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!
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
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!!!!!
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
The Sun Inn, Coniston, Cumbria
Myself and the 'companion' were lucky enough to be up in The Lakes last week, and visited our very favourite pub, not once, but twice. 2 nights in a row. .....I know. Thats because the food is amazing! The Sun has got bags of atmosphere; log fire, old photos, stuffed fox (!!) the lot, just what you want in a Lakeland pub. The menu isn't particularly large, but whats on it is the real deal. SO - night 1 - venison & kidney pie for the companion, and roast lamb for me. Simply presented, piping hot, with garlicky green beans and broccoli side dish. Delicious. Night 2 - the Lancashire hotpot with the most stunning black pudding garnish for the compo, and the rack of lamb for me. Lamb? 2 nights in a row? Don't care. You know when you feel sad because you've finshed? That was me. Divine. Not the cheapest pub food in the world, but its 4 star restaurant quality, not just quick and tasty ramblers fare we're talking about. Book now.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Living Room, Town Hall Tavern, Zizzi
Living Room was busy early doors, the barman was very good, allowing us to "pay drinks on" so we could pay by card (£10 min spend). 2 halves of Estrella later, we ordered some olives, but I think he had to go all the way to Greece to get them as they took forever to come...and a stingy portion when they did. The beer was good though. Then the piano player started........the usual MOR Sadele stuff, Jessie J, Amy Winehouse etc, all very tuneful, but far TOO LOUD! Completely drowned what had been great conversation up to that point.
So we moved on to The Town Hall Tavern, against my wishes I have to say, but hey, anything for the blog.
What a gem!!!! Fab interior, lots to look at, I'm still thinking about the fantastic cup and saucer / teapot lampshades today! We didn't eat, but the blackboards were sorely tempting- I'll be back for their brown bread ice cream thats for sure. And the toilets - well, amazing. Chintzy large scale patterned laminates, quirky wall art,and spotless from coving to skirting, VERY impressed. The bottle of Merlot we had was great too, and at a sensible pub price. Cashews in a bowl, perfect.
Popped into Browns, but full to capacity, and nothing available for an hour and a half, so we looked upward and spotted a new venue, Zizzis, up on the balcony of The Light......
It was busy, but we waited 5 mins and were seated by the manager. As you walk in theres a coffee table with a great set of weird but wonderful multi coloured stools, each covered in what I can only describe as knitted doughnuts - a real talking point and very striking. Unfortunately, thats where 'striking' ended. We were seated at a grey laminate table on grey painted wooden chairs, with glaring strip lighting reminiscent of my garage making the whole place feel like an airport hangar or office canteen. The open plan kitchen allowed you to watch the numerous chefs scuttling about behind a curtain of cured meats, and the pce was full so they were kept on their toes. Our waiter was good looking and very muscular, characteristics which were obviously at the forefront of his mind as he gazed off into the middle distance as we placed our order, we flet lucky he managed to connect pen to paper as he scanned the place for adoring attention and for far more interesting customers than us. Our Italian bread arrived, but with an empty bowl where we had expected the oil & balsamic to be....'Shouldn't this have something in it?' I asked our blank faced Adonis...he gestured with a well exercised finger to the bottles already on our table....'YOU put in what you want' he said, and stalked off, buttocks chafing as he attended a table less problematic than we were obviously being. The bread was was OK, crusts a bit fossilised, but the oil was good, and I poured it rather well, and mixed by balsamic proficiently..... The wine was OK too, a decent Merlot - no offer of a taste first, but thats not the end of the world. My 'Penne Alla Vodka' was delicious, but owed nothing to vodka and was an effective hiding place for the 3 prawns I eventually tracked down. The Rigatoni was tasty too apparently and the portions were decent. As we'd finished our wine, and my 'companion' didn't want another drink, I asked for a glass of house white and the bill, but only the bill was forthcoming, although the wine had been charged despite never appearing. This was rectified before we left. We paid £28 each but left no tip. With good service and a dimmer switch, Zizzis would have been worth another go, bet its better for lunch.
So we moved on to The Town Hall Tavern, against my wishes I have to say, but hey, anything for the blog.
What a gem!!!! Fab interior, lots to look at, I'm still thinking about the fantastic cup and saucer / teapot lampshades today! We didn't eat, but the blackboards were sorely tempting- I'll be back for their brown bread ice cream thats for sure. And the toilets - well, amazing. Chintzy large scale patterned laminates, quirky wall art,and spotless from coving to skirting, VERY impressed. The bottle of Merlot we had was great too, and at a sensible pub price. Cashews in a bowl, perfect.
Popped into Browns, but full to capacity, and nothing available for an hour and a half, so we looked upward and spotted a new venue, Zizzis, up on the balcony of The Light......
It was busy, but we waited 5 mins and were seated by the manager. As you walk in theres a coffee table with a great set of weird but wonderful multi coloured stools, each covered in what I can only describe as knitted doughnuts - a real talking point and very striking. Unfortunately, thats where 'striking' ended. We were seated at a grey laminate table on grey painted wooden chairs, with glaring strip lighting reminiscent of my garage making the whole place feel like an airport hangar or office canteen. The open plan kitchen allowed you to watch the numerous chefs scuttling about behind a curtain of cured meats, and the pce was full so they were kept on their toes. Our waiter was good looking and very muscular, characteristics which were obviously at the forefront of his mind as he gazed off into the middle distance as we placed our order, we flet lucky he managed to connect pen to paper as he scanned the place for adoring attention and for far more interesting customers than us. Our Italian bread arrived, but with an empty bowl where we had expected the oil & balsamic to be....'Shouldn't this have something in it?' I asked our blank faced Adonis...he gestured with a well exercised finger to the bottles already on our table....'YOU put in what you want' he said, and stalked off, buttocks chafing as he attended a table less problematic than we were obviously being. The bread was was OK, crusts a bit fossilised, but the oil was good, and I poured it rather well, and mixed by balsamic proficiently..... The wine was OK too, a decent Merlot - no offer of a taste first, but thats not the end of the world. My 'Penne Alla Vodka' was delicious, but owed nothing to vodka and was an effective hiding place for the 3 prawns I eventually tracked down. The Rigatoni was tasty too apparently and the portions were decent. As we'd finished our wine, and my 'companion' didn't want another drink, I asked for a glass of house white and the bill, but only the bill was forthcoming, although the wine had been charged despite never appearing. This was rectified before we left. We paid £28 each but left no tip. With good service and a dimmer switch, Zizzis would have been worth another go, bet its better for lunch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)