I tried cocktails at the Cut and Craft’s new Leeds bar after £1.5m transformation - and it oozes luxury

When I saw what The Cut & Craft had done with its £1.5m transformation, I knew I’d have to pay a visit.

The Victoria Leeds restaurant has doubled in size after taking over the former Paul Smith shop next door – and, more importantly, there’s now a rather swanky new bar to try.

And wow – the transformation is impressive. The decor has a glamorous, old-world feel, with warm tones, dark wood, polished brass and deep blue upholstery creating a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Ornate mirrors, decorative glass, brass fittings and softly glowing table lamps add to the sense of luxury, while the toilets may well be the fanciest in Leeds.

The staff were warm and welcoming and the service was slick. They were happy to strike up a conversation, knowledgeable about the menu and there were plenty of them on hand, meaning orders were dealt with quickly.

There’s an enormous range of cocktails to choose from, spanning Cut & Craft classics, seasonal signatures, ‘tried and tested’ classics and even brunch cocktails. The wine list is equally impressive, with a selection of rare fine wines from across the world.

I opted for the Bandmaster, a cocktail inspired by Wallace Hartley, the bandmaster who played in the building that now houses the restaurant before his final performance on the maiden voyage of the Titanic.

Made with Tanqueray No. 10, marmalade and Sainchargny Vintage Crémant, it arrives in a teacup, with sugar served on a spoon so you can sweeten the drink to your taste. It was deliciously boozy and sharp with citrus, and with just a dash of sugar, it was perfect.

My friends went for the Bramble – a sweeter gin cocktail perfectly balanced with tangy lemon – and the Paradise in Yorkshire, made with Absolut Mango Vodka, banana, passionfruit, pineapple and lime. My friend likened it to a Solero ice cream, a fruity dream on a hot summer’s day.

We enjoyed our drinks in the lovely al fresco seating area before heading inside.

The new bar area has a dedicated stage on the ground floor to cater for late-evening entertainment and live music, and a DJ was playing ambient house tracks during our visit. This has got to be Leeds’ best new date night spot.

It is pricey – most cocktails come in at £13-15 – but the luxurious surroundings, polished service and outstanding drinks made it feel worth every penny.

Factfile

Address: 23 King Edward St, Leeds, LS1 6AX

Telephone: 0113 831 4829

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, 11am-11pm; Fri, 11am-12.30am; Sat, 10am-12.30am; Sun, 10am-11pm

Website: www.thecutandcraft.co.uk

Scores

Drinks: 10/10

Value: 8/10

Atmosphere: 9/10

Service: 9/10