Revolución De Cuba, Leeds – Restaurant Review

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revolucion de cuba leeds restaurant review inside

By Kerryn Duckworth

Starting in Sheffield in 2011, a Rum bar emerged that wasn’t quite like the others. Revolución De Cuba’s aim is to celebrate Rum and its birthplace of Cuba. A brand of the Revolution Bars Group and with 15 sites across the UK, Revolución De Cuba aims to bring Cuba to culinary life and celebrate the food, the drinks and the people. On this Thursday night I’m looking forward to tasting what this brand has to offer.

I’m welcomed straight into the bar with open arms and greeted immediately by the friendly host. Despite me arriving 30 minutes earlier than booked I’m taken straight to my table, a drink offered and some nachos placed on the table with the offer of dips too. The service is professional, crisp and attentive.

As I’m sat awaiting the arrival of my on-time friend I take in the surroundings. It’s clean and fresh and certainly harks back to the Cuban theme. Browns, creams and reds with festoon lighting draping over the bar create the relaxed al fresco mood. With high and low tables in the main bar area and a separate dining area where I’m seated to the left of the entrance, those choosing to dine only can relax in comfort away from the weekend hustle and bustle.

revolucion de cuba leeds restaurant review bottomless brunch

“Atmosphere”

My friend arrives and immediately we’re talked through the menu with new items pointed out. Old favourites meet modern twists and I can’t wait to indulge. Whilst we peruse the food menu, we choose from the almost endless cocktail menu and opt for the Apple and Blackberry Mojito (£8.50) and for the driver, a Shy Mai Tai mocktail (£4.25). The mojito is juicy and fruity with the mocktail full of pineapple juice, both setting the scene for the Latin inspired food to come.

We’ve ordered food and only after being sat do we notice that the music in the background is live. It’s so good we don’t even realise. A band consisting of guitars and saxophone play at the other side of the bar, giving the place some atmosphere, loud enough to enjoy, not too loud that you can’t hear the company.

revolucion de cuba leeds restaurant review interior

“Plentiful”

The food arrives and to start the meal we opt for the Tapas (3 dishes for £14 or priced individually). The Pork Belly Skewers (£6) are plentiful and served with a spicy Rum Sauce and salsa. They’re meaty and crispy and there’s plenty to share between the two of us. The Chorizo Croquetas (£5.50) are little balls of soft and creamy crispy potatoes and bought to life with the aioli they’re served with, whilst the Halloumi Tacos (£6) are good, they feel like they need a bit more halloumi as this should be the star of the dish. However the chilli jam gives the Tacos a vibrant edge.

The empty plates are finished and cleared and a short duration later the mains are produced. The perfect wait to enjoy the music and people watching. The venue definitely attracts a younger crowd; couples, friends and work colleagues mingle around the venue for significant occasions and post work drinks. Cocktails are being made aplenty and it’s clear to see why, with drink promotions lining the bar and menus bringing to attention the current offers.

revolucion de cuba leeds restaurant review tapas

“Vibrant and fun”

One thing to advise; Revolución De Cuba are not shy on portions and our burritos are stuffed and the plates are full. I choose the Chimichanga (£11.50) whilst my friend chooses the Shredded Pork Burrito (£10). Both come with the usual accompaniments, sour cream, salsa, rice and beans and both are big, bold and tasty. I’m not a big bean eater, but credit where credit’s due, the beans, which are served in a traditional Cuban style, are creamy, rich and delicious.

The Chicken Chimichanga is crisp and fresh whilst the pulled pork burrito is filled to the max with rice and sour cream, however it could do with a spicy kick. A couple more drinks wash the food down – a Brazilian Bramble (£8.25) and an Apple and Raspberry Mojito mocktail (£4.25).

Finally, after eyeing up the small but perfectly formed dessert menu, we say in unison ‘Churros’ (£4.50). Plenty to share between the two of us, they are crisp and fluffy and the dipping sauces of chocolate and rum caramel are gooey and wonderful. Only problem – we need more sauce! With our stomachs full and trousers very tight, we end our meal.

Revolución de Cuba is fighting hard for attention in a packed marketplace – and with ever changing promotions, a vibrant and fun atmosphere and attentive, relaxed and amazing service this place should definitely be on any food lover’s hit list. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the venue to others.

Revolución De Cuba, 64-68 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 6DT

Opening Times:
Mon – Wed: 11:30am – 2am
Thu – Fri: 11:30am – 3am
Sat – 10:30am – 3am
Sun – 9:30am – 2am

0113 350 6556
revoluciondecuba.com/bar/leeds

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