According to one reader, Crafthouse is an oasis of “elegant tranquillity”. The rooftop restaurant and bar finds its home on the top floor of Leeds’s smart inside-outside shopping centre Trinity, and alongside its sibling Angelica, was the first regional outpost from acclaimed restaurant group D&D London, which counts the well-respected likes of German Gymnasium, Coq d’Argent and 14 Hills in its portfolio.
The lofty position allows for terrific views, but there’s plenty to look at inside, with an open kitchen dominating one of the stylish, soberly dressed dining rooms. The bar is pretty as a picture too, thanks to a marble splashed counter top and live herbs and foliage which hang from the ceiling.
This place is now a strong contender in the city and readers say it is “clearly passionate about every aspect of hospitality”, from the top-notch service to the “unbelievable”, beautifully presented food.
Many punters are attracted by the smoky Josper-grilled steaks and native lobsters, but the menu offers plenty of possibilities for those who like their food with more on-trend embellishments: seared duck liver comes with compressed watermelon, hemp granola, sour yoghurt, sorrel water and L8 harvest vinegar, while poached line-caught sea bass is accompanied by langoustine tortellini, Japanese cucumber, sweet pea, kombu seaweed, pickled daikon and dashi.
Desserts keep it simple with crème brûlée, chocolate fondant or Mont Blanc mousse, while drinks include plenty of well-chosen wines by the glass or carafe, as well as a list of classic cocktails such as Espresso Martinis and Old Fashioned. For special occasions, you can opt for the classic afternoon tea (served Tuesday-Sunday, 1-3.30pm) or the refined seven-course tasting menu, while Sunday lunch sees the likes of chicken liver parfait and truffle-flecked orzo pasta available at two courses for just £20. “Not to be missed”, says a fan.