I went for a Sunday roast at this Leeds restaurant and the mouthwatering menu made choosing almost impossible
Our reviewer was impressed with the vast menu, warm service and quality cooking ⭐
There must be nothing more frustrating for restaurant staff than indecisive customers who can’t settle on their order.
And unfortunately for our server at The Whitehall, it took three visits to our table before we could decide what to eat.
But with a vast à la carte menu filled with delicious-sounding British classics - plus an extra Sunday roast menu adding to our woes - who can blame us?
We visited the Whitehall Road restaurant on a Sunday, when it’s become known for its roasts (the owner, Fatjon Muca, almost didn’t open on Sundays - but it now beats most Saturdays on takings).
While we browsed the menu, we grazed on a bowl of beautifully plump olives and treated ourselves to a bottle of red from the enormous wine list. There were 23 red wines from all over the world, and we opted for the Tempera Crianza Rioja, a fresh Spanish wine with deep plum notes that was the perfect accompaniment to the hearty meal.
The service was outstanding. The general manager, Chelsea, flitted between the door and the tables, making sure everyone was well looked after, offered to take our coats into the cloakroom, and gave The Whitehall an air of fine dining that goes far beyond its price point.
Our server, Martin, was warm and friendly, knowledgeable on the menu, and very patient with us when we wrestled with our decision.
Eventually, I opted for the vegetable wellington from the Sunday roast menu, which, like all the roasts, is served with roast carrot, garlic greens, roast potatoes, a Yorkshire pudding and a pot of gravy. And, to my delight, a bubbling bowl of cauliflower cheese that was slightly chargrilled on top - which I immediately devoured on its own.
The pastry of my wellington was exceptionally cooked, the Yorkshire pudding perfectly crisp, and the earthy, skin-on carrot had a dash of vinegar which complemented the rich gravy very nicely. The roast potatoes were crisp on the outside and buttery soft inside, and seasoned with a dash of herbs.
My friend went for the Yorkshire grain-fed chicken from the à la carte menu, served with caramelised onion soubise, a mini pot pie, roast heritage carrot, king trumpet mushroom and tarragon dauphinoise potatoes. He said the chicken was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the flavours perfectly balanced and the quality of the ingredients noticeable.
We also shared a side of charred tenderstem broccoli, which was perfectly cooked and doused in chilli and garlic - divine. Both our dishes were very well seasoned.
The portions were generous and we thought we could not possibly manage a dessert - until I saw the creme brulee on the menu, my favourite sweet treat. We shared one between us, and it arrived in a flatter shape than usual, which meant more of the crispy caramel on top, which is of course the best bit.
Our total bill came to just over £100; with most of the roasts priced at £22.95, it was excellent value for the quality of the food and service.
Did we make the right decision?
It was a resounding yes - although, with so much more to choose from, this won’t be the last they see of us. Sorry, Martin.
Factfile
Address: West Point, Whitehall Rd, Leeds, LS1 4JY
Telephone: 0113 244 8443
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-midnight; Sun, 10am-8pm.
Website:
Scores
Food: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Service: 10/10