We were only going to stop for a quick drink after a morning walk along the Leeds-Liverpool canal, but now I’m writing a review about the place the food was that good! 

Situated underneath Leeds train station arches, on the ever popular Granary Wharf, I’d walked past Archies a few times before but had never visited.  

Fresh Juices from the VW campervan:

Feeling a little dehydrated from the night before, I was drawn to the juices that were being made in the cool, orange VW campervan, that was parked in the front window. I opted for the detox juice with cucumber & apple. My friend chose a fiery juice with a nice kick of ginger.  

Archies Food:  

Before we had finished our drinks we had already decided to head elsewhere for lunch, then the barman came round with the lunch menu and we succumbed to temptation. 

We picked a number of the “small plate” tapas size dishes, and finally decided on; Polenta & Cumin Crusted Lamb Cutlets with a Smoked Aubergine purée, Risotto Balls with Mushrooms, Mozzerella and Tomato salsa, Teriyaki Salmon with black rice and Mango Salsa, Thai Fishcakes, and a Feta, Beetroot & Pomegranite Salad. 

All of the dishes were really tasty and well presented. My joint favourites were the Lamb Cutlets and Risotto Balls. 

The Lamb was beautifully cooked, still a little pink inside, with the spiced cumin crust working wonderfully with the meat. The smoked Aubergine purée finished it off nicely. 

The Rissoto Balls were delicious with its  earthy mushroom flavour and the stringy mozerella staring in this dish. I also have to mention the black rice and mango salsa that was served with the Salmon, wow! 

The menu also included a number of “large plates”, with favourites like Shepherds Pie, Bangers & Mash, Burgers and Sandwiches. The Manager told us about their award winning sausages, so before we’d left Archies we’d already set a date to return for breakfast the following week, when I’ll be en-route to the airport. 

Friendly Staff & Cool Vibes: 

Apart from the great food here, we had excellent service from the staff and management, and there was a cool, laid back & urban deco feel to the place. The choice in beer and ales looked comprehensive too, as you would imagine it would be being owned by local Ossett’s Brewery. 

I’m very glad that I was slightly hungover yesterday and stopped by for that healthy juice! (April 2016) 

Archie’s, The Dark Arches, 

Granary Wharf, Leeds, LS1 4BR 

http://www.archiesbarandkitchen.co.uk