Crafthouse has recently undergone a huge transformation into a light, bright, and green oasis in the heart of the city. The restaurant, overlooking Trinity Church is where diners find a haven of tranquillity away from the outside hustle and bustle.
As soon as you step out of the lift or walk up the stairs you find a new style of restaurant in Crafthouse. There are wall-to-wall trees and planters that make guests feel like they are in a garden away from the daily grind. The way that the planters and greenery are located around the restaurant make each table feel private and welcoming.
The freshest seasonal produce is served as standard on the menu. Dishes include barbecued miatake mushroom, broad bean and sorrel salad served with black garlic puree and nasturtium. Also, Heritage tomato and buffalo burrata salad with romesco sauce, lovage and Parmesan was another choice of starter. Both starters were divine but the Heritage tomato was incredibly flavoursome and the burrata simply melted in the mouth.
Seasonal Flavours – Lunch At Crafthouse Is A Cut Above The Rest
There were plenty of mains to choose, one of which was the pea and lemon verbena risotto, broad beans, grilled asparagus, and roast garlic dressing. The rice was cooked to perfection, and the delicate lemon verbena brought out the flavour of the freshly picked peas. For fish lovers there was seared stone bass, served alongside British asparagus, Jersey Royals, Exmoor caviar and chicken butter sauce. Furthermore, this was both the prettiest plate of fish ever eaten and the tastiest, especially with the bursts of caviar.
A side dish of tenderstem broccoli with toasted garlic was ordered to sit with the risotto, which could easily have served two guests. Broccoli is such an underrated vegetable, but when paired and tossed with toasted garlic it was turned into something quite exquisite.
Lunch doesn’t usually involve three courses, but firstly the desserts at Crafthouse were not to be missed. Secondly, Salted caramel tart with cornflake ice cream and drunken raisins, was on the menu. Thirdly, peanut and coconut petit gateau with a coconut and cardamom sorbet on the side was an option, so why not?
Equally outstanding puddings were served at this wonderful restaurant in the heart of Leeds city centre. This is a grown-up restaurant for those who have grown-up tastes. Lunch at Crafthouse is a cut above the rest.
To book a table, preview menus, or to find out more visit Crafthouse Leeds. Alternatively, follow on Instagram @crafthouse_leeds
Words by Rachel McAlley
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