It's been a while since I've had Sunday lunch, and being back in Leeds, I was invited by a friend to visit the newly opened location of The Swine Bistro. I've been frequenting their establishments for some years now, from The Greedy Pig to The Swine That Dines, and was delighted to accept the invitation. Stu and Jo are some of Leeds's longstanding independent faces on the scene, and I love supporting independents—Leeds is so crammed full these days with countless options. Once again, I loved having the decision taken out of my hands.

Now located in Headingley on Otley Road, the new facade sits handsomely with a standout shopfront in pale green that looks every inch the bistro it claims to be. Set against old stone and a busy road, it stands out among the other food establishments in the area and drew my senses right in.

Low ceilings and exposed timbers greet you on arrival, with linen-covered tables creating a rustic and comforting atmosphere from the get-go. The warm welcome and unfussy décor were exactly what my dining mood was seeking. I wanted something comforting and delicious, and I was confident I was in the right place at the right time.

The menu, served on printed paper held with a paperclip, was bistro perfection—the brief was being fully delivered so far. The cocktail and wine options were perfectly curated without being overwhelming, and the wines by the glass selection was a welcome offering when torn between two bottles. Jo was happy to let me sample, and we opted for the 3 Passo Rosso, a blend of Negroamaro and Syrah—full-bodied and smooth as silk. Since we'd both already decided on our lunch meat of choice, it paired absolutely beautifully.

The Sunday lunch menu offers starters from labneh to Cornish sardines, all sounding unpretentious, well thought out, and refreshingly different from the norm. The main event, as they like to call it, includes pork belly, aubergine ratatouille, red bream and confit chicken, alongside our chosen 40-day aged rump cap beef, served with beef dripping potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, carrots and broccoli with gravy. We also opted for cauliflower and broccoli cheese and some buttered new potatoes.

The atmosphere is perfect for a cosy catch-up, romantic date, or frankly any kind of gathering, and we chatted away until the main event arrived.

Greeted by a waft of enticing aromas, I just knew it was going to be exceptional—and it absolutely delivered. No fuss, no perfectly positioned ingredients, just genuinely good food.

The beef was a revelation, enveloping me in warmth and wholesomeness from the first bite. You can always tell quality produce, and this beef really shone as a top-drawer selection.

The broccoli and cauliflower cheese were sumptuous—among the best I've had—with perfectly al dente vegetables. The carrots were cut chunky on a chef's angle, while the tenderstem broccoli was beautifully crunchy, as gorgeous to look at as it was delicious to eat.

The buttered new potatoes were ordered by my friend as a special request for her partner to take home; having enjoyed them previously, he adored them and they were his reward for the lift to Otley Road. My only minor quibbles, if any, were that the roast potatoes could have been crispier and more golden, and I could have used a sharper knife—but these didn't detract from the meal whatsoever. These are just personal preferences, and I might cheekily start bringing my own knife to restaurants in future.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates food cooked with genuine skill and love. It exceeded all my expectations, and I tip my hat to Jo, Stu and their team. I can absolutely see why the Good Food Guide placed them in their top 100 best local restaurants for 2025.

It's rare that I venture out for Sunday lunch, but I'm already looking forward to returning and exploring more of their excellent, expertly crafted menu.

Book in, support them, and enjoy—you can thank me later.

The Swine Bistro

Wed-Sat Lunch 12-3 Dinner 5.30-9 Sunday Lunch 12-4

77A Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds
theswinebistro.co.uk