The Assembly Cross Gates review: I tried this gem of a Leeds bar that proves why locals are so important
We were sipping our drinks beside two gorgeous pooches when pandemonium broke loose.
Having spotted another furry friend trotting into the bar, the dogs ran over to greet it, tails wagging, spinning in delighted circles. Smiles broke out across the room, the dogs were slipped treats, and their humans - clearly regulars - were soon catching up too.
It’s the kind of scene you’ll only find in a properly laidback local, where the community and social connection matters as much as the pours. But The Assembly nailed both when we visited on a busy Friday night.
When Stephanie and Matthew Cliffe opened the Cross Gates bar and bottle shop in 2018, they were taking a punt that locals would pay a little more for quality ales, gin, wine and cocktails. Their risk paid off: The Assembly is now a household name in the suburb.
I’ve just moved to east Leeds and it was my first visit to the Station Road venue, but we were warmly greeted by Matthew and immediately made to feel at home.
It’s a small, cosy bar with vintage-style decor: blue panelled walls, antique paintings and wooden seating that gives it the feel of a traditional boozer. The menu is handwritten in chalk around the bar - there’s a small but well-picked wine list, classic cocktails, artisan gins and a fantastic range of beer, including The Assembly’s own Sessions Lager.
I started with an espresso martini made with proper espresso from the machine. It was creamy, perfectly balanced and beautifully presented with a light dusting of coffee. My friend ordered her usual, Beefeater pink gin with lemonade.
It was busy, so we perched at the standing table in the middle of the bar. When a table freed up, Matthew came over to tell us, unprompted. We were soon chatting to the group beside us - and fussing over their dogs - before another round.
I went for a large glass of the Ca de Lago Pino Grigio, a crisp Italian white. Matthew suggested the Masons Tea Edition gin with elderflower tonic for my friend. It wasn’t quite her taste - she prefers sweeter gins - but I had a few sips and loved the dry tea and juniper with the floral tonic.
Our bill came to just under £28, remarkably reasonable for the quality of the drinks, service and atmosphere. Supporting independent businesses has never been more important, and The Assembly is a reminder of what a great local can be.
Factfile
Address: 1, Terminus Parade, Station Rd, Cross Gates, Leeds, LS15 7JZ
Telephone: 0113 318 8486
Opening hours: Mon, closed; Tue-Thurs, 4pm-11pm; Fri, 4pm-11.30pm; Sat, 2pm-11.30pm; Sun, 2pm-10.30pm.
Website: www.theassemblyleeds.co.uk
Scores
Drinks: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Atmosphere 9/10
Service: 10/10