Craft Asylum #2, Leeds – Review
By Millie Rawsthorne / @lovedbymilliex
In the hustle and bustle of Leeds, Craft Asylum #2 is a contemporary pub in the heart of the city. With neon signs and an open pizza station, it could be a bright new place to go for friends, food and fun.
Set aside from the popular party destination of Greek Street, you can find the pub on East Parade. Craft Asylum #2 recently celebrated their one year anniversary showcasing their new pizza menu and weekly DJ.
I went along to check the place out, and I really liked what I saw.
“Really loved the whole vibe”
One of the first things to catch your eye at Craft Asylum #2 is the pizza station. The chefs behind there are busy making a variety of pizzas from garlic bread to delicious pepperoni. There were lots of people in for the pizza slices to go around but when they did arrive, it was well worth the wait. A personal favourite of mine was the ‘Blonde’, a vegetarian pizza topped with mozzarella, tomato, spinach and goats cheese.
I washed that down with a refreshing glass of fizz, which I grabbed on arrival. I followed that by sipping on a lovely white pinot grigio. Everything looked and smelled amazing, and that was a talking point between the other groups of people in the place. I really loved the whole vibe of Craft Asylum #2 and the nice food and drinks were a bonus to the contemporary pub feel.
Well known for its local premium craft beer by Salt Beer Factory, Craft Asylum has two locations within Leeds. Salt Beer Factory is a micro-brewery based in Yorkshire and believes ‘the purpose of beer is to create pleasure’. The pub has recently introduced a bottomless pizza and prosecco experience on a Sunday and Monday starting at just £15pp.
“Modern, industrial twist”
If bottomless prosecco isn’t your thing, you can still indulge on the artisan gins and modern brewing on offer. With their extensive drinks menu and impressive collection of craft beers, you can escape from the madness of city life and enjoy the aesthetics. The whole vibe is warm and welcoming with a quirky, industrial edge. From the tables, flooring and beer pumps to the staircases, entrance and menus it carries its own style throughout.
The place was awash with bloggers, journalists and other foodie fanatics drinking, eating and having a good time. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the DJ and the large neon sign that lit the room was a key feature in the space.
With a modern, industrial twist on a vibrant city pub on East Parade, I think this place would be perfect for anyone wanting a coffee, bite to eat or something more lively on a weekend. Usually, somewhere specialising in craft beer wouldn’t be somewhere I would think to go, but with their wide range of artisan gins, wine and premium coffee I’ll definitely come back with friends and family.
“Delicious flavours”
The bar takes centre stage with bright lights stating ‘gin corner’ which is a great addition to the modern interiors. The pizza station is also a key feature within the pub with ‘eat pizza love life’ across the cooking area. The pizzas are all made on a sourdough base with delicious flavours catering for vegetarians too. Seeing the food being handmade adds to the fun experience and atmosphere at Craft Asylum #2.
It claims itself to be ‘a relaxing destination to escape from the madness of city life on East Parade’. But don’t just take their word for it, head down yourself and check it out for a premium coffee or two.
Craft Asylum #2, 26 East Parade, Leeds, LS1 5BW
Opening Times:
Mon – Wed 12pm-12am
Thu 12pm-12am
Fri – Saturday 12pm-1am
Sun 12pm-7pm
0113 246 0200
craft-asylum.co.uk
