Farrands review: I spent a Friday night at the Leeds bar turning murder mysteries into cocktails

This classy independent bar on Sovereign Street had the great misfortune of opening 20 days before the first Covid lockdown. I last visited soon after it had properly reopened in 2021, and it recently popped back onto my radar while doom-scrolling on Instagram.

After sharing a reel of an interesting-looking cocktail with a friend, we found ourselves there a few days later for post-work Friday drinks.

We were seated in the main bar, where warm tones, moody lighting and industrial touches create a grown-up but relaxed atmosphere. There’s a second room with a sliding roof that transforms the space into an outdoor terrace in warmer months.

Farrands offers table service, and our friendly server, Charlie, brought water and complimentary crisps - a nice touch. The menu includes classic cocktails (£11), ‘tiny tipples’ (£4.50 each or three for £12), plus an excellent wine list and a frankly enormous range of spirits. The beer list is more compact but well chosen, with Budvar, Amity and Guinness on draught, alongside local and alcohol-free bottles and cans.

But the stars of the menu are the signature cocktails (£12), a distinctive collection that changes every six months. The current theme is ‘murder mystery’, with drinks inspired by the team’s favourite who-dunnit books, films and board games, each paired with a quote.

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Four can be made alcohol-free, and I opted for a boozeless version of the Remember Little Daisy Armstrong, inspired by Murder on the Orient Express. Although small (the standard version is with Hennessy VS, which would have packed a punch), it was light and refreshing, balancing sweet stone fruit shrub with tangy ginger ale.

My guest went for the Death by Dimas Deli, which sounded intriguing - featuring tzatziki-washed Glendalough gin, cucumber and green tea. Sadly, they found it watery and bland, but a daring menu inevitably comes with the risk of not being to everyone’s taste.

But their second choice was a hit. Hot On The Case, inspired by the thriller Se7en. Made with Singleton 12-year-old Scotch, chamomile-infused Calvados and jalapeño hot honey, it was richly boozy, with heat and floral notes perfectly balanced. They raved about it for days.

Bold, thoughtful and elegant, with polished service and a relaxed atmosphere, Farrands has the personal touch that only an independent bar can bring - and we’re already keen to return to crack the rest of the mystery.

Factfile

Address: 18 Swinegate, Leeds, LS1 4AG

Telephone: 0113 390 8740

Opening hours: Mon, closed; Tues-Thurs, 4pm-11pm; Fri, 4pm-midnight; Sat, noon-midnight; Sun, noon-6pm.

Website: farrandsbar.com

Scores

Drinks: 7/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Service: 9/10