While driving to the newly opened Brew+Bao at Chapel Allerton, my partner shared that the last time she was here, another car ran into the back of hers! Our visit to this new dining and drinking concept was even more memorable, thankfully – for all the right reasons.
Occupying the former Black Sheep Brewery site on Stainbeck Road, this is a collaboration between Brew York and YUZU Street Food. The venue – which according to their PR is “designed with a modern, urban aesthetic” – offers a menu of Asian street food, including bao buns and ramen, alongside a selection of craft beers, cocktails, and spirits.
The focus is on creating an engaging social space with the brand hopefully expanding should the Chapel Allerton site be a success. The outdoor seating area with the retractable roof will definitely add to the venue’s appeal, should we have a good summer.
Asian cuisine: you got to roll with it
I must admit that prior to my visit I had no idea what a bao was. The Chinese steamed bread roll is not something you would expect to find served in northern Leeds, which is another reason to visit this exciting new venue.
Our visit took place the day following a busy bank holiday Monday. With it being so busy, many of the dishes were sold out – the good news about this friendly and affordable place had been widely received.
The excellent value is all down to the opening offer of the £15 meal deal. Currently available until 6pm, the deal consists of any bao bun served with meat options including Korean pulled pork or chicken, or vegetarian choices like Japanese fried tofu or salt and pepper shiitake mushrooms alongside a selection of fries and sides such as chicken, vegetable or duck gyoza or, in my case. a very large and filling bowl of katsu curry.
My partner’s chicken katsu curry was enhanced with spices and was just as hot as any you might have had in nearby Bradford, although the chicken in this instance was a little overcooked for her liking.
The servings are on the large side. Dishes could easily be shared between two. Our tastebuds took a journey that went from sweetness to sour, with a range of food that was served hot and all tasted fresh.
Food can be ordered at the bar or via scanning a QR code on the menu, with the food brought to your table in both instances.
Living a sweet life
If you have any room left after experiencing a very filling meal, the short and sweet menu has two options: a very sticky apple pie gyoza drizzled with white and milk chocolate sauce, or the s’mores daonut – a bao bun donut filled with blowtorched marshmallows and a decadent chocolate sauce. Both were guilty pleasures, and you might want to forget about the calories! Both cost £7.
To wash down all this indulgence there is an extensive range of craft and keg beers, a thoughtfully curated collection of wines and a comprehensive cocktail menu, besides soft drinks and a robust coffee that tasted as if it had come from Lecce in Italy, not Leeds!
Access for all
Brew+Bao can be accessed by customers in wheelchairs as there are no steps to negotiate – unless you use the upstairs toilets. Thankfully there is a disabled toilet on the same level as the main dining and drinking area.
Whether you are after a good range of beers, or want to try food that is different from the norm, Brew+Bao certainly ticked all the boxes – we never saw one bad driver on the roads, much to my partner’s delight!
Brew+Bao is open seven days a week with full details on their website. 16/18 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3QY.
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