Banyan Bar Leeds Review

Banyan bar is a newly opened restaurant and bar in City Square, Leeds. The restaurant is part of the Arc Inspiration group which is popular in Leeds for running other successful establishments such as Manahatta and The Pit. Yesterday my husband and I were invited down to the restaurant to test out their new menu and see their newly launched bar for myself. When we arrived it was really busy with people sat both outside and inside the restaurant and people being turned away. It gave us a good vibe as a busy bar usually means it is good.

We were greeted by the waitress at the door and led to our table at the far right of the restaurant. The interior is very modern and cosy with leather armchairs, rose gold lighting dangling from the ceilings and smart faux cacti and plants on the tables. It is a smart/casual bar attracting mainly city workers on their way home from work. The restaurant is conveniently situated across the road from the train station, making it a perfect pit stop before the train home. The drinks menu is vast with a great selection of Banyan's unique cocktails, mocktails and wine. I opted for the Very Berry mocktail while my husband went for the 'Passion Punch'. Both drinks got the thumbs up from us, the Very Berry was very flavoursome and fruity and the Passion Punch had a kick, but it was incredibly refreshing. 

When it came to ordering food, I was pleasantly surprised by Banyan's large vegetarian and vegan offering and my carnivorous husband was equally impressed with the meat selection. I chose the 'Vegetable Kingdom burger' which was a halloumi burger with chargrilled peppers and red pesto and sweet potato fries, while my husband ordered the 'Portuguese Marinated Half Chicken'. All the flavour combinations of my burger worked really well together and the halloumi was cooked to perfection and not too chewy. My husbands dish was devoured within minutes due to enjoyment. He said that Banyan's chicken was very juicy and succulent and that he couldn't eat it fast enough.

We were both very full from our main courses, but neither of us could resist dessert. Banyan's dessert menu is small, but very tempting with cheesecakes, tortes and brownies. The waitress recommended the Salted Caramel Torte to me so I decided to give it a go, while my husband went for a chocolate brownie, his favourite type of dessert. Both dishes were beautifully presented when they arrived and tasted just as good. My chocolate torte melted as soon as it touched my mouth and it was pure bliss. My only criticism is the lack of salted caramel sauce, I didn't taste that much salted caramel at all. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his brownie, but said it was a little bit too rich. 

So, would I visit Banyan bar again? Yes,definitely. The food was fantastic quality, the staff were really nice and helpful and the bar had a nice atmosphere. Most importantly, whereas other chain bars where they only have one vegetarian item on the menu, Banyan has plenty, so I'll definitely be back to try the other options.

Have you been to a Banyan Bar before?

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