Having lived in North Leeds for a long period of time I’ve been a regular visitor at The Deer Park. Over the years I’ve seen it change a few times but I have to say that recently I haven’t been a massive fan. I have found the menu lacked inspiration and the atmosphere when eating quite stale. When I heard that they were about to get a refurb I was intrigued and looked forward to giving the revamped Deer Park a try.
When we arrived it was evident straight away that quite a bit of money had been spent on improvements, there is a new and stylish contemporary feel to the interior decor. The bar is still in the same location as it was previously but the amount of soft seating area on the left has been extended allowing more casual dining or drinking compared to the more formal seating that was previously in place. Within this space, an area has also been separated off allowing private dining (there is no hire charge for this area). The bar had a great range of gin (we particularly noted this!), fizz, cocktails (in some funky glasses) and wines by the glass as well as a wide range of real ales.
After first having a drink in the bar area, which was busy and had a good atmosphere, we were taken to our table. We were taken through the area on the right of the building which remains as more of a restaurant as before. However, we were taken into a newly built extension which I was really impressed with. It comes out of the front of the building and has a retractable roof for the summer. When we were there we had the heaters on and it very cosy. We were told this space could also be hired out (daytime or night time) and it would be ideal for things like birthdays and christening parties.
Given I had not been impressed by the menu in the last few years I was looking forward to seeing if it had changed. It was the complete opposite and there were so many things that I wanted to try. (I was spoilt for choice already before my friends pointed out I hadn’t even looked at the other side of the menu yet!) The menu has a meat and fish focus but they have a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options and cater for other allergies and dietary requirements. Between the four of us, we all tried different things and all of us were equally impressed. There was also a good choice of desserts but by this time I was so full I could only share a Tiramisu – it was as good as the rest of the meal.
We didn’t visit with the children but we would definitely return with them as they have an extensive children’s menu (including roasts on a Sunday) and have high chairs and baby changing available.
The staff were really attentive, and more than happy to help explain the menu, the service was great as well with the right amount of time between courses.
We all had a great night and it is somewhere that we will definitely be going back to I will also be recommending it for friends who are looking at doing something special with a big group – christenings, birthdays, etc as there are different opportunities for hiring space.
The newly refurbished Deer Park is definitely back on my radar. A great, stylish out of town haunt for either a nice meal with friends, somewhere for tea with the kids or if I’m lucky a place for me and my ladies to catch up!
Check out The Deer Park website to see the full menus, special events and offers they have running.
Deer Park, Street Lane Leeds, LS8 2DQ
Tel: 0113 246 3211
www.deerparkleeds.co.uk
*I was kindly invited to The Deer Park to try their food but as normal all comments in this review are my open and honest opinion.
