Foodie/Boozy Review: Black Market

May 2019- Ash McVeagh

"A glorious and unique fine dining Friday night experience, in the heart of Chapel Allerton"

The best seat in the house - Black Market, Chapel Allerton, Leeds

We were over the moon to be booked into a highly sought after table at Black Market on a Friday evening in May. The front of the restaurant has been tastefully transformed into an inviting paradise, leading you straight in to a boutique restaurant. We felt a special vibe about the place as soon as we walked in.

You won't be disappointed with the welcome. Justina & her front of house team showed us to a table that we had our eye on, next to the window and near to the wine fridges and a funky record player, we were sure Grace Jones was serenading us in on the vinyl.

We were dying to kick off the night with a cocktail; and Pornstar Martinis are all the rage these days, so 2 were swiftly ordered following our fantastic meet and greet.

Like silk, they flowed so nicely, with a very special extra touch on the top with a crispy caramelised pineapple. Fair to say, our cheeky Pornstars got us geared up for the main event, the Chapel Allerton Blog Team had landed!

Our evening revolved around the small plates menu, almost a tapas theme, but more complex dishes with creative twists and food pairings that literally jump out on the page.

Harissa Olives were the kick starting nibblets for us, guiding us to make the next move on to our first plate of cauliflower croquettes with a smooth tomato and almond romesco accompaniment, we were fighting over the last one to get a final go of all of the flavours and sidekick sauces.

Listen to this next one; Belly Pork mac and cheese, with a braised pig cheek croquette. No more needed to be said, other than, absolutely stunning.

We chose 1 small plate from the Veggie section, 1 from the Fish, 2 from the Meats and of course a lovely side to go with it of celeriac dauphinoise. For the fish lovers, get your own cheeks in to the brioche monkfish cheeks with pancetta and dashi sauce. Heaven on a plate, and perfect for moving on our pallets.

The portion sizes are impressive, each presented with precision on the funkiest plates and serving dishes. The kitchen commanded by John and the front of house have clearly planned all of this out meticulously, and they have really pulled it off.

Now for the meat lovers, we melted when we saw the sirloin pave being delivered, and it melted in our mouths as well. Served with mushroom caramel, horseradish mousse and chimchurri. Medium rare was bang on for this dish, as it gave a sweet depth to the meat to accompany the sauces.

And so, we moved on to dessert. We really did think the main event had passed. We were wrong, and this was our ultimate favourite part of the evening.

We ordered the Vanilla sky dessert, it had an ice cream we had never heard of before-Tonka Bean. The Tonka Bean really made the dish, pulling in the delight of a macaroon filled with vanilla crème brulee. We washed this down with 2 extra strength expresso martinis courtesy of the skills of Rio.

The Verdict: It's not often that that you can walk in to such a unique, vinyl playing, exquisite dish serving, creative gem of a restaurant and honestly say every dish was superb. We highly recommend this fine dining funky concept that wont blow the budget, fitting perfectly with the dynamic spirit of Chapel Allerton.

The Hosts: John & Justina- an A* class stylish team, supported by a passionate tribe in the kitchen and upstairs on the restaurant floor.

The Chapel Allerton Blog Team & Our amazing hosts (in the middle) the big bosses at Black Market Chapel Allerton Leeds

Left to right Ash, John, Justina, Nikki

There's more! "Hidden Chef's table"

Hidden down illuminated stairs, you will find John & his kitchen tribe, encompassing a truly tasteful, fit for a king chefs table. Available to book for larger groups, functions, private events, and bespoke taster menu opportunities.

Immerse yourself with the chefs, and sheepskin chairs, in Black Markets hidden beauty!

https://www.blackmarketleeds.co.uk/

5 Stainbeck Lane

Chapel Allerton Leeds

Leeds

LS7 3PJ

T:0113 262 2531