Leeds Love

So last weekend me and Mr Ward moved away from Leeds to Lancashire with a plan to save some money.

I'm not missing Leeds yet because I've been there at work all week, but when I do start to feel homesick it will definitely be for these places, where we have spent many a weekend eating and drinking with friends;

First up the best place to spend a Saturday afternoon, that doesn't include shopping or football; Friends of Ham

Beer, Cheese, Ham and Scotch Eggs equals a good time in my book! The food, drink and atmosphere are all great in this small basement and it's so easy to spend the whole day (and your weekly allowance) here. What more can i say?

FOH - Well worth a visit

If you need more than craft beer, how about the best cocktail in Leeds? The Maven will serve you well; a prohibition bar serving fantastically alcoholic cocktails, I've never seen a bar as well stocked with interesting things, you're bound to taste something like never before. I would recommend you avoid the 'Thai Bride' though!
You will find the Maven at the Kirkgate end of Call Lane, don't look for a sign though, there isn't one, it's a prohibition secret!

The Maven - worth finding

The morning after the night before - after all that extravagance you might need a good breakfast. Go to Mrs Athas it's new but it doesn't look it, inside is an Aladdins Cave of aesthetically pleasing, old fashioned things, I even love the loo! Along with looking beautiful it serves up amazing cakes, teas and coffees (Mr Ward recommends a piccolo) and for breakfast scrummy sausage and bacon butties from Lishmans butchers yum.

Mrs Athas - Just what the doctor ordered 

La Bottega Milanese - Nutella Heaven

And last but not least, perfect for a mid shopping pick me up is a coffee and cake from La Bottega Milanese. For Mr Ward it's a piccolo again, for me a Nutella Espresso mmm... and the pastries, you've got to try them!

A Bad Review - Aglassto Leeds

I'm looking forward to this weekends food even more than usual as we had a disappointing Friday night out last weekend. I'm not one to write a bad review but on this occasion I have to.

After seeing Aglassto on Twitter and looking at the website I was really looking forward to visiting. I  decided to take Mr Ward out as a payday treat and for our first glass of wine of the year.

Upon arrival we were told that there would be a 30 minute wait for food due to them having a large party (of 10) and only being able to serve four dishes at a time. We were surprised that a business would be able to survive just serving 4 dishes at a time. . What are they cooking on a camping stove? The party of 10 seemed to be enjoying their food (they were the only other people eating) so we thought we'd wait. 

After 45minutes the waitress gave us a food menu, probably promoted by the sound of our stomachs rumbling and we chose our dishes. After seeing the tapas menu of maximum 20 items we again struggled with how they could only be producing 4 dishes at a time, most of which could be part prepared in advance. Maybe the chef was off sick or the oven broken? 

Anyhow the waitress said 20minutes, good because were quite hungry. 

After 40 minutes and no word from the waitress we left money for the single glasses of wine we had each nursed and walked out.

It was very disappointing to say the least. 

Kirkstall Deli Market

This weekend has been one of mooching, yesterday was Kirkstall Deli Market in the picturesque setting of Kirkstall Abbey. I have to admit that after 3years of living in Leeds it's the first time i've visited the Abbey, it is beautiful and i will definitely be returning with my camera.
The market was great and we took home a variety of brownies from Sunshine Bakery and some Pear and Ginger Butter Jam from Fancy That from Wharfedale (which will be used on tonights roast chicken dinner).

Lovely Leeds

I have a penchant for derelict buildings, moss and overgrown hedges...

These unloved finds are beautiful to me.

Inspired by Peter Mitchell, photographer and author of Memento Mori: The Flats at Quarry Hill Leeds, his collections include the changing faces of Leeds from the 1960's to present day.