West Park Lounge is an Italian bistro located at the top of Otley Road. I have walked past the bistro so many times on route to Headingley and Leeds, but I haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy a meal there. So, this bank holiday Monday I decided to change that, despite very heavy rain!
In typical British May Bank Holiday style, Monday was cold and very rainy. In equally British style, despite the weather I went for a long walk with a friend and we ended the walk with a well-deserved meal. We had considered changing our plans and going for a takeaway as we were pretty cold by the time we arrived at the restaurant, but when we arrived and realised that the seating area was covered by a gazebo with enclosed sides and heaters, we decided to be brave, and pressed ahead with eating at the restaurant.
Within a few minutes of being shown our table by a friendly waiter, we were given our menus. We spent a few minutes browsing the pretty extensive selection of dishes. Although there was a really good deal available, with two courses and a glass of wine for under £15, we decided to order a selection of plates to share. I was keen for something warm and comforting, which is usually pretty easy to do when at an Italian restaurant! We decided to order the homemade cheesy garlic bread, and the halloumi with hummus and ciabatta from the starter menu. Then for our main dish, we opted for the mixed grill, which came with chicken and lamb kebabs, lamb kofta, salad, tzatziki and a bulgur wheat mix.
We asked for everything to come at the same time, and although it felt like a long wait, I think that was more owing to the fact that it was pouring and we were still acutely aware of our cold feet. However, when the food did arrive, we were pleased with our selection. The garlic bread was great, although I would have liked it a little less crispy and a little more cheesy – but that is just personal preference. The halloumi was well cooked and I liked having the hummus to dip the strips into. I wasn’t convinced that it needed the two small slices of ciabatta, but perhaps as a starter dish, they would have worked well.
The main dish, the mixed grill, was also tasty. I liked the combination of meats but did think they were slightly overcooked and it was hard to get the meat off the skewers. Despite that, I liked the flavours of the dish, and particularly enjoyed the bulgur wheat and the salad with its mustard dressing.
After finishing our mains, we did consider ordering some cake, as I never feel a meal is quite completed without pudding. But, because we were still soggy from our walk, and actually felt pretty satisfied from the meal, we decided to call it a day and head home.
West Park Lounge provided us with a pleasant evening. Although the food wasn’t spectacular, it was tasty and served with a smile. It was also warm and well received after a rainy Bank Holiday walk. After a few meals recently where I have been very cold because there was no cover or heaters, I also really appreciated the gazebo and heaters that were available at West Park Lounge. I recommend a visit, and I would be interested to hear other people’s thoughts on the food and ambience.
