The Leeds Kitchen by James Martin

This week we had booked for a Sunday lunch at the Leeds Kitchen by James Martin at Clarence Dock in Leeds. And we were in luck. Not only was James himself at the restaurant, he had organised a Supercar Sunday. Many beautiful Aston Martin's & Ferrari's were parked outside the restaurant for all to admire and a hog roast was put on for those not eating in the restaurant. James had brought one of his own favourite cars a Mustang Shelby Cobra

James Martin and his 1967 Mustang



But we were at the restaurant to eat.

As we walked into the restaurant James was at the entrance and we were greeted with a friendly handshake and a "welcome to the Leeds Kitchen". A great start! And the welcome by the rest of the staff was as pleasant & forthcoming. We were shown to our table near the window where we had a great view of the Mustang. Our drinks order was promptly taken and we were given the special Sunday Lunch menu which changes ever week and gives a choice of 4 starters, mains and desserts. It will always include a roast dinner as a main course choice. We offered a choice of still, sparkling or tap water. A basket of a mixture of white and brown bread was brought to the table with both salted & unsalted butter, a nice touch.

While we were waiting for our starters to arrive, James walked through the restaurant and I asked if he had time for a picture. There was no hesitation what so ever and James patiently posed for a picture with me. And of course I was not the only asking for a picture or signature, but he happily obliged on every occasion I could see.

Then it was time to eat.

For starters both my husband and myself decided to go for the pork & black pudding scotch egg on a watercress puree and with a red wine dressing.

Beautifully soft-boiled egg in a black-pudding & pork crust with the peppery watercress that complimented it splendidly. A picture on a plate, that delivered the taste it promised. A fabulous start to our meal.

After this both OH and I went our different ways. Hubby decided on the braised blade of beef with baby onions, smoked pancetta & English mustard mash

while I opted for the pan-fried salmon fillet with vanilla salsify and shellfish saffron cream. As I am allergic to mussels, the very friendly waitress went to the kitchen to check what was in the shellfish saffron cream. I was assured it was made solely from lobster shells, so I was safe to have this dish.

And I was glad this was the case. The salmon was cooked just right & seasoned to perfection (if I had to have one critisism it would be that the skin could have been a bit crisper all over). I have grown my own salsify and I loved the way this was prepared with a very subtle hint of vanilla. The shellfish saffron cream was full of flavour yet delicate.

Sunday lunches include the vegetables and we were served a choice of crispy curly kale, a carrot & swede purée and soft red cabbage.

As both courses had filled us up quite a bit, we asked for a little break before our desserts and despite the restaurant being very busy (they had to turn some people that walked in away as the restaurant was full) we were not hurried along. In the end my husband decided on bramley apple crumble tart with cinnamon custard

While I opted for the Sherry & Ginger Trifle

This was proper comfort food...delicate raspberries, combined with sherry soaked ginger cake, creamy custard and topped with whipped cream and a pistachio crunch. Yum Yum!!

Throughout the whole meal the FOH staff were attentive and very friendly and at no point did we feel rushed despite it being very busy. We had some lovely chats with some of them as well and were informed that James is looking to open another restaurant in Manchester in the new year, which is great news but even if he wasn't The Leeds Kitchen is definitely worth a trip to t'other side of the Pennines.

However note that the restaurant currently has an over 18's policy only as it is situated at Alea casino and entrance to the restaurant is through the casino. But we were told that James is looking into getting a seperate entrance to the Leeds Kitchen which would make it accesible for families with children as well.

Once the restaurant in Manchester opens, we will surely go and check it out, but until then we happily make the trip to Leeds ..........in fact we already have booked again for later in the year.