Seeing as we are more or less half way through our first semester, it’s around the time that our families and friends come to visit us loaded with groceries and other treats, and, if we are lucky, they spoil us rotten and give us a little TLC. For many of us, a meal out is on the top of the agenda, but the tricky decision is where to take them, as Leeds has an endless list of bars and restaurants. Well, don’t worry as I have a great recommendation for you that won’t completely break the bank and their delicious food will certainly put a smile on your face!
Ever since I moved to Leeds last year I have wanted to try the Botanist, as I have heard great reviews about their quirky food and cocktails. Not many of you may have heard or seen the Botanist as it’s a little gem hidden away next to one of the many Trinity centre entrances. However, it’s not one to be missed!
The entrance to the fabulous Botanist restaurant
Last week my mum and grandma came to visit me and insisted that we went out for lunch (obviously they don’t trust my cooking). So, I immediately thought what a great opportunity it was to go to the Botanist. And boy were we in for a treat!
From the front you don’t really know what to expect from this restaurant as the eating area is hidden away out of sight (you can also eat outside). So, we descended the steps into the restaurant keeping an open mind, but we were in for a magical surprise. The interior is like a garden shed with gardening tools placed upon the walls and lanterns dangling from the ceiling. It really is beautiful!
We were shown to our table (I recommend booking a table beforehand) which was like a garden bench and definitely added to the whole effect. Firstly, we ordered drinks from their vast beverages menu. We all chose a mocktail called ‘a forest fruit fling’ and it was incredibly delicious and refreshing! I would recommend it to anyone who is not a big drinker.
Next, it was time to choose what we were going to have to eat. The menu is not very big but I think there is something for everyone! I chose the chicken hanging kebab (£9.95) which was to die for! Especially the garlic sauce which was poured over the top of it. My grandma was quite adventurous and chose the Botanist deli board (£9.75), where you could choose 4 items from a long list of yummy stuff ranging from hummus to a poached salmon fillet which is accompanied by Turkish flat bread. It certainly seemed to go down a treat! My mum, on the other hand, was a little less daring and went for one of the home comforts – the steak, cheese and onion sandwich (£9.95) which comes with chips. Again, this went down a treat and she ate every last bit of it!
I have to say this was a wonderful experience and I could not fault anything, as the food was tasty and great value for money. Also, the service we received was amazing as everyone was so friendly! I will definitely be returning here to try out more of their menu and would seriously recommend you bring your family and friends here. It’s guaranteed you will be in their good books for a long time!
To book a table at the Botanist call: 0113 205 3240To have a look at what the Botanist has to offer you can visit their website at: www.thebotanist.uk.com
I hope you enjoyed this post! Keep your eyes peeled to see where I’ll be going next time!
Image Sources:
1. https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/473904746341105664/Dd3_UkpX.jpeg
2. http://leeds.beer/the-botanist/
3. Writer’s own.
4. Writer’s own.
5. http://www.mintyessence.com/2014/02/reviews-botanist-trinity-leeds.html