I tried a solo evening at this Leeds wine bar - now I can't wait to go back

Sometimes the best evenings are the ones you don't plan.

After a long day at work, I found myself in need of a little self-date, and Rinse Natural Wine proved to be exactly the tonic required.

Positioned just opposite the Corn Exchange, Rinse benefits from one of the best people-watching spots in the city. The bright, welcoming interior feels a world away from some of the darker, more serious wine bars, creating an atmosphere that is relaxed, approachable and effortlessly enjoyable.

Even on a quieter visit, there was a clear sense of community. Many of the customers seemed to be familiar faces, and it was easy to understand why people keep coming back.

The standout feature of the evening was undoubtedly the service. Running a venue that combines a wine bar with a retail bottle shop is no easy task, yet the member of staff working during my visit handled everything seamlessly.

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Between serving drinks, chatting with guests, helping customers choose bottles to take home and preparing food orders, they never seemed flustered. Everything was done with genuine warmth, enthusiasm and a smile. It was a wonderful example of the kind of hospitality Leeds does so well.

Natural wine can sometimes be seen as a divisive category, and building an entire menu around it is a bold move. Fortunately, Rinse gets it absolutely right. Before making a decision, I was encouraged to try a few samples, and every wine I tasted was excellent.

I began with a white made from a grape variety I had never tried before, always an exciting prospect for anyone interested in wine, before moving on to a beautifully balanced orange wine. Both were served perfectly chilled and showcased just how approachable and enjoyable natural wine can be.

Food was limited to snacks, but what a snack it was. The loaded truffle crisps topped with prosciutto, sliced olives, chilli, aioli and shaved Manchego were simply outstanding. Rich, indulgent and packed with flavour, they paired brilliantly with the wines and are an absolute must-order. A larger sharing version is also available, though I had no trouble polishing off the smaller portion myself.

My two glasses of wine came to £10.90 and £9.50 respectively, while the loaded crisps were £7. For the quality on offer, the pricing felt spot on.

Whether it was the welcoming atmosphere, the exceptional hospitality or simply the wine, I left feeling relaxed, warm and already planning a return visit.

Factfile

Address: 9 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7DH

Opening hours: Sun-Mon, closed; Tues-Weds, 4pm-10pm; Thurs-Sat, noon-11.30pm

Website: www.rinsenaturalwine.co.uk

Scores

Drinks: 9

Value: 9

Atmosphere: 9

Service: 10