Housed in two bright yellow shipping containers on the edge of Leeds Dock, The Canary made quite the splash when it opened for business at the back end of 2021. Locals drawn to its distinctive design and waterside location soon became regulars, thanks to its cool, understated vibe, choice selection of locally sourced beers and inventive cocktails.
Having nailed its bar offering, The Canary Bar has recently turned its attention to perfecting the food menu. The result is a slight yet brilliant Spanish and Mexican-inspired mash-up that perfectly complements their trio of homemade sangrias. Crafted by a head chef with some serious street cred, including a successful stint at The Owl, the food is both brilliant and accessible.
I arrived with fellow food ponce Northern Food Lad not long before sunset on a balmy Thursday evening and were soon enjoying a large glass of Red Sangria as we checked out the view and perused the menu. An infusion of Courvoisier, Cointreau, Malbec, sugar syrup, lemon and orange, this moreish tipple presents a sophisticated take on the classic Spanish staple.
The small plates arrived soon after, offering up a perfectly orchestrated symphony of flavours. Take the Crispy Fried Halloumi for example, which was golden in colour and elevated to greatness with a punchy chimichurri marinade.
The Jalapeno Poppers also packed the flavour, all crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside. Another hot pick you don’t want to sleep on is the Albondigas Picantes. These deliciously succulent homemade meatballs turn up the heat with garlic, peppers, cayenne, and an intensely rich tomato sauce.
The oversized Poco Nachos are also made in-house and come loaded with melt-in-the-mouth braised beef, jalapenos, cheese, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Another exceptional take on a casual dining favourite that you’d struggle to recreate at home.
The mains too are equally on point. I opted for the Taco Especial, which comes filled with chipotle chicken, chorizo, slaw, pico de gallo and all the trimmings and a side of salad and spiced wedges.
Paul opted for the big-ass Burrito with the sweet and melty al pastor pork and what a choice. This beast of a dish comes loaded with tons of meat, Mexican rice and beans, cheese, and slaw, as well as a side of salad and spicy fries. A new bar in burrito greatness has been set here.
If you happen to have a sweet tooth, then don’t miss dessert. We may have been more than a little stuffed, but the Churros are worth the extra indulgence and come served with vanilla ice cream and a smooth chocolate sauce, as does the unashamedly calorific Chocolate Fudge Cake.
Overall verdict
The Canary Bar is a vibrant addition to Leeds Dock, ensuring it’s a destination worth venturing just outside the city centre for. The service is slick and friendly, the venue is cool as a cucumber and the food is bold, adventurous, and authentic. Hit them up.
The Canary, The Dockside, Leeds, LS10 1EG, Tel 0113 486 1951
Words by Fletch, photography by Paul
