Grand opening: Friends of Ham, Leeds' most exciting new bar

Last night I got the chance to have a sneak peek inside Friends of Ham, a charcuterie and craft beer bar which opens its doors to the public tomorrow (Monday 9th July) and looks set to be a huge asset to the Leeds beer scene.

The idea behind the bar is a simple yet unique one: Artisan hams, charcuterie, cheese and posh bar snacks, served alongside a great range of draft and bottled craft beer. A British take on European tapas and Cafe culture.

But an idea is one thing and reality is very much another, so I was genuinely happy to see that all Claire and Kitch's hard work had been put to good use. Friends of Ham rocks.

It's a place I can't wait to go back and spend some time in, if only to gorge myself on more of my new favourite thing, lardo. (On the right, skewered atop some bread, next to ricotta with sweet chilli)

For those that have never sampled this food of the Gods, it's essentially a very thin layer of meat with a very thick layer of white fat atop it, that is cured with herbs. Sliced very thinly it melts in your mouth like herb and ham flavoured butter, and was my favourite of many delicious things I sampled at Friends of Ham.

The scotch eggs are also really excellent, particularly the black pudding ones. Yum.

There was some great beer on the taps and in the newly stocked fridges too. The sparkling new pumps and hand pulls served up the likes of Kernel Pale Ale, Magic Rock Clown Juice, Hawkshead Lakeland Lager, Red Willow Smokeless, RedChurch Brewery Hackney Gold, Sierra Nevada Bigfoot and a delicious Fruit beer I've never even heard of before from Delirium Tremens.

The place looks great too, here are some more photos.

Your friendly neighbourhood beer pourers! From left behind the bar: Tyler (previously of Mr Foleys), Kitch and Claire.

The cavernous yet cosy downstairs area and truly addictive (and free) shuffle board table.

Black pudding scotch egg and Red Church India Pale Ale.

Hanging hams and Lakeland Lager.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'll probably be back there this week I liked the place so much.

Seriously, go.

 

Friends of Ham, 4 New Station Street, Leeds.

www.facebook.com/friendsofham

 

12 comments:

  1. I'm in Leeds next Saturday and should have an hour on my own. Might have a look at it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brilliant. This is the future!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like my kinda place, lardo sounds intriguing..

    Nice coverage mate, a must visit, cheers

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tand - I might be around on Saturday too so may well see you.

    Erlang - It certainly is a bigfoot tap, and very good it was tasting too! Big, sweet, malty, boozy loveliness.

    Filrd - Lardo looks pretty weird, and sounds like it wouldnt work, but it SO does. Really delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  5. i believe i will be making an appearance saturday night with my brother sounds very very intriguing :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice surroundings but food in theory good but in reality over priced and poor

    ReplyDelete
  7. I went last night.....absolutely brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Weekend club in Dubai | Bars & Clubs in Dubai

    ReplyDelete

  9. Seriously plenty of awesome advice!
    Appreciate it! An abundance of posts.

    Also visit my site : 강남오피
    (jk)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you will be
    a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back in the foreseeable future.
    I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice morning!Click Me Here인터넷경마

    ReplyDelete