• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Leeds
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Leeds LS1 2HD

bailiff said

This little gem is near the corn exchange and just around the corner from the calls (one of the trendier drinking areas in Leeds). The food is Mexican and delicious (if not slightly ‘chainy’ – this is not a one of its kind, check out their website). However, that said, the bar and waiting staff are knowledgeable and very polite, it is reasonably priced for Leeds, particularly this area of Leeds and the surroundings are plush and trendy. They will bring drinks to your table if drinking whilst you get yourself settled down, the Brazilian cocktails are delicious. Fantastic friendly place to go for a couple of drinks and a bite to eat before heading off to somewhere livelier, not the kind of place where you would spend an entire evening.

• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Leeds
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Leeds LS1 4LJ

bailiff said
Coco
I have been to Coco twice and I must admit that these visits were two distinctly different experiences. The first time I went was on a Saturday night in January, the first thing I saw was a bucket catching the leaking ceiling. It was extremely quiet (it was quite early at around 8pm) and was physically quite cold. I am happy to report that the second time I went was entirely different. This was on a Thursday night in around May and it was packed, they had drinks offers on and, I am pleased to report no leaks! The staff were really lovely on both of my occasions. It is next to Club Mission and Thursday (was until very recently) a massive night there. Time when you go well! Cool bar.

• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Leeds
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Leeds LS1 6NJ
0113 2456595

bailiff said

Extremely posh cocktail bar, you’re talking around 7-8 pounds per drink in this place. The staff are brilliant though and will even let you (at quieter times) customise your cocktail. I was a newbie to this place and didn’t know my champagne cocktail from my lambrini but the really friendly staff asked me what kinds of flavours I liked and managed to whip me up a delicious creamy cocktail. They were operating a tab service (Saturday daytime) which was fantastic, yet slightly hazardous as the drinks simply continued to flow with the bar staff coming to your table. A brilliant bar if you’re feeling a bit flush and sophis! Don’t go in for a lager though, from my memory it was bottles only.

• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Leeds
• Category: Restaurants

Leeds LS1 6DT
0113 234 3988

bailiff said

I was intimidated by Norman for ages before I first tried it on a Saturday afternoon drinking session. It has a large glass front where swathes of trendy young professionals peer out on the many who don’t get in here. During the day it was pretty relaxed and quite busy. They sell Fruli beer (strawberry flavoured) although the bar woman obviously questioned how flush I was when I asked for a pint commenting ‘it’s usually sold in halves, it would be about 5.50 for a pint’ A pint it was anyway (didn’t really feel as though I could lose face after that) and delicious too. The toilets are mysteriously hidden in the wall; make sure you find them before you get too bladdered! I’ve still not summoned the courage to go in here on a night and suspect you need to be razor sharp trendy to gain entry!

• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Leeds
• Category: Restaurants

Leeds LS2 7DA
0113 2465207

bailiff said

A chain restaurant behind the corn exchange in Leeds city centre. As far as chain restaurants go Pizza Express is one of the better ones. This one is very warehouse chic with stripped wooden floors and loads of candles on a night. The food is bog standard Pizza Express which is usually pretty delicious. Polite (as ever with this company) and attentive waiting staff. This Pizza Express has a fantastic location, with the Calls and the delights of all its drinkeries only a couple of minutes walk away. Good place to go for a reasonably priced Italian. Just don’t venture into the Townhouse next door afterwards!

• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Hotels and Travel

Manchester M1 4GX
0161 234 0600

bailiff said

Everywhere in Manchester is fairly expensive to stay as in any other major city. The Ibis markets itself as a budget hotel which has top serivce, and this is exactly what it is. You won't find the plush decor of other (pricier) Manchester hotels here, although the foyer and reception area are smart and modern, it does exactly what it says on the tin. When I stayed, despite there been several hen / stag do's that we saw milling around during the day we were not disturbed on the evening. The bathroom was clean and modern if basic and the same goes for the room itself. You'd be mad to pay more. Brilliant location for Canal Street too!

• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Leeds
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Leeds LS27 9EB

bailiff said

Probably the only decent bar in the whole of Morley! In fact, it is the only bar in the whole of Morley because the rest are pubs. Slick shiny décor, really stylishly turned out Cucina is also an Italian restaurant which I am yet to sample but which always looks packed on a weekend. The bar area spills outside with a heated patio area with tables and chairs and big black umbrellas. They sell Peroni, and are surely the only place in Morley that does! Great for a quiet(ish) night if you don’t want to trek into Leeds, give it a try!

• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Leeds
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Leeds LS6 3AW
0113 278 5836

bailiff said

Predominantly a sports pub, situated in the student heaven of Headingley. Opposite the box / starbucks this huge pub has big screens for all of the sporting events. It is popular with students but I have to admit it has always left me a bit cold. Because, apart from the sport, it doesn’t have much to offer. The surroundings are not particularly comfortable or atteactive the drinks are not particularly cheap. Unless you are into gazing at a screen while the rugby / cricket/ football / any other sporting event is on I wouldn’t really recommend it. Sports lovers only need apply, plenty of other bars around here if you’re not keen on / don’t want to be force-fed sport!

• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Leeds
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Leeds LS1 6NP
0113 244 4360

bailiff said

What can be said about Starbucks? If it is over-priced syrupy coffee you’re after this is the place to come! Saying that, this particular one has friendly staff who are genuinely eager to please (I took my coffee back because it wasn’t hot enough and was promptly given a new one). Seating is comfortable and best of all you can take the books from the bookstore with you to browse while you sip your brew. Double chocolate cheesecake is fantastic as are the chocolate chip cookies. Any Starbucks which is inside a Borders is, to me, a winner, this is no exception!

• Added: 23rd of September 2008
• Area: Leeds
• Category: Restaurants

Leeds LS1 8TL
0113 245 7788

bailiff said

Maxis’ sister restaurant (the ‘proper’ Maxis is on the edge of town near TGI Fridays) this all you can eat buffet is popular every night. You pay around a tenner (student discount also available but not on a weekend). It is self-service and there are a myriad of dishes to choose from, some of which you probably wont have seen in your local Chinese takeaway, deep fried broccoli for example, delicious. When it comes to main course you pick which carb you would like to accompany your delicious meal (noodles, boiled rice, fried rice) and then which of the (usually) twelve or so dishes you would like to try, don’t be shy you can pick as many as you want and leave feeling fit to burst. Fantastic value with lovely staff. Go now.