Food and Drink: Al Fresco - in January..in Leeds?

The Alchemist - Leeds. Winter Terrace Dining 
Now this great country of ours is not designed for al fresco dining save for those randomly selected 12 days a year when the sun deigns to shine. So the thought of a meal on a winter terrace in the middle of Leeds, at night, in the first week of January didn't, on the face of it, seem the wisest thing especially of my several months pregnant wife.

Karen wrapped up

Nevertheless us Yorkshire types are made of hardy stuff and so under the glare of outdoor heaters, looking out over the twinkly lights of Boar Lane, we took our seats on the terrace. The Alchemist do provide the fleeciest of furry throws to supplement the heaters etc.. and to be honest it really was quite cosy. Who would have thought...

Spicy Meatballs

To the food, I ordered a starter of Moroccan spiced meatballs which came in a mini tagine and several strips of pita. Very tasty, well presented,  firm succulent meatballs with a hint of spice complemented by a more spicy tomato sauce, just the right size for a starter. The Mrs opted for Thai Fish Cakes with sweet chilli dipping sauce. These were described as tasty morsels with a lovely kick of chilli sauce.

My steak option

For mains we both operated for fajitas, chicken and for me steak. Its difficult to make such a dish particularly attractive, its functional, if the meats tender, the salas is good, the cheese is yum and creamy, likewise the sour cream then you aren't going to go far wrong. With four tortillas its filling, tasty, spicy and ticks most of the boxes, We are both spice fiends so ideally it would be ramped up a touch with jalapenos but that's a personal thing..

Yummy hot choc

By now it seemed the most natural and comfortable thing to do, sit outside on a terrace up above the city centre in sub zero temperatures. As a nod to the cold we finish off with a rather nifty and one of the best value hot chocolates we've had.

So misconceptions shattered, a very cosy meal, excellent food and service.
2 starters, 2 mains, 2 hot chocolates, 2 pints Becks, 1 glass Malbec and a alcohol free mulled wine thing. Total bill £54

Highly recommended and once baby JM drops we will be back. Thanks