There’s nothing more quintessentially English than an Indian. Popularised throughout the UK in the 60s and 70’s, the country adopted centuries old Asian cuisine, made it worse, and called it our national dish. For decades since, we’ve spent our weekends scoffing tikka masalas, bhunas and vindaloos, all washed down with copious amounts of continental lager.
As time went by and tastebuds adapted to these new flavours and spices, many wanted a less watered-down meal and demanded a more authentic version. New openings provided, but despite higher-end restaurants and more traditional curry houses joining the high street originals, there remained something missing; we just didn’t know what.

It turns out the answer was simple and stumbled upon by the amalgamation of two contrasting Bradford businesses. The city’s best pub The Sparrow Bier Cafe and its tastiest restaurant Prashad combined for a one-off food and drink pairing event that was so successful they realised they might be on to something; we all still wanted beer and curry, we just wanted both to be nicer and more interesting.
And so the couple decided to hook up permanently, elope to Leeds, and (nine months later) Bundobust was born. Now coming up to its first birthday on 17th July, the honeymoon period continues and the relationship grows. Serving a large range of high quality craft beers to compliment an assortment of delicious vegetarian Indian small plates in a relaxed setting, Leeds has taken to Bundobust immediately and fondly.

Neither defining itself as a boozer or an eatery, the venue is whatever you want it to be on any given visit. You can call in day or night for a quick pint or stay for as many strong ales as you can handle; you can dine purposefully with an evening meal or order occasional snacks as you fancy. You can take-away from the bottle shop or get food deliveroo’d home (both discounted). And you can now take advantage of a bargain new 2 for £7 lunchtime offer.

Similarly, Bundobust’s atmosphere creates a comfortable environment for all. Centrally located on the recently derelict Mill Hill, it has revitalised a previously rotting street into a characterful and vital hang-out. Whilst its cool music, stripped back style and chilled vibes undoubtedly appeal to the ‘hipster’ crowd, there is a welcoming and inclusive feel where all are invited to bring the right attitude to enjoy good times.
To mark their first anniversary Bundobust are creating their own special beer, a tropical pale ale brewed at Brass Castle in North Yorkshire, using pineapple and mango to compliment the spicy food, and hints of coconut from the rare Sorachi Ace Hop. It will be available all weekend, and on the Sunday they will also be serving brunch.

Similarly, Bundobust’s atmosphere creates a comfortable environment for all. Centrally located on the recently derelict Mill Hill, it has revitalised a previously rotting street into a characterful and vital hang-out. Whilst its cool music, stripped back style and chilled vibes undoubtedly appeal to the ‘hipster’ crowd, there is a welcoming and inclusive feel where all are invited to bring the right attitude to enjoy good times.
To mark their first anniversary Bundobust are creating their own special beer, a tropical pale ale brewed at Brass Castle in North Yorkshire, using pineapple and mango to compliment the spicy food, and hints of coconut from the rare Sorachi Ace Hop. It will be available all weekend, and on the Sunday they will also be serving brunch.

Happily, Bundobust then intend to carry on doing what they do so well into the second year. Having achieved local respect, national acclaim, public affection and press adoration, there seems no reason to change. The winner of YEP’s Yorkshire bar of the year is currently shortlisted for, erm, Shortlist’s British pub of the year award. If it doesn’t retain the former and win the latter, there must be some mighty competition.

Photography by Thomas O’Donoghue