The Botanist Leeds review: Stylish cocktails that pack a punch at this horticultural themed bar

With hanging branches of purple wisteria, exposed brickwork and spruced-up cocktails, the ‘secret garden’ that wraps around Trinity Leeds has all the ingredients for the perfect picture for the ‘gram.

The Botanist's horticultural-themed bars and restaurants are popping up all over the country.

The Leeds city centre location is perfectly placed for both a quiet lunch or a big night out with friends. I booked a table outdoors on a sunny Saturday afternoon to quench my thirst after a spot of shopping with a friend.

There’s an impressive drinks offering with a large selection of beers, cocktails and an extensive wine list.

The Botanist is a bar and restaurant in equal measure and diners are also spoilt for choice; the new Build Your Own Botanist Board menu lets you mix-and-match four dishes - from pot roast lamb shoulder to pearl barley risotto.

Our lively waiter was quick to take our order, we declined his offer of shots (however tempting) and opted for two cocktails from the ‘fruit and floral’ collection.

My Pink Poppy Punch with Beefeater pink gin, poppy liqueur and raspberry was served in a tall glass with a big sprig of mint. It was sweet but not overpowering, with a surprising depth of flavour for a fruity cocktail.

My friend opted for the strawberry and elderflower mojito, a blend of Bacardi, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, mint, strawberry purèe and soda. It was a much sweeter take on a classic mojito but she approved, it had a “minty fresh” aftertaste.

I couldn’t ignore the ‘fresh and herbaceous’ cocktail selection, infused with flavours of the garden, so we stayed for another round.

The Rhubarb and Sage Spritz sounded like my idea of heaven - Portobello Road Gin, rhubarb liqueur, ginger ale and rhubarb and sage cordial. It didn’t disappoint, it was fizzy and refreshing with a big hit of ginger, followed by the botanical notes of sage. It was beautifully presented in a highball glass, garnished with mint clipped on with a little garden peg.

My friend was tempted by the Pink Poppy Punch after my glowing review and it went down a treat.

Four cocktails came to just over £30, reasonably priced for drinks that packed a punch - with flair and flavour that exceeded my expectations.

The Botanist offers more than just a pretty picture. But yes, I got my snap.

Factfile

Address: The Botanist, 67 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6HW

Telephone: 0113 205 3240

Opening hours: Sun-Wed, noon-12am; Thurs, noon-1am; Fri-Sat, noon-2am

Website: www.thebotanist.uk.com

Scores

Drinks: 9/10

Value: 7/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Service: 7/10