The Alchemist

Spectacular drinks and delicious food — what more could you want?! Definitely recommended. But do book ahead since its popular and busy.

The alchemist is best in the week, without the maddening weekend crowds where the place is too busy to appreciate. It has a great terrace for when the sun is out and often puts on its outside heaters in the cold weather. I have always found the staff to be friendly and made a cocktail not on the menu for me. The cocktails are great and always changing on the menu so there is always something new to try! The décor is really good making you feel like you are in an luxurious bar, the only downside is the price you have to pay for the privilege. If the bar supplied slightly cheaper options or even a deal of some sort it would have got 5 stars easily.

This is a popular bar and upon walking in, you can see why. The décor is really tasteful and a pleasant environment in which to have a drink or something to eat. The whole ambience makes the evening sail along. The staff are warm and friendly. The music has a presence but isn’t too loud.
I love the food at the Alchemist, with one confession: I tend to order the same thing each time (I’m not going to say what it is; I feel embarrassed enough already about being so unadventurous!). I don’t go away feeling hungry. The wine is also of good quality. If you’re feeling more adventurous than me then you might want to try the Heston Blumenthal-​style cocktails. Every now and again you’ll see one being delivered, steaming or bubbling away.
Leeds is no London or New York, but, the view from the outside area is pleasing. Leeds really doesn’t have many decent outside spaces (Why?), but the Alchemist does provide one. Catch it on a warm day and it’s a great way to enjoy a glass of wine and conversation with a friend.
OK, so here’s the crunch. This is not a cheap venue. But, Leeds lacks high quality, friendly bar and dining experiences, and The Alchemist fills this gap in the market nicely.

The first time I was here was wonderful and the second time the bartender was so rude I never went back. Perhaps a good place to have a gimmick-​y drink, but other wise I’ve avoided it.

One extra star is awarded for the outdoor area with a lovely view over the city. The church spire to one side and the corn exchange to behold down the road.
The cocktails are nothing to write home about. They have tried to come up with new twists on classic cocktails but they don’t work in my opinion. Many other better cocktail bars out there that do understand the chemistry between flavours.
The staff are friendly but not quick, at all.
Don’t bother unless you really can’t find anywhere else to sit outside.

Asked a thousand questions by the idiot on the door before we entered. Who you meeting? Where have you been? What you up to?
We came for a drink not for an inquisition. After entering we thought what’s the point and went elsewhere where we feel welcome.
The Alchemist need to sort out the customer service.

very friendly. We had a staff and good atmosphere I had a latte which was very tasty. We tried a starter of spring rolls which were ok but have had better. Would go back to try something else for a lunch as found the place uplifting particularly sat out round the balcony on a sunny/​fine day.

Well at least this time I got in. But it was a Monday. And 10 minutes before close. Or thereabouts. The reality is that it must have been at least 30 minutes before close because by the time the bar staff had cocktailed up my companion (that being Ro — might be the other reason they let us in), which must have been near 20 minutes, they were ushering us out the door into the rain.
Anyhows, staff were nice but perhaps dim; décor was underwhelming for the bar now favoured by the glitterati; it’s bloody tiny to boot; my drink was okay (syrupy coke and decent vodka), the cocktail perhaps not so much.
I’d honestly not choose to go back. Maybe the old man in me was too put off by the pretentious nature of the place but if that’s the case then I’m happy to admit I’m an old man. Damnit!

This is the place to be! Great atmosphere, fun staff, amazing witchcraft drinks. We ordered a warm cocktail with added dry ice. I felt like a wizard ;) a must if you visit Leeds. Balcony around the Trinity Centre is great when the sun shines.

My friends and I came for cocktails a few weeks ago. It’s really nice and posh inside, you even get table service! The cocktails were nice and good quality, but very expensive (to be expected but still!). I’d definitely go back as their menu is really extensive! I got the cocktail with grey goose, black grapes + grapefruit and it was really nice– not too sweet.

Been there with family for a small lunch. Nice ambiance, friendly and attentive service.
The sandwiches, fajitas and chicken we had — everything very nice and fair prices. We will be back!

Standing outside a double set of doors you’d be forgiven for not knowing what this place was. There are no immediate signs to say you are entering a bar. Upon further inspection there is a sign emblazoned upon the side of the building outside.
Once you enter you are greeted with a long room, chairs to the left, bar to the right (Here I am stuck in the middle with you — sorry) and dining area to the end of the room. You are greeted with by a smiley woman who asks if you are eating or drinking. As it was only 2 days to pay day (and a lack of money prevails) we opted for a cheeky drink.
When you arrive at the bar a series of wondrous and magical implements adorn the shelves behind the bar and also encased within small boxes on top of the bar. The menu itself consists of a multitude of cocktail delights ranging from Virgin Cocktails for the non drinkers to £40 6 person sharing cocktails. The way the description of how it’s served reminded me of a Soda Stream styled device. This got me excited.
As well as the alcoholic drinks they have a range of hot beverages too and a little delight instantly caught my eye. FLOWERING TEA! A new little passion of mine are these little delights and they never fail to amaze me. I plumbed for this little morsel of heaven.
When it arrived I was a little disappointed that the tea capsule wasn’t already in the tea. By the time the capsule had opened the water was luke warm. Maybe a future improvement.
One of my colleagues chose a cocktail named Long Island Ice Tea. Boring I hear you say. I see your Boring and hit back with a thumping great Not At All My Friend.
All I can say is tea pot, dry ice and smoke. Go on, take a look and try this wonder.
All in all this looks a great bar, if a little pricey, and I’m definitely coming back for more. I can’t wait to try out the rest of the amazing cocktails.