Residence Cafe Bar have already built themselves a loyal following across their three venues in Leeds.
Focusing on a ‘home away from home’ feeling, they offer delicious food and a warm welcome. I was invited along to their Moortown cafe to trial the new roast dinner ahead of its public launch, getting an early glimpse of what the team has been working towards.
Their decision to bring a roast to the menu feels like a natural evolution of a brand that understands their audience. With its reputation of balance between simplicity and quality when it comes to their food and drink selection, the soon to come roast seems to be the perfect addition to the menu.
To start things off, my guest and I opted for the soup of the day, a butternut squash and sweet potato number, served with lightly toasted, buttered sourdough. Simple on paper, but absolutely spot on. The dish tasted freshly blended, warming without being too heavy and a was a generous portion without being too much before a main. It was the ideal starter and would work just as well as a light bite, too.
Then came the main event and the whole reason for our visit. I’d pre-ordered the pork belly roast, while my guest went for the slow roasted lamb. The pork belly was full of flavour and had a satisfying crispness to its fatty edges. The lamb was tender and cooked just right, pulling apart easily. The pork belly was accompanied by apple sauce, the slow roasted lamb with a mint sauce and of course a gravy boat for the table. Each roast was served with a homemade Yorkshire pudding, well risen and golden, ideal for making the most of the gravy.
Both plates arrived plentiful and well put together, the type of dish that instantly reassures that you’ve made the right choice. Crispy roast potatoes sat alongside creamy mash, roasted carrots and shredded cabbage. On the side, we had stuffing with a perfect outer crisp and soft inside, sweet caramelised red cabbage and a flavourful cauliflower cheese.
After two strong courses, we rounded things off with dessert and shared the sticky toffee pudding. And genuinely, it’s one of the best I’ve had. Light, airy sponge that didn’t feel too much after a full roast, drenched in a rich toffee sauce and paired with classic vanilla ice cream, indulgent but not overbearing.
With these roast options set to land on the menu soon, it’s safe to say they’re something to look forward to. It gives a good reason to visit, despite how much Residence already have going for them – a Sunday roast well worth seeking out.
