March 28, 2024

Our verdict: Another fabled Lost & Found adventure begins in Leeds

(Credit: Ben Carpenter)

Unravelling the enchanted world of mixology and seasonal cuisine, mythical figure, Professor Benedict Pike, today (Friday 16th February 2018) unveils Leeds’ second The Lost & Found in the iconic Leeds Club building on Albion Place.

The Grade II listed Victorian building has been beautifully restored complete with a bar, restaurant, private boardroom and a secret den even Dorian Gray would be envious of. Decadently dressed with antique brass throughout, eclectic furniture is upholstered in soft velvets, leather and woven textures, evoking a sense of a bygone era.

Specialising in chemistry, Professor Benedict Pike will be at the helm of this avant-garde all-day bar and restaurant. He’ll be putting on a weird and wonderful array of concoctions and feasts for guests to sample. The first male proprietor, he’ll be following in the footsteps of the three legendary female professors who inspired other The Lost & Found venues, including sister site on Greek Street in Leeds, headed up by Yorkshire ornithologist, Virginia K Stevenson.

Behind the bar, magnificent mixologists will be shaking and stirring a stunning selection of liquid libations, with twists on classics and botanical influences; to comprise a menu split into Lost and Found serves, as well as a special selection to celebrate the four professors. Packed with all the vigour yet sweetness of its namesake, signature serve Mr Benedict Pike, is an enticing blend of Coffee-infused Makers Mark, Antica Formula Carpano Vermouth and Xocolatl Mole & Aztec chocolate bitters.

The kitchen will be plating up dishes that perfectly accompany the drinks, with a brand-new Josper grill, adding a delicious smoky flavour to steaks cooked over the 400-degree coals. Starters include truffle and parmesan arancini and mains such as slow-cooked beef ragu pappardelle, and chipotle and quinoa chilli take centre stage. Come the weekend, tables will be filled with bottomless brunch diners tucking into staple dishes like Turkish eggs or brown butter pancakes whilst sipping flutes of prosecco and Mimosas, and afternoon tea guests eating bite-size sandwiches and desserts with flowing pots of tea.


EatDrinkYorkshire’s Verdict:

Lamb Osso Buco

The Lost & Found have taken the tried and tested template that’s served it so well at its existing venues – the carefully crafted cocktails and the high quality food menu supported by excellent service levels – and transported it into a stunning location that whispers “class” from every fixture and fitting.

Putting the beautiful decor aside for a moment, would the food and drink be of an equally high standard? Thankfully it was. Following a generous anti-pasti platter comprising Italian olives, pickled gherkins, marinated mozzarella and toasted sourdough, we sampled the Lamb Osso Buco: a generous lamb shank served on deliciously al dente saffron risotto and adorned with a fresh and zesty gremolata. After such a strong helping of food, unfortunately there simply wasn’t room to try any of the tempting desserts on offer.

All in all The Lost & Found is another gem to add to Leeds’ already impressive collection.


The Lost & Found

Leeds Club, 3 Albion Place, Leeds LS1 6JL

www.the-lostandfound.com

F: mrbenedictpike | T: @mrbenedictpike I: @mrbenedictpike