Chicken, and Compo had the Penne Pasta with Chorizo. The food was really good, and VERY reasonably priced. The service stood out a mile throughout, with a check back at just the right point - when we were also asked how we planned on paying! Odd, I thought, but it turned out the card machine system had crashed, and they were only able to take cash payments. With the nearest hole in the wall a 5 minute walk away AGAINST the throng, our waiter offered us a discount for the inconvenience.......25% inconvenience as it turned out.....very generous. So, for 5 glasses of wine, a shared starter and 2 mains, Compo paid £30. Impressed.
Discount aside, Home was a real oasis, a genteel, peacful,welcome sanctuary in the chaos, and well worth a revisit - any time other than December!!!!!
So, when we glanced to our right up a narrow street off the main drag, and spotted a sign for "Home", it felt like fate had taken a grasp! The huge building hidden away had only been open since November, and billed itself outside as an 'entertainment venue', boasting several floors, bars and function rooms. We received a warm welcome at the door, and waited a few minutes whilst a table upstairs was cleared for us. I thought we might be stuck in some out of the way anteroom, but he area we were shown into was light, airy but cosy, with feature driftwood sculpture, a well stocked padded bar and the perfect level of music..... We were seated in a lovely suede booth, and were immediately attended to with speedily served chilled white wine. Always a good start. Our waiter was great, left us to chat awhile, no pressure to order, but kept his eye on us and spotted exactly when we paused for breath.
We shared a charcuterie platter with crusty bread and oil, served on a suitably gnarly wooden bread board, then I had the Smothered Chicken, and Compo had the Penne Pasta with Chorizo. The food was really good, and VERY reasonably priced. The service stood out a mile throughout, with a check back at just the right point - when we were also asked how we planned on paying! Odd, I thought, but it turned out the card machine system had crashed, and they were only able to take cash payments. With the nearest hole in the wall a 5 minute walk away AGAINST the throng, our waiter offered us a discount for the inconvenience.......25% inconvenience as it turned out.....very generous. So, for 5 glasses of wine, a shared starter and 2 mains, Compo paid £30. Impressed.
Discount aside, Home was a real oasis, a genteel, peacful,welcome sanctuary in the chaos, and well worth a revisit - any time other than December!!!!!
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