If there’s a cocktail bar that gets me excited in Leeds, it has to be The Alchemist at Trinity. It’s got a rooftop terrace, it feels so airy and light and the cocktails are divine. When I was invited along to visit their brand spanking new The Alchemist Greek Street, Leeds I knew that I had to give it a whirl. We’d been asked to review a full three course meal along with drinks to review on my blog and here I am to give you a true account of our experience. They describe their extensive list of cocktails of that of a “renowned Smokey Old Fashioned and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” rolled all in to one giving you a unique cocktail experience.
I for one have never really thought of the Alchemist as somewhere to eat on an evening. James & I love to pop in for brunch when shopping in Leeds because their breakfast menu is to die for. When handed the menu in the quite dimly lit bar (very different vibe to it’s predecessor just up the road) it was heaving, even at early doors at 5pm on a Saturday the rabble were already out in force drinking away. I don’t know why, but Mr C & I were quite surprised. We shouted across the table to one another as it was pretty hard to hear one another which made it a little exhausting.
When perusing the menu it was clear to see that the Alchemist doesn’t quite know what direction their food is going in. Is it pan-Asian or is American diner? Mexican or Chinese? It’s all a little bit confusing as there seemed to be no set theme. Our lovely waiter Jack came along and took our drink orders, James went with a pint of Becks and I opted for my signature cocktail, a Pornstar Martini (which is £10 a pop so be careful how many of these you knock back because you need a small bank loan to drink more than one!) but my god they are the most delicious cocktail you could possibly imagine!
Ps. Isn’t Mr C handsome – he should feature more on my blog 😉
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When we finally made our mind up what we wanted, James went for the Thai Fishcakes and I went for the Duck Spring Rolls. Once we placed our order, service was pretty speedy. I was really surprised given how many people were in and eating at that time – so it was a massive thumbs up for me with the service. Now, I really enjoyed my starter, whilst the presentation was a little boring the duck was lovely, not too chewy and the sauce that came with it was super scrumptious, however James didn’t really enjoy his starter as much as I. I had a little nibble of his and suffice to say, I had to agree with him. Our starters were just under £6 per starter. I’d have to give them a 6.5/10.
Moving on to mains, I had opted for the Pulled Pork Burger (SOLD!) and James decided on Chicken Fajitas. We both went for a meal that we both love. They had a lot to live up to. I’m no burger connoisseur, but I’ve had a few and know when it’s a good one or not, sadly this was not the best burger I had and I hate to say it, but it was a little tasteless, the pork didn’t taste like it had been marinating in the BBQ sauce at all, however, my choice of salt & pepper fries was a good one – they were super tasty and would have gladly ate bowls and bowls of them till the cows came home. James’ looked promising, it was a feast for the eyes. It took him a few attempts to perfect to right ratio of ingredients to create the perfect fajita. The chicken came on a bed of onions much to his dismay and he said it tasted a bit ”Chinese” when it was meant to be a Mexican dish. All in all it was a mediocre main. Again, it would be 6.5/10 for us. Who knows; maybe if we had chosen a different main each things would be different as I’ve heard many wonderful reviews of other dishes!
Now stay with me here, whilst the starter and main left a little bit to be desired, the DESERTS were something to behold. There were so many wonderful choices it was a little difficult to choose but I am so, so, so bloody glad I went for the Peach Melba Mess. It was TO DIE FOR. Peaches, meringue, ice cream and strawberries created the most refreshing, delicious desert I have had in a very long time. I’m so glad I decided to have a desert because it just took the meal up about twenty notches. James thoroughly enjoyed his sticky toffee pudding too. If I was to rate my own desert it would have been a banging 11 out of 10, it was that good. James gave his an 8/10.
Of course I had to finish the meal with another cocktail, but this one I decided would be something I had never tried before. The Solero sounded so tasty, “Passoã,KetelOne,lemon and lime juice, orange and apple juice with a touch of mango syrup all garnished with white chocolate foam.” It was such a delight of the senses because what was predominantly a real fruity drink was toned down by the chocolate foam and it just complimented one another so well. A drink that could be enjoyed on a hot summers day and during the winter too.
Bellies filled with food and drink we totalled what our bill would have come to and it would have been around the £80 mark. Whilst to some this might sound a cheap night out it’s the cocktails that make it expensive, but truth be told, that’s what I’d really come to the Alchemist for – The amazing concoctions of alcohol. I’d even pop in just for a desert or for the breakfast menu because they are tremendous, but if I’m honest I don’t think I’d be popping in for an evening meal quite as quickly.
All in all, the cocktails and desert made the meal for us and adding up the number the total score is a 7.5/10 – I know I’ll be back for my favourite, Pornstar Martini again soon.
Bee xxx
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