Ten years ago, the food and drink scene in Leeds was very different to what it is today. Sure, there were plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants to eat up and drink in, but few which specialised in craft beers, fine wines and regional dishes. One such place which led the way in revitalising the city’s tastebuds opened a decade ago on New Station Street, and remains a popular and vital piece of Leeds. To celebrate their tenth anniversary, here is the story of Friends of Ham.
Now a thriving and hip area of the city centre, when Friends of Ham appeared on the walkthrough to and from Leeds train station, there was nothing quite like it there. For the travellers bustling in and out of the city, the street was immediately revived by this attractive arrival; and whilst it worked as an impressive stop off for visitors’ first bite or last drink, it was far more than that, as locals swarmed to the new hotspot in town.
Initially opening as a hidden basement bar which oozed an effortless cool and an undoubted expertise, Friends of Ham brought to Leeds an unrivalled quality of European wine and continental charcuterie. Within a couple of years, the word had spread beyond Leeds, as Friends of Ham were awarded ‘Best Place to Drink in the UK’ by The Observer in 2014. Such was their popularity that Friends of Ham soon expanded upstairs and next door to accommodate more happy customers over the two handsome and relaxed floors which it occupies today.
The ethos of speciality quality and comfort has been maintained and grown. Now, the wine list continues to present European finds alongside excellence from across the world. Beers showcase local brews as well as ales from further afield on 12 keg and 3 cask lines. And the food menu still puts together bespoke boards of brilliant cheeses and meats, whilst also offering other small plates, salads and sandwiches, all a level above.
Generously sharing the delights which Friends of Ham were serving up, in 2015 a second bar was opened in the spa town of Ilkley. Restoring the beautiful old Ilkley Gazette offices, Friends of Ham recreated the welcoming vibes and wonderful produce of Leeds whilst instilling Ilkley with a character all of its own. Aptly, there is a cosy basement to hunker down in here too, but there are also lovely outdoor spaces to enjoy al fresco. And of course, there are equally amazing food and drink menus which take in the best of Yorkshire, then travel across England, to France, Belgium, Italy, Australia, and the rest.
Whether you travel to the Ilkley Friends of Ham or the Leeds original, there is every reason to celebrate their tenth birthday with them. Besides the delicious fare always available, offers entice us in further; in Leeds, Aperitivo Time is serving free Stuzzichino and Pintxo to nibble on with your aperitif all summer long; and downstairs has been transformed into the Underbelly, where stunning cocktails are enjoyed in a candlelit comfort and joy.
And if you want to bring the flavours of Friends of Ham home, much of the delicacies are irresistible from the deli counter: cheeses, meats, olives, pickles, chutneys, oils, vinegars, beers and wines. For all these things and more, we’re raising a glass to our Friends’ ten out of ten.
