Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Jasmine Norden

We try out La Bodega in Leeds' and the new authentic tapas bar definitely did not disappoint

Those familiar with Leeds food will know tapas restaurant Ibérica and its wonderful high ceilings well.

Newly opened in Ibérica's historic cellar is 'La Bodega', a bar focusing on serving Spanish drinks and classic tapas.

The menu involves some Ibérica classics, as well as some snacks exclusive to La Bodega.

We headed down there for opening night to get a look inside.

For more news and stories about restaurants in Leeds, click here

Immediately upon arriving outside La Bodega, I was poured a glass of Trabanco Asturian cider I was told should be drunk in one shot, which I did.

I'm not a massive fan of ordinary British cider but Asturian cider is altogether something different - dry, tart and described as a great palette cleanser between courses. If I decide to get into cider, this is where I'll be looking.

After this, I headed into the bar, a cosy cellar with a nice intimate feel but big windows out front.

La Bodega is tucked underneath Iberica Leeds (Iberica)

Waiters brought around small tapas dishes and drinks from La Bodega's new menu throughout the evening for sampling.

The new drinks menu includes lots of traditional Spanish favourites, as well as some twists on the classics such sangria made from different wines.

As well as the cider, we sampled the sparkling rose, sangria and the Maracuya y Meloton cocktail. That last one in particular was bursting with fresh peach and passion fruit flavours, and I'd highly recommend.

The bar at La Bodega (Iberica)

Among the tapas samples we got to try were serrano ham croquettes, patatas bravas, tortilla, beetroot and San Simon cheese, fried chorizo lollipops and Padron peppers.

These were all excellent - I can particularly recommend the nicely spicy patatas bravas and the chorizo lollipops.

Also on hand were three whole cooked pig legs, where different types of Spanish ham were carved off and served with cheeses. I learned the difference between Serrano, Iberico and Iberico Bellota ham - each of which paired fantastically with Manchego cheese.

For me, this was tapas as it should be, dipping in and out of tiny plates while sat at the bar.

Enter your postcode to check food hygiene ratings near you

There will be sommeliers on site at La Bodega, to give visitors recommendations of drinks they should try.

I highly recommend heading down after work for a drink and a snack - I'll definitely be back.

La Bodega is on Park Cross Street off the Headrow.

It opens Tuesday through Friday from 5pm, and from 12pm on weekends.

To get the latest email updates from LeedsLive, click here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.