Anthony's at Flannels
IF you haven’t sampled the delights of
the set menu of Anthony’s at Flannels
yet, then you really should.
It really is pretty good value,
particularly since the food comes from
the stable of Leeds’s finest chef Anthony
Flynn. Two courses will set you back
£14.50 while three courses is just £18.
Ok, it isn’t budget dining but you’ll be
hard pushed to find many restaurants of
this standard serving meals where each
course is just £6 to £7 a throw.
It really is delectable. My dining partner
went for the starter option – scallops
with pesto in chilli foam (foam is one of
Flynn’s signature flourishes) the foam
itself actually wasn’t that flavoursome
but the scallops were cooked perfectly.
We both had the main of beef with
glazed vegetables which was wonderful
– absolutely sublime comfort food which
doesn’t sacrifice subtlety in favour of
indulgence. While my dessert of a tiny
ginger cake with ice cream was small
but amazingly formed and just the
perfect ending to the meal.
There’s several choices for each course
on offer too, each one mouthwatering
and inventive and each one with its own
reminder that you’re dining courtesy of
Monsieur Flynn.
Service could be hit and miss at times.
Every now again it would slip a little,
then they would somehow redeem
themselves, often with a smile and an
apology.
When we first walked in we were told we
faced a 20 minute wait for a table and
asked to sit in a waiting area. We agreed
and said we’d like a drink while we were
waiting. Anyway, ten minutes passed
and no one came to take our drink order
but then, shortly after, we were shown to
our table anyway. Unfortunately we had
to wait another ten minutes or so before
someone came to take our drink order.
To be fair when we had selected our
dishes and drinks everything came in
reasonable time. Only the dessert
seemed to take a while, and even then
the waiter was incredibly polite and
wasn’t afraid to say sorry, which makes
a massive difference.
And if you don’t fancy the set menu then
there are one or two specials to choose
from. Alternatively, and this is the
beauty of Anthony’s at Flannels, you can
just come in for a coffee or even full
afternoon tea. The whole set up is aimed
towards day-time eating and drinking
and since it’s just a few shuffles from the
main shopping thoroughfares of the city
centre it’s ideally placed.
It is terribly chic too, with white
minimal space and stylish wooden
tables complemented by red leather
chairs. The long sash windows offer an
urban view which, although far from
beautiful, heightens the sense that
you’re in the heart of Leeds. You come
here for the thrill of the city, not Turneresque
landscapes.
Anthony’s at Flannels is the ideal place
to stop off when you’re in town on other
business, not so much a destination
restaurant, but one which really is
essential to try.
RATING: 4/5
