Sunday Lunch at Dock Street Market

Dock Street Market (previously Simpson’s) isn’t really a Market, but it is on Dock Street. I think it started off with ambitions to be more market like, but has settled down in to a more conventional eating, relaxing and working space. It’s settled into itself since I first visited, with rows of bicycles, funky furniture and a very relaxed atmosphere. Closer inspection reveals a room divider filled with books and games, a pool table and table top arcade game.

I took my seat on a long refectory table and nabbed a plug socket. There I remained for a good five hours, working in very convivial surroundings. No matter that for the first few I nursed just a diet coke whilst consuming free WiFi, the staff ignored me, the music was just loud enough to create an ambiance. I felt very relaxed

Shortly before my family arrived I decided that a Bloody Mary was required. Don’t judge me too harshly, surely it’s a salad in a glass? For £6 it wasn’t cheap. But it was of rock star quality (and I should know, my one lame claim to semi fame features a sublime bloody mary whilst watching the sun rise over the Chilean Andes with my husband & the god son of Christina Onassis. Let me tell you this bloody mary compared favorably)

When the starving brood arrived after swimming we wasted no time in ordering a primo platter of cured meats, cheeses, pickles, baba ganoush, slow roasted tomatoes & sour dough bread. Other than the quantity of cheese which was a bit measly it was declared a lip smacking success.

My fussy kids also gave the hearty Brazilian Feijoada stew (black beans, chorizo, bacon beef) the seal of approval by getting over their reluctance and stealing half of it. Just as well the portion was generous as mothery love only stretches so far!

A slice of cheesecake and piece of millionaire’s shortbread went down the hatch. Best shortbread I’ve nabbed off my daughter’s plate in a long while. You have to be quick though when a three year old is being possessive.

Chef Joe Gill evidently takes a pride in the quality if his ingredients. When asked about the cakes he told me they were created inhouse, which made me wonder if the Marvellous Tea Dance Company who were baking for the cafe are no longer there or taking a well earned post festival break.

Good news for parents is that Joe intends to add a baby changer to the toilets. Which will make Dock Street one of the most welcoming independents in Leeds for families in my opinion (my next review is of Primo’s in The Corn Exchange which gets my top award…)