A jewel on the waterfront

The clocks turned back so the nights are darker but we did have a bright warm welcome when we visited the Canal Club in Leeds this week.

Tucked away on Little Neville Street behind the Hilton Hotel, this little gem of a restaurant sits on the river Aire, just a short stroll from Leeds City Station.

The restaurant was fairly quiet when we arrived, but it was only 6.30pm. The decor boasts lots of plants with subdued lighting, giving it a cosy feel. I made a note to visit again during the Summer months as the outlook to the rear overlooks the river I guess will be vibrant as the footbridge connects to an array of other bars and restaurants on the other side.

My host welcomed me and showed me to a window seat where I settled in and waited for my guest to arrive. I was offered water and something from the bar whilst I waited.

When my guest arrived the waitress again asked if we would like drinks, The wine list was extensive with a large selection of red, white and rose wines. We ordered a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough from New Zealand reasonably priced at £28. A large glass is £9.50, a typical Leeds city centre price. There was a good selection of spirits and lots of cocktails to chose from both traditional and frozen. On Thursday's they have their Thirsty Thursday promotion from 7pm offering a selection of beer, cider and shots from £6 for two.

The restaurant serve a selection of 'small' plates that I must say are huge! We ordered a selection of six: pigs in blankets served with a honey mustard dip; a festive sausage roll with a red wine cranberry jus; homemade miniature Yorkshire puddings filled with stuffing and served with red wine jus; Moules Mariniere served with sourdough ad a choice of sauce, my guest chose garlic and cream; mini fish & chips with tartar sauce and tempura prawns with a garlic and ginger sweet chilli dip.

The portion sizes are huge and our six plates would easily serve four people, the two of us couldn't eat it all, as delicious as it was. My favourite was the festive sausage roll and mini Yorkshire puddings with my guest favouring the mini fish and chips.

Despite the delicious looking dessert menu, we both agreed we couldn't possible eat any more. Had I succumbed I think I would have chosen the lemon cheesecake or chocolate brownie, all desserts reasonably priced at £5.95. There is also a good selection of dessert cocktails; listing two of my favourites Espresso Martini and Amaretto Sour.

The service was swift, if I'm honest, a little too quick but it was friendly all the same. I think on my next visit we will go as a crowd, it is the perfect place for a group to sit and share the delicious plates as it does have a party atmosphere.

With Christmas on the horizon, this would be the perfect place to visit with a group of friends for a festive night out!

To book call: 0113 513 3592. Unit 1, & 2, Little Neville St, Leeds LS1 4ED