General - A Smashing Day in Leeds
Clare Dave Rachel and I spent an unforgettable day in Leeds yesterday. First meeting up on Leeds station we ate a meal and had a pint or two which would provide sustenance for the afternoon’s events. While eating one of our group had some exciting news, [more later in the week] so this actually tended to provide intrigue for all of us during the day.
We also met up with Louise at this point this gave Dave and myself the excuse to indulge in some light-hearted banter with her. Unfortunately work meant she couldn’t stay with us for the day, but is always good katching up.
We 4 then took a taxi to the Leeds Royal Armouries, a government and publicly funded enterprise thus free of charge to enter.
Our guide was impressive particularly because of our slapdash arrangements. He was called Ken and made sure we gained the maximum we could out of the short time we had, even going so far as to provide access to exhibits not normally touchable. You can read about the armouries on the webpage linked above but it is a good afternoon out and more interesting than maybe supposed as many cultural as well as army themes are explored in the many and varied galleries.
Dave particularly enjoyed holding a World War II German Lugar Pistol, that iconic symbol of the Nazi officer and James bond villains. I have hardly seen him so enthralled and excited. I honestly can’t say that we noticed any villainous tendencies hiding away, but you just never know!!
After saying goodbye to our host we found a pub to take a little refreshment. This particular establishment turned out to be a reel ale goldmine and Dave and I enjoyed two well kept pints of different beers. If you’re ever near the armoury in Leeds try the palace. In fact it’s worth a trip out of town for a few beers but as it won pub of the year recently it will probably get busy in the evening.
Another cab was ordered for the short journey to a student bar called Squares in which we met another Clare, a cat loving friend of Dave’s. After two more beers we decided to take Rachel for a curry. You can only eat so much pub food over one weekend anyway, plus curry is one of the fastest growing cuisines, in the UK so it was a natural thing to do.
We stumbled our way to a town curry house called Akbar's, Greek St and were met by extremely welcoming staff. The food was scrumptious and plentiful in quantity. My Jalfrazi was big on flavour and tasted too good I had a starter of fish Pakoras which surprised me with the freshness of the filling. The garlic nan bread hanging on a pedestal was a cool touch and made a strange centre piece to the table.
The whole ambiance was a step away from that traditionally found in Asian restaurants. Gone were the table cloths and old style Indian music and in was bhangra and uncovered table tops. The guide dog was also made welcome which was good.
We had found a jewel as the below awards testify.
‘The Good Food Guide—'Recommending Akbars'. The only Indian restaurant recommended
in Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Evening Post—'Restaurant of the Year'
Daily Mail—'Best Indian in Bradford'
Telegraph and Argus—'Restaurant of the Year'’
Time was cracking on so we headed back to the station and our respective trains.
Jaid is with me now on the Hull Trains service to Kings cross. We had a packed but relaxing weekend and everything went well in the northeast thank goodness. Time to sign off now.
We also met up with Louise at this point this gave Dave and myself the excuse to indulge in some light-hearted banter with her. Unfortunately work meant she couldn’t stay with us for the day, but is always good katching up.
We 4 then took a taxi to the Leeds Royal Armouries, a government and publicly funded enterprise thus free of charge to enter.
Our guide was impressive particularly because of our slapdash arrangements. He was called Ken and made sure we gained the maximum we could out of the short time we had, even going so far as to provide access to exhibits not normally touchable. You can read about the armouries on the webpage linked above but it is a good afternoon out and more interesting than maybe supposed as many cultural as well as army themes are explored in the many and varied galleries.
Dave particularly enjoyed holding a World War II German Lugar Pistol, that iconic symbol of the Nazi officer and James bond villains. I have hardly seen him so enthralled and excited. I honestly can’t say that we noticed any villainous tendencies hiding away, but you just never know!!
After saying goodbye to our host we found a pub to take a little refreshment. This particular establishment turned out to be a reel ale goldmine and Dave and I enjoyed two well kept pints of different beers. If you’re ever near the armoury in Leeds try the palace. In fact it’s worth a trip out of town for a few beers but as it won pub of the year recently it will probably get busy in the evening.
Another cab was ordered for the short journey to a student bar called Squares in which we met another Clare, a cat loving friend of Dave’s. After two more beers we decided to take Rachel for a curry. You can only eat so much pub food over one weekend anyway, plus curry is one of the fastest growing cuisines, in the UK so it was a natural thing to do.
We stumbled our way to a town curry house called Akbar's, Greek St and were met by extremely welcoming staff. The food was scrumptious and plentiful in quantity. My Jalfrazi was big on flavour and tasted too good I had a starter of fish Pakoras which surprised me with the freshness of the filling. The garlic nan bread hanging on a pedestal was a cool touch and made a strange centre piece to the table.
The whole ambiance was a step away from that traditionally found in Asian restaurants. Gone were the table cloths and old style Indian music and in was bhangra and uncovered table tops. The guide dog was also made welcome which was good.
We had found a jewel as the below awards testify.
‘The Good Food Guide—'Recommending Akbars'. The only Indian restaurant recommended
in Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Evening Post—'Restaurant of the Year'
Daily Mail—'Best Indian in Bradford'
Telegraph and Argus—'Restaurant of the Year'’
Time was cracking on so we headed back to the station and our respective trains.
Jaid is with me now on the Hull Trains service to Kings cross. We had a packed but relaxing weekend and everything went well in the northeast thank goodness. Time to sign off now.
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