Okay, so the title is pretty much the biggest spoiler alert you could have when it comes to blog post spoilers but I do hope that my in depth account is one that still encourages you to go try it out yourself, too. I was recently invited to Angelica’s, which is situated at the top of the Trinity Centre in the centre of Leeds, to review their short yet tantalising menu. We slipped straight up in the lift to the 6th floor to be greeted by the pleasant staff and the panoramic views of Leeds through the floor to ceiling windows. The perfect spot for a mid-afternoon, post-shopping cocktail. I armed myself with an Angelica’s Autumn Punch which is vodka, fraise de bois, fraise liquor, raspberries and topped with prosecco. The perfectly zingy drink was all I was expecting and more. James chose the Yorkshire Lager, which is in fact brewed in a little village called Cropton. For something that was more like a pale ale, it was actually really tasty, something that really surprised me.
Dan & Mark from the managerial team introduced themselves and talked us through the menu and their recommendations. I love that, because I often struggle to choose between certain dishes so when someone can give you a first hand experience it can really help me. Gosh, I’m so indecisive! After a little while I settled on the ham & eggs for starter, James the tempura soft shell crab. When both plates arrived we were so ready to tuck in. Mine was a cut of well-cooked belly pork and a poached egg (that was cooked to perfection, I might add) – it was incredible. Now, I know that word is thrown around a lot on blogs, but it really was one of the most delicious starters I have ever tried in my life. Something so simple yet it hit every single expectation. James’ crab was just as good too, the jalepeno mayo that accompanied it gave it that extra “pizazz” – especially with Mr C & I’s addiction to spiciness! Absolutely in awe of the starters we had just eaten, it was a sign of what was to come with the main affair.
Okay guys, I lucked out and went all extravagant and ordered the half lobster frites. F Y I. DEEEELICOOUS. The fresh lobster had such a rich taste, that with each mouthful it didn’t feel like you were lacking in anything. You could taste it going all the way down and eat bit gave me all the feels. James ordered the fresh sea bass which was highly recommended by Dan. He managed to track down some truffles for the hollandaise sauce and I could not get enough of dipping my fries in it (oops, sorry James!) I have a tendency to repeat myself when something is thoroughly pleasing me. I think I must have said “this is so good” about fifty million times. Because it was just that, so bloody good. I washed my main down with another cocktail, sadly I forget the name as the cocktail menu has not been updated on the website yet but I promise to find it out for you! It was actually created by Dan so he twisted my arm in to trying it & I’m so glad I did. It had a serious kick and it was tart which really complimented my lobster.
Defeated and I mean truly, one hundred percent defeated, we decided to just order coffees. That was until Dan waved a desert menu under our noses and I noticed the sticky toffee pudding (Mr C’s favourite I might add) and suddenly before I even knew it I’d ordered one to share. My bad. Covered in the stickiest of toffee sauces, creamiest vanilla ice cream and popcorn, it was actually pretty sensual. I adore the hot and cold together so the ice cream made the desert too. We washed it down with black coffee and latte each and sat back. I don’t think there would be anything that I could or would have changed about any of the food, bar the chips having a little less salt on them and that is really clutching at straws to find anything. Every single morsel was to die for and I was already lining up my next meal there, which for your information, is going to be this weekend for brunch if I get my way.
The restaurant come cocktail bar had become very busy by the time we left mid-afternoon on a Saturday so I would definitely advise getting here early if you’d like a seat or table for the afternoon. The staff are super accommodating and the drinks are enough to make you feel pretty squiffy. I can’t wait to go back and enjoy another meal here, a massive thanks to the team at Angelica’s for allowing me to come and independently review the restaurant and give my honest review.
Have you been to Angelica’s before? What did you think? Let me know if you decide to go soon!
