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| Delicious Chicken Rigatoni |
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| The fabulous coffee and cupcake offer |
Zed Bar is located in Chapel Allerton, Leeds 7 next to the Mustard Pot pub and it certainly serves up some competition. There is an attractive, glass partitioned outside space where you can dine alfresco before entering the main building. I have eaten here twice on Sundays and on both occasions the atmosphere was pleasantly buzzing but there were still plenty of tables remaining.
Most recently we sat inside by the window as the interior can seem a little dark for daytime but this is more than made up for by the friendly helpfulness of the staff and the pleasant ambience within. There is no table service here you choose from the menu and then order at the bar which personally is the arrangement I prefer as it puts the customer in control, no waiting for recaltriant staff when you are ravenous.
My usual Sunday companion, Dad, chose Chicken Rigatoni because he loves the creaminess of this pasta dish. I opted for the Revitalize Salad as I was feeling a bit under the weather, this fare sounded as if it would perk me up and I wasn’t disappointed. For drinks we opted for a pint and a half of bitter. The hand pulled which would have been our usual choice was off so we were recommended a replacement which was a suitable substitute. There is a well-stocked bar, where you order the food, as well as a good selection of coffees plus hot chocolate and Suki tea.
The food arrived quickly and it was piping hot, a pre-requisite I’m sure you’ll agree. Dad’s Ragatoni Pasta was enveloped in an unctuous garlic and cream sauce studded with chunks of beautifully cooked pink ham and succulent chicken, seasoned with just the right amount of black pepper. My Revitalise Salad comprised mixed leaves, pieces of salty, soft feta and crispy and chewy haloumi cheeses, slices of roasted peppers and cubes of butternut squash plus the most glorious, firm and flavoursome pitted, green olives. All served with warm pitta bread. I certainly felt refreshed and delighted after enjoying this multi-textured, vegetarian dish. The portions are sufficient and not overwhelming which is exactly right.
The menu here is eclectic: You can choose from Sharers (or Tapas) at 3 for £10, a Sunday roast and an alternative Sunday dinner option, pizzas and burgers, breakfasts and salads and a good selection of desserts that we have been too full to try so far. The prices are reasonable £9.50 for a Sunday Roast in Chapel Allerton is a little below average.
Zed is a popular evening venue, and in some ways the dark wood interior and ambient lighting lend it more to this, but the outside area embraces the day light and brings it indoors just enough for this to be a comfortable lunchtime venue too. Examples of the delicious cupcakes, available as part of a cupcake and coffee deal, displayed on the bar add to the sense that Zed is much more than just a pub opening at lunchtime, but is really trying and succeeding to be a part of the local café culture.
Zed Bar
16/18 Stainbeck Lane
Chapel Allerton
Leeds
Yorkshire
LS7 3QY
Tel: 0113 2688 494
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| Revitalize Salad |
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| Zed from the outside |
