The Potting Shed Guiseley Review
After a long day trapped between the four claustrophobic walls of an office building many workers like to relax by immersing themselves in a spot of gardening. Others like to unwind by going down the pub. But what if there was a place where you could feel like you were at the allotment while simultaneously enjoying a tipple with your friends?
Now you need no longer sneak off down the garden shed for a sip of home grown scrumpy to escape the humdrum of domestic life. Situated a stone baked pizza throw away from one of my favourite eateries, Blinok pancake house in the picturesque market town of Guiseley, is chic garden themed bar The Potting Shed. |
Open since December 2017, a one million pound makeover of the old HSBC premises has proved an aesthetically pleasing effort.
Essentially made to give the impression of an oversized shed, the garden themed venue boasts plant pots for cutlery holders on each table, upturned buckets for lampshades, the occasional shrub, some lawn covered areas, and a general wooden, rustic décor. Thankfully the spiders and a muddy floor were omitted from the furnishings, although arguably a few rakes and pitchforks could really have added to the thrill of a late night pub brawl. Also worthy of note, but not necessarily shed related, is the large clay pizza oven housed in an open kitchen. |
WELL FED AND WATERED
WELL FED AND WATERED
Making an impromptu visit on a rainy Wednesday evening we were unable to make use of the outdoor garden area and therefore see the venue at full bloom. We did however manage to plant ourselves firmly in its relaxing interior atmosphere.
Already bustling with drinkers and diners by 7PM, most of the unoccupied tables were acting as plinths for ‘Reserved’ signs, so it took a couple of passes of the room before a cozy corner for perusing the menu could be found.
From a pescatarian perspective the food on offer was as accommodating as most venues, as long as you had a taste for either halloumi or aubergines. I opted for the Halloumi Stack (veggie burger) which, as always at every establishment everywhere, came with sweet potato fries for an extra one pound. My dining companion decided on the vegetarian lasagna and a portion of halloumi fries for sharing.
Despite being the busiest period of the day staff were friendly and helpful, and the wait time on food was minimal – in fact it was served in less than 5 minutes!
A delightful culinary addition to the meal, the halloumi fries were a bit tangier than we would have preferred, although having never had any before it may yet prove to be an unfair criticism. The lasagna was up to standard, with the usual tasty garlic bread as an ever reliable side. Typical of all burgers served at bars however, a graceful nibble proved impossible as the overstuffed bap easily crumbled between fingers.
Although a good dining experience, at £28 for two people (including soft drinks), it was possibly a little overpriced. One should however take into consideration that halloumi is never a cheap option.
Already bustling with drinkers and diners by 7PM, most of the unoccupied tables were acting as plinths for ‘Reserved’ signs, so it took a couple of passes of the room before a cozy corner for perusing the menu could be found.
From a pescatarian perspective the food on offer was as accommodating as most venues, as long as you had a taste for either halloumi or aubergines. I opted for the Halloumi Stack (veggie burger) which, as always at every establishment everywhere, came with sweet potato fries for an extra one pound. My dining companion decided on the vegetarian lasagna and a portion of halloumi fries for sharing.
Despite being the busiest period of the day staff were friendly and helpful, and the wait time on food was minimal – in fact it was served in less than 5 minutes!
A delightful culinary addition to the meal, the halloumi fries were a bit tangier than we would have preferred, although having never had any before it may yet prove to be an unfair criticism. The lasagna was up to standard, with the usual tasty garlic bread as an ever reliable side. Typical of all burgers served at bars however, a graceful nibble proved impossible as the overstuffed bap easily crumbled between fingers.
Although a good dining experience, at £28 for two people (including soft drinks), it was possibly a little overpriced. One should however take into consideration that halloumi is never a cheap option.
DIGGIN’ THE MUSIC SCENE
Despite advertising live acoustic music as being a weekend event, we found ourselves enjoying the midweek singing and strumming of guitarist Cornell Daley, a member of The Capo Amnesty. Unprecedented from a live bar musician, rather than loudly distort a tune with the demand to be heard, Cornell played at a reasonable volume which allowed attendees to actually enjoy his smooth, soulful voice.
Lending his talent to such classics as Bill Withers’ Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone, Otis Redding’s Sitting on the dock of the bay, and Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing compares 2U, the highlight was when he effortlessly blended in Sam Cooke’s Cupid into the middle of Ben E. King’s Stand by me. Cornell’s obvious preference for 1960s soul was a good use of his skillset, his slow, almost contemplative approach to each tune faintly tickling the ear like the warm whisper of a reassuring secret.
Sadly, it is unlikely that Cornell is rooted to the spot at The Potting Shed.
Lending his talent to such classics as Bill Withers’ Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone, Otis Redding’s Sitting on the dock of the bay, and Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing compares 2U, the highlight was when he effortlessly blended in Sam Cooke’s Cupid into the middle of Ben E. King’s Stand by me. Cornell’s obvious preference for 1960s soul was a good use of his skillset, his slow, almost contemplative approach to each tune faintly tickling the ear like the warm whisper of a reassuring secret.
Sadly, it is unlikely that Cornell is rooted to the spot at The Potting Shed.
TIME TO GO GNOME
You won’t need green fingers to feel welcomed at The Potting Shed, although after digging into a meal from their entirely home grown menu, featuring daily fresh ingredients, they will likely need a little wiping.
Open from midday to midnight Monday to Sunday, the venue is the fourth to bear the name after Bingley, Beverly and Northallerton, with additions in Harrogate and Trinity Leeds coming later in the year.
Open from midday to midnight Monday to Sunday, the venue is the fourth to bear the name after Bingley, Beverly and Northallerton, with additions in Harrogate and Trinity Leeds coming later in the year.