The Waterhole , Leeds

Situated opposite the Infirmary and near the law courts on Great George Street is a great little bistro with a French feel.  With wooden floors and panelling, wine bottles and red and white check covers in the bar, it’s relaxed and stylist and you’re sure of a very warm welcome from cheery, smiley, seemingly very happy staff. How refreshing!

We decided to check out the lunch menu for a change and arrived on a Wednesday, secured a table in the restaurant area and were promptly looked after by the very efficient waitress.

The menu was not all French, but looked excellent all the same.  We were advised about the day’s ‘Specials’ and were brought a basket of delicious, fresh baked, French baguette with butter.  I opted for the homemade Soup of the Day which was Tomato, piping hot and peppery, I love soup if it’s truly ‘home made’ and this certainly was.  My companion went for the Moules Marierers which had a fabulous creamy garlic sauce which was polished off with the reminder of the bread.  Did we want more bread?  Yes, but no, for there were the mains to come.

Chicken Supreme with Roast Mediterranean Vegetables came with two generous portions of chicken breast, very well presented.  A starter size of Black Tiger Prawns with Ginger, Garlic and Lemon with a side order of French Fries (of course) completed our mains and together with a half bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (well it was lunch time), we agreed that we had discovered a real little gem of a place.  I would image if you work close by you’ve discovered it for yourself, if not I really suggest you try it.  There are not many places like this anymore.  I expected ‘pub grub’ All Bar One style, which is fine in its way, but what we got at The Waterhole was restaurant quality food.  We loved it.

A nice selection of desserts is available, but true to form, I chose the home made cheesecake which was lemon served, with sorbet.  Freshly made Crème Brulee with vanilla ice cream was the other choice.  Both well presented, both delicious, both polished off. 

With a hot latte to finish we lingered a short while agreeing that: ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to stay here all afternoon and have a few more bottles of wine and enjoy the sunshine (yes it was a rare day in August).”  Alas, it was back to work, C'est la vie, but it certainly was a lovely lunch.  A little ‘Joie de vivre’ and I will certainly be recommending it if anyone asks me if I know a good place in town to take clients for lunch, friends for dinner or a get together for two.  The Waterhole it is.

Reviewed by Cherie Andrews

Review Summary

Atmosphere ♦♦♦♦
Food ♦♦♦♦♦
Service ♦♦♦♦♦
Value ♦♦♦♦

Contact Details

The Waterhole
43 St George Street
Leeds
LS1 3BB

Tel: 0113 234 6861