Since opening back in 1999, The Wardrobe has gone on to become something of a Leeds institution. Very few venues can enjoy success as a bar, restaurant, and live music destination, but these guys have proven to be a triple threat on the city nightlife scene. We dropped in on a busy Saturday afternoon to see if their latest brunch menu could cut the mustard and rise above the competition…
If I had a pound for every time someone asked me to recommend a decent bottomless brunch, I’d be a rich man. The concept has become big business in Leeds, with dozens of the city’s best bars and restaurants looking to grab a slice of the lucrative brunch pie. But for every quality boozy bottomless deal, half a dozen mediocre efforts are peddling sub-standard food and drink.
At £32.99 a pop, The Wardrobe have pitched their offer towards the more premium end of the spectrum, but one glance at the menu suggests you’ll get your money’s worth. With nine inspired dishes to choose from, there’s plenty to keep veggies, vegans, and carnivores happy.
Think King Prawns and Spinach Benedict with poached egg, a Vegan Breakfast Taco and ‘The Straightener Pizza, which comes topped with chorizo, smoked bacon, fried egg and bloody Mary sauce (essentially, a hangover cure in pizza form).
The bottomless drinks available should also please everyone in your party. Prosecco, Orchard Thieves Cider, Bloody Mary’s, Amstel, and cask ale are all present and correct. I began with a pint of the mighty fine cask ale, whilst my mate opted for the Bloody Mary.
As someone who’s never been a fan of the latter, I had to agree with him that this was the best version of the classic cocktail I’ve ever tried. This Bloody Mary packs a serious punch in the spice department and is not for the faint of heart.
Being the fried chicken fiend that I am, there was only one dish for me when it came to choosing mains. The Buttermilk Chicken with homemade waffles and maple syrup sounded right up my street and it did not disappoint. Beautifully presented, the chicken was crisp and flavoursome, the waffles perfectly fluffy and the combination of the light spice and maple syrup was a winner.
Washed down with a few rounds of Prosecco against an eclectic playlist of classic pop and indie, The Wardrobe served up a bottomless brunch that truly stands out in a crowded market. Food, drinks, service, and atmosphere were all pitch-perfect and proof that there’s plenty of life in this 21-year old venue yet.
On top of bottomless brunch (served 11am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday), The Wardrobe also offers Funk and Supperclub on Friday’s and Saturday’s from 5pm and Sunday lunch between 12-pm. Here’s hoping the live gig circuit is kickstarted soon so that we can all return to party like it’s 1999.
The Wardrobe, St Peter’s Square, Leeds, LS9 8AH. Tel: 0113 3838800.
Words and photography by Jordan Fletcher*
*Except image 2, which is courtesy of The Wardrobe.
