Brew+ Bao opened at the old Black Sheep site in Chapel Allerton over the Easter weekend.
I was last at the site for a Slap & Pickle review a few years back. When I heard the place had re-opened as a collab under the new Brew+ brand, between Brew York and YUZU Street Food, I was more than happy to return.
Brew+’s priority, according to their website, is “bringing people together over great beer and bold flavours,” and they certainly hit the brief on our visit. It was a warm, sunny, early Friday evening as we arrived at the bar, the start of a bank holiday weekend. The outside conservatory area at the front was full to bursting and inside was also filling up. There were friends, partners, colleagues as well as young families enjoying teatime drinks and tasty food, all in a laid-back, modernised setting.
Our friendly, knowledgeable server Sabrina took us to our seats and explained the menu and drinks. There was a good range of food options, including vegetarian and vegan. The menu is split into four main sections: Bao’s, Fries, Bowls and Sides. I opted for the £15 meal deal where you can build your own combo (one bao, one fries and one side). My choice was Bang Bang Cauli Bao, Duck loaded fries and I doubled down on potatoes with Salt & Pepper Hash Browns as my side. A side of house pickles was also ordered to share.
My vegetarian friend went for Vegetable Gyozas (which were also vegan) £7, and a Katsu Tofu Bowl £13. In the bowl was crispy coated Tofu served on a bed of rice with pickled red onions, roasted sesame seeds, spring onions and Katsu curry sauce. If somehow you’re hungry enough, there is also a small desserts menu with a choice of either S’mores Bao or Apple Pie Gyoza. Children are also catered for with smaller versions of some of the main menu options, ranging from £5 to £7.
Our food certainly delivered on the bold flavours front, plus with vibrant aromas and colourful ingredients, it was a feast for the senses. Our taste buds moved from tangy, to sweet, to spicy, to aromatic in every mouthful. All the food is made fresh, with locally sourced ingredients. The portion sizes were very generous; neither of us could finish our food, and we are both big eaters!
All I needed to wash down the delicious food was some light, refreshing beer, and that’s what I got. I first went with Brew+ own Czech style Pills on draft, followed by a glass of the limited batch of Luminoid, an alcoholic lemonade on draft by guest Gwelio beer co. It reminded me of the tang you get in lemon sherbets, but less sweet of course.
There is a rotating selection of over 16 independent craft and premium beers and lagers from the UK and world brewers. From crisp lagers and ciders, to IPA’s and rich stouts. A range of wines, spirits and cocktails is also available.
Although there are City Centre sites such as Bao Boy at North Brewery’s taproom on Sovereign Street, who have proven that the concept works, I’m sure Brew+’s new venue Brew+ Bao will be a booming success in Chapel Allerton.
Opening Hours:
Brew+ Bao is open seven days a week
Monday to Thursday : 11:00am -11:00pm,
Friday & Saturday : 11:00am-12:30am
Sunday : 12:00pm 10.30pm.
Address:
16/18 Stainbeck Lane
Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3QY
Instagram: @brew.plus.hq
Photography by Cath Kane.
