Cargo Wines Farsley: I visited the Leeds wine bar based at historic Sunny Bank Mills complex
A relatively uncultured beer drinker walks into a wine bar.
It sounds like the start of one of those really bad jokes your dad pulls out at Christmas, the type that provokes a grimace rather than a laugh.
On this occasion, there is no punchline, it merely describes a Saturday night I had recently. Like many Brits, I enjoy a drink. However, an aficionado is something I cannot claim to be.
Nights out with my partner, mates or family tend to involve me scanning the tap selection in a pub before opting for the same continental lager.
When a wine bar at Sunny Bank Mills was suggested as a date night destination, I was overcome with the same fear I feel when I occasionally nip into M&S or Waitrose.
I thought it would surely be too fancy for me, and that I would be laughed out of the joint for making a laughable tasting notes suggestion.
A few cheap bottles of red was as far as I’d delved into the world of wine and I was convinced I would be out of my depth.
Cargo’s lush interior intensified these fears but within minutes, I was at ease. Staff could not have been friendlier, offering a warm welcome as they guided us to a lovely outdoor table.
Water in a fancy jug followed along with menus, as well as the reassurance they would be happy to help with any selection troubles.
I knew absolutely nothing about wine, but it didn’t matter. There was no superiority complex, no looking down one’s nose or eye-rolling.
Cargo offers all the luxury of world-class wines without the feeling of being lost. It provides a stylish space you do not feel out of place in. It ticked all the boxes.
The wine itself was remarkable and opened me up to a world I did not know existed. I resisted the temptation to go for a beer (which they do serve, fear not fellow yeast-swiggers) and tried a highly-recommended red from Frankland River in Australia.
The Cherubino Uovo Cabernet Nebbiolo was the best wine I had ever sampled by an absolute country mile. It is fermented in a concrete egg and has a strong blackcurrant flavour.
It cost £11.50 for a 125ml glass, but there are cheaper options that are just as stellar, with the cheapest glass of red being £6.
The staff at Cargo shun pretentiousness but take pride in their craft - and the bar is a fantastic addition to the vibrant Farsley scene.
Factfile
Address: Sunny Bank Mills, Twistings Gallery, 83-85 Town St, Leeds LS28 5UJ
Telephone: 07511 345791
Opening hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 12-8pm, Thursday: 12-10pm, Friday: 12-11pm, Saturday: 11am-11pm
Scores
Drinks: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Total: 8.75/10