Arnold's Leeds

The recently opened Arnold's in Leeds is a bar and restaurant that they say showcases the very best of Yorkshire and British produce. Situated adjacent to the Ibis Styles hotel by the Leeds Arena the plush decor certainly gave a good first impression.

Staying true to their Yorkshire roots there are flat caps in various picture frames that hang from the wall, thankfully they drew the line there so the music is not the Brighouse and Raistrick Band playing the Floral Dance!

It's a friendly place and the staff are an asset to the restaurant. Apparently the restaurant is named after Arnold Ziff whose contribution to business and charity was awarded an OBE in 1981. He was also the founder of Town Centre Securities PLC who developed the Merrion Centre.

It was pleasing to note that a lot of our fellow diners were not people staying at the hotel - they had made a special visit to Arnold's.

My starter of Pear and Walnut salad priced at £6.50 was fresh and crispy, none of the soggy limp serving you sometimes get.

My partner's Smoked Haddock was freshly prepared and cooked - the plate was soon empty. In fact I did not see any plates returning to the kitchen with food on them.

My main of fresh cod was flaky and tender whilst my partners chicken breast was again freshly cooked and tasted excellent.

One of the daily specials was the Sticky Toffee Pudding served with Toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream. Rich and full of gooey treacle it tasted pure perfection.

My partner's Blueberry and Almond Tart was nicely presented with a good pastry base.

If you want a relaxed dining experience, good food in an friendly atmosphere with 5 star service then you have found the right place at Arnold's.

www.arnoldsleeds.co.

Wade Lane, Leeds LS2 8NJ