Anthony’s at Flannels

We were warned that there was nothing to do in Leeds, so we decided to spend all our time eating instead. There aren’t any Michelin stars in Leeds, only Bibs, but Anthony’s did not disappoint.

Food

For lunch there was a choice of sandwiches, afternoon tea, or 2-3 course meal. We decided we might as well go the whole hog, so we chose to have the 2 course meal. Oak Smoked Salmon & Prawn Fishcakes. Red Pepper & Tomato Salsa, Caviar Vinaigrette looked very pretty, the fishcakes were softly tinted pink, the tomato salsa setting off the fishcakes. The taste is quite delicate, with a nice smoked flavour. The Chicken & Black Pudding Sausage, Grain Mustard Mash Potatoes was fine, with good quality sausage, but nothing too special though.

For mains, I chose the Thyme & Garlic Roasted Lamb Rump, Dauphinoise Potatoes, Caponata . I actually couldn’t cut the lamb with my knife. The caponata didn’t go with the lamb at all but the Dauphinoise potatoes were beautifully executed. The Pan-Fried Calves Liver & Streaky Bacon served with Polenta Cake, Caramelised Onions & Shitaki Mushrooms tasted like calves liver. I couldn’t detect any shitaki mushrooms in the dish at all. The food was good but not really that exciting.

Rating - 7

Atmosphere

Situated in the Flannels department store, more specifically, in the attic space. I like the design in that they have used this to their advantage rather than the other way. Let me elaborate. Exposed beams are a feature of the decoration. The view out the window is the Leeds city skyline, and the white walls are decorated by some colourful beams. Anthony’s function as both a café and restaurants, there are some leather armchairs and cakes and coffees for the shoppers, a whole line on afternoon tea, and starch white tablecloths and wine for the serious diners. It’s definitely a place to come to catch up with friends on the weekend, or a casual business lunch on the weekday. The plates remind me of the ones at J Baker’s. Their chosen flower colour is purple though, and is presented on the table and in their dishes as well.

Rating - 2.5

Service

They were a bit casual, but fine for the setting. No one said goodbye to us or handed us our coats when we left though.

Rating - 2.5

C-factor

Two Courses £15.50 for lunch.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 13

Info

3rd floor
68 Vicar Lane
Leeds
LS1 7JH
Phone +44 (0) 11 3242 8732
Website