I try mulled wine at the winter terrace Green Room in Leeds - and here's what I thought

As it turned out, I didn’t need either - despite an outdoor terrace being my venue of choice for the evening. Wellington Street bar Green Room has been transformed into a cosy winter garden, complete with snug blankets, heat lamps and full cover.

The terrace was surprisingly warm and it’s a stunning space. Although it’s not my first Green Room rodeo, the architectural details (LED lights under the stairs, a gorgeous mix of exposed brickwork, wood and greenery) never fail to take my breath away. There’s plenty of seating indoors, too, as well as new sofas and a roaring fire pit at the front of the venue.

When founders Will Habergham and Kirk Allen opened Green Room in summer 2022, they wanted to create a social space with local spirit at the heart of the venue. The drinks menu celebrates all things Leeds, from cocktails made with Wolfe Bros Gin, crafted by two of the city’s bartenders, to beers from Kirkstall, Northern Monk and North breweries.

Winter specials include boozy hot chocolate, mulled wine and cider as well as Green Room cocktail creations. We both opted for the Bakewell Mai Tai to start, made with white rum, Amaretto, almond syrup, lemon juice and cherry liqueur. It was deliciously sweet and warming and topped with two glacé cherries, just like a mini Bakewell tart.

For our second round I couldn’t resist an early mulled wine, which was beautifully spiced with orange, cinnamon, star anise and cloves, while my friend went for a Disaronno and coke. Although it was pleasantly busy, two bars were open and staff were friendly and swift.

Cocktails are priced at £10.95 but two-for-one on Sunday-Wednesday which was a steal, while the winter tipples cost £6.50 and a pint will set you back around £6-£6.50, or two pints for £10.95 on Sunday-Wednesday. And knowing you’re supporting an independent business and local suppliers makes it feel worth every penny.

In less than 18 months Green Room has become one of the most-talked-about, and, I expect, most-visited, bars in Leeds, becoming fierce competition to some of its long-standing city centre neighbours.

Yes, the venue is stunning, but I expect its success is down to the fact that it’s Leeds through and through.

Factfile

Address: 36 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 2DE

Opening hours: Sun-Weds, 10am-12am; Thurs, 10am-1am; Fri, 10am-2am; Sat, 10am-3am.

Website: https://www.green-room.com/

Scores

Drinks: 9/10

Atmosphere: 10/10

Value: 8/10

Service: 9/10