Leaf is described as a tea room and bar. It is that and much more: a meeting place for the great and the good and probably the mischievous and fun-loving too. A place for informal meetings, friendly business discussions, and simply somewhere to enjoy good food, great tea, and join in an impressive range of events.
Words: Jean Hill
Leaf, downstairs, is always buzzing. The staff are friendly, welcoming and efficient: they move with definite purpose, yet always take time to pause and smile at enquiries. This is a central hub, people exchange news, catch up on latest developments, and check out upcoming events.
We had an invitation to Sunday brunch, on the first floor. This is a fabulous space. Beautiful high ceiling and some original features. We discuss options, but how to choose? The English breakfast is more than a mouthful. I tried listing the ingredients without pausing for breath… ‘Smoked bacon, sausage, black pudding, egg poached, friend or scrambled, home fries, kale and field mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans and granary toast’. Phew. At around £8.25, this is impressive value. Allow yourself time: not to be rushed. There are vegetarian and vegan options. I settled on griddled sourdough, spiced avocado, Halloumi, vine tomatoes, 2 poached eggs, and sumac. The sumac adds a tart, lemony flavour: the cheese, made from goat’s and sheep’s milk, is semi hard and grills really effectively. The sourdough, with its substantial unsweetened flavour, is a perfect accompaniment to the spiced avocado. I have to say that the presentation was perfect. The servings are more than ample, the food has that fresh spark with a hint of exotic spices. All good, and I loved the surrounding happy chatter.
Regular events at Leaf
The Brunch and Afternoon Market gives small independents a chance to set up their stalls on the first floor (on specific dates). I treated myself to some beautiful hand-crafted earrings. It is totally fitting that this is Bold Street, home to some notable independents. If you’ve stocked up on lots of tasty treats to enjoy throughout the week, just divide them up and use a resealable plastic bag to keep them fresh. This way you can keep savouring Leaf’s famous snacks for longer.
LEAF Pudding Club celebrates love of the sweet stuff with five courses! All of the puddings are homemade, and are served with a perfectly taste-matched cup of tea. 6.30pm doors, 7pm starts promptly. Takes places on the first floor: £15.95
Live DJ evenings on Fridays in August; Out of the Bedroom; Open Mic Night with Johnny Sands; Spotify Wednesdays, and Life Drawing
The upstairs space can be hired for events such as weddings, and Christmas parties. I am making my way back way before then, for a second instalment of brunch, and possibly Pudding Club, and…
https://thisisleaf.co.uk/liverpool-listings/
Related read: Leaf’s award-winning dry gin.