Elbows on the Table review: A relaxed new spot with great wine and salt beef
Wine, beer, and beef: what’s not to like?
Taking over the former Rebound Social - a lively bar that held the Wellington Place spot for around five years - Elbows on the Table brings a calmer, cleaner and more minimalist feel to this corner of the city centre.
Opened only a few weeks ago, the bar describes itself as a place built around three simple pillars: wine, beer and beef.
That less‑is‑more ethos is clear from the outset. Minimal signage draws you into a stripped‑back space where exposed brick, low lighting and sparse artwork create a relaxed atmosphere ideal for unwinding after a long day at the office.
The drinks offering follows the same straightforward approach, though it never feels limited. On draught, you’ll find a handful of Kirkstall staples, including Virtuous and the Radler, alongside Veltins, Erdinger, a selection of Brooklyn beers, Guinness and cider.
It’s a line‑up that covers the bases without trying to be everything at once.
Where Elbows really comes into its own, however, is with wine. A substantial list of permanent bottles is bolstered by an ever‑changing selection of guest options, ranging from fruity rosés to crisp whites and deeper reds.
A glass of Henri Gaillard Provence - a light, refreshing rosé - paired with a pint of Kirkstall Virtuous came to £14.70, a fair price for a quality wine and a well‑kept beer.
For our second round, the friendly and knowledgeable staff recommended their favourite guest pour: a La Huida Albariño. Fresh, bright and dangerously easy to drink, it cost £9 for a 175ml glass - only slightly more than the first but noticeably more distinctive.
Food is far from an afterthought here. The menu leans into the bar’s speciality: salt beef. Home‑cured hot salt brisket sandwiches arrive loaded with raclette and dill pickles, while a grilled cheese made with a blend of cheeses offers a comforting alternative.
Those after something lighter can opt for a cheese board, with occasional specials adding extra value.
Elbows on the Table isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, and that’s precisely its charm. With its unfussy atmosphere, confident but concise drinks list, well‑executed food and reasonable prices, it feels like the kind of place that will quietly build a loyal following.
It’s easy to imagine slipping back in for a glass of something cold on a warm evening - elbows firmly on the table.
Factfile
- Address: 27 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 4EA
- Telephone: 07903 754726
- Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, noon-9pm; Fri-Sat, noon-10pm; Sun, closed.
- Website: https://elbowsonthetable.co.uk/
Scores
- Drinks: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
- Atmosphere: 8/10
- Service: 8/10