I love finding new bars and the only thing that makes finding a new bar more exciting is finding secret bars. An old boarded up building might seems an un-attractive un-appealing location for a bar but this place is a hidden gem. Finding the bar by the B logo on the door this place a well kept secret. Although when the bar is open its a little easier to spot.
The venue has been transformed (a little) with an old cash register selling beer tokens on the door and the recognisable Brooklyn Brewery logo on the wall. It might seem a bit drab to some still but I love the idea of the no-frills bar with simple wooden benches (ideal for chit chat), good beer and good music. Plus it add to the feel you have found something secretive.
The bar operates in beer tokens at £4.50 per token or 5 for £20. There is also delicious food on sale from non other than Reds True BBQ. Beer good music and a pulled pork sandwich, It's a no-brainer.
The bar is temporary so I would advise you visit sooner rather than later. Located at 22-24 The Calls (oops secrets out now).
What's your verdict?
Sammie
With my dad been a vegetarian and my mum been a bad cook Sunday dinners are usually a little bit bland in my household. Luckily I was invited down to Bar 166 & Bistro in Horsforth to sample theirs.
I was pretty intrigued to go to bar 166 as one of it's sister bars The Shed Bar in Leeds has been a personal favourite bar of mine for a long time. Upon arrival the bar was classy elegant and its location between the houses made it feel like I was stepping into a hidden away hideout. With the big windows in the main dining area of the bistro fulling the room with natural light I felt a little like a kid hiding away in a den at the bottom of the garden. I know that's a weird description but hey ho.
My friend and I had a tabled booked for 4 o'clock and as we arrived a little early we sat and had a drink in the bar area first. The bar had a good selection of spirits, wines and classic cocktails on offer as I was expecting. I also noticed there was a separate bar menu so I might have to go back and check that out. I have also since been informed the bar has live music every Sunday from 2 till 4. When our table was ready the waiter kindly came to tell us, although I think this was because it was then 4:15 and we was too engrossed in playing 4pics1song and drinking our wine. Is anyone else playing that? Addictive. Anyhow onto the main event.
When I mentioned to a chef friend I was going out for a Sunday dinner his words were "typical Sunday dinner, dry stringy beef and over cooked vegetables" when he couldn't of been more wrong. I will admit that is usually my first thought on a bar style Sunday lunch so I was very please to be dis-proven.
The beef was cooked perfectly and still pink in the middle, just look at the pictures, I'm getting hungry just writing this. I'm not a big meat eater as I hate finding fat on meat, but there was no fat here just delicious beef. The meal was accompanied with all the traditional Sunday roast trimmings. Very crispy roasties, mash potato (yep it came with both), honey glazed parsnips and carrots, broccoli and of course one huge Yorkshire pudding. Everything was delicious and it's honestly the best Sunday lunch I've eaten in a long time. It was nice to see effort been put into the trimmings other than just standard plain boiled veggies.
The fatty in me of course left room for a pudding. I'm not normally a desert person to tell the truth but a lot of the puddings on the menu caught my eye. After some pondering I choose Eton Mess and my friend had the White Chocolate Cheesecake (cheesecake of the day). Both puddings were great and the cheesecake especially had a great home-made taste to it.
Sunday Roast - £9.90
All deserts - £5.00
Sammie
Bar & Bistro 166
166 Town Street
Horsforth
Leeds
LS18 4QA
