Dave Cartwright admits that he’s sceptical of chicken (though he’s always convinced by cocktails) but had a good time at Bird and Beast, the new chicken and cocktail bar in town…
Nestled in an upstairs corner of Central Arcade sits Bird and Beast. When given the joyous task of paying them a visit, I was intrigued by the promise of chicken and cocktails in what seemed like a bizarre combination. When you think of a good old margarita the last thing that springs to mind is a roasted poulé, but nevertheless I attended with anticipation.
I’ve always been sceptical of chicken, having had numerous experiences where it’s dryness has left me wishing I had plumped for a different meat. However, Bird and Beast don’t just do chicken, they do chicken thoroughly. From the free range fields of Druffield to the double marinated, cherry oak chipped smoking, these chickens are beautifully considered. What this translates to, is moist, tender meat. The frills are absolutely in the preparation, because on the menu, the confidence in taste results in what at first glance appears to be a fairly bare menu. Whole chicken, half chicken or quarter chicken, a few sides and a few salads. However, like I say, I don’t feel this displays a lack of imagination nor a failure to give choice. Rather, an absolute belief in ‘the bird.’ The quality of the meat and the care taken over its outcome allows this restaurant to distinguish itself head and shoulders above the other chicken-focused establishments in town.
I attended the restaurant with my friend, a vegetarian. His only choice was a few salads and although the salad was nice, we didn’t feel the vegetarian selection was quite up to the standard of the meat. I was also left questioning ‘where is the beast on the menu?’ However, after further research I discovered the beast comes out on a Sunday in what sounds like an amazing roast dinner. Sirloin beef, roast belly pork, Yorkshire puddings. If it’s as high quality as their chicken, then this is going to become my Sunday haunt (although again perhaps it would be nice to have the option mid-week.)
Having demolished my main meal and the delicious side dishes (particularly the char grilled sweet potato wedges), I was invited into the new Bird and Beats bar. It was a very well thought through mood change. From the amber-lit, sophisticated mood of the restaurant, you enter a funky turquoise cocktail bar. Stylish furniture and a low pulsing playlist provide the ideal atmosphere to kick back, chat and let your dinner settle. The cocktail menu itself perhaps needs a little more imagination. With many other cocktail bars emerging in Leeds, the importance of a venturesome, bold and distinctive cocktail menu is becoming very important. That being said, the bar is new and the bartenders seemed more than capable, crafting a tasty cocktail to my friends very specific taste.
As a bar and restaurant these two compliment each other beautifully. The change in vibe you encounter as you move from one to the other maintains a relaxed, trendy atmosphere which makes the whole experience well worth a visit. I’m very excited to pay them a sunday visit, even though a cocktail bar visit seems like a must and will probably result in a painful monday. Nevertheless, absolutely worth a trip.
