The New Conservatory is a great little bar hidden away in the centre of Leeds. Every time I walk past, I remember it is tucked away there and resolve to pop in when next in the area. So when we were invited down to try out their new menu, the perfect excuse was presented.
We headed down to the bar and were taken to our seats in a quiet corner of the bar surrounded by quirky bookshelves and mirrors. It’s a cosy sort of spot; filled with mismatched furniture, sofas and chairs. It’s easily become my favourite bar in town for décor and ambience: an instant local.
I couldn't wait to try the menu and were delighted to be treated to little samples of each course. To begin; tasting starters including a little duck spring roll with hoy sin dip, panko king prawns with a lime and chilli dressing and deep fried Brie with beetroot chutney. My favourite of the three was easily the Brie. I adore cheese and this Brie just melted in my mouth. Coupled with the beetroot chutney, it was heavenly!
I couldn't wait to try the menu and were delighted to be treated to little samples of each course. To begin; tasting starters including a little duck spring roll with hoy sin dip, panko king prawns with a lime and chilli dressing and deep fried Brie with beetroot chutney. My favourite of the three was easily the Brie. I adore cheese and this Brie just melted in my mouth. Coupled with the beetroot chutney, it was heavenly!
After the cheese fix, things went from good to great with some live music from a guy called Toby doing some acoustic pieces on his guitar. I could have happily set up here all week if I bagged a sofa to get comfy on.
Next up was the main event and we were treated to another couple of little plates. First up, belly pork with mash and jus was soft and juicy with a lovely crunchy cracking on top; full of flavour and totally moreish. Next, a wild mushroom risotto Parmesan crisp and a basil dressing. Now I have to admit that I don't really like mushrooms but this mushroom risotto was absolutely delicious! That's coming from a man who doesn't like mushrooms! The Parmesan crisp ticked the cheese box for me too. Some great dishes.
Now last but by certainly no means least, we were in for something sweet. Three something sweets, in fact, in the form of a mouth-watering trio of desserts. Where to start? Writing this I am practically drooling in remembrance of their salted caramel cheesecake. Beyond good. You could quite happily just go in for a drink and this cheesecake and have a great time. Scratch that, order the entire cheesecake….you’ll want more than just a slice.
Our next sweet sampler was the New Conservatory ‘chocolate box’ which was another winner. I blinked and this sweet had disappeared from my girlfriend’s plate…I almost had to fight her to keep my own piece on my plate.
Our next sweet sampler was the New Conservatory ‘chocolate box’ which was another winner. I blinked and this sweet had disappeared from my girlfriend’s plate…I almost had to fight her to keep my own piece on my plate.
Finally, a classic summer sweet. The Eton mess sundae, a fruity glass of creamy, meringue laden freshness, was a perfect addition to the new summer menu and finished our evening off with yet another delicious course.
So…to summarise…The New Conservatory was always a fantastic bar for a drink, day or night. Now I have tried the new menu I won't just be dropping in for a drink anymore however. Writing this up has just made my stomach ache for deep fried Brie with a side of cheesecake! Do visit.
Albion Pl, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 6JL
0113 246 1853
www.thenewconservatory-cafebar.co.uk/
Piece by Tom Smith,
FoodGoblin North Correspondent
