'A classy new edition to Call Lane': Power, Corruption and Lies Leeds bar review

Bar group Akito had ambitious plans when opening Power, Corruption and Lies in November, promising its new venture would be an ‘unprecedented love affair between late night disco and Eastern eats’.

It’s opened on the premises of controversial Norman Bar on Call Lane, which was closed last year.

The Akito group is already the mastermind behind Oporto, Knaves Kitchen, Jake’s Bar and Neon Cactus (one of my personal favourites), so I was curious as to what this new venture had to offer Call Lane.

First impressions?

We were warmly welcomed into Power, Corruption and Lies by smartly-dressed door staff.

Inside, the decor was simple and unrecognisable from Norman’s Bar. Old brickwork had been exposed, with large windows and simple light wooden tables, paired with flashes of royal blue.

Fresh flowers and floral patterns gave the place a sophisticated feel and the crowd inside reflected this - there were chatty groups enjoying after-work drinks, dates nestled in the corner and girls catching up over cocktails.

And of course - there was disco. Lots of it, from Witney to Chic to Jocelyn Brown.

If you’re not a fan, then stay well clear of this place!

What’s behind the bar?

The selection here is huge. On the menu is Sake, Japanese Gin, Japanese Vodka and no less than 24 choices of Japanese Whisky.

There is a collection of Japanese Highballs - a choice of spirit mixed with soda which is stirred to perfection and beautifully garnished for the ‘Gram.

There was also plenty of low or non-alcoholic options for those doing Dry January, and beers on tap including the Japanese pale lager Jisaku.

What did you drink?

I was spoilt for choice, and asked the friendly and helpful bartender what he would recommend.

He suggested the 'Bangkok Has Him Now' cocktail - made with Ocho Blanco, Takamaka, Coco Lopez, Pineapple, Ginger, Coriander, Basil and Lime.

It was creamy and sweet with an overwhelming taste of pineapple, but the ginger gave it a nice kick. It could have been bolder with a bigger punch of ginger, and I couldn't taste the basil and lime at all.

My companion is a gin and lemonade kind of girl and went for the Hana Spritz - made with Roku Gin, Kwai Feh Lychee, Sapasawa, Hibiscus Syrups and Soda.

She said it was fragrant, and nice, but nothing special enough for the £9 it set her back.

We were enjoying the bangin’ disco tunes so much that we stayed for another drink.

This time I opted for the Roku Japanese Gin with tonic. It’s made with a blend of six different Japanese botanicals and was smooth with floral notes, dangerously easy to drink.

My companion opted for a safe glass of rose, which was reasonably priced, for Call Lane, at £4.

Would you go back?

Power, Corruption and Lies has brought a much-needed bit of class to Call Lane and the staff were the real gems of this place - they were friendly and helpful and each brought their own eclectic style to their service.

I would definitely return for an after-work drink, or visit earlier in the evening to try one of the small plates.

Scores:

Value - 6/10

Atmosphere - 8/10

Service - 10/10

Factfile:

Address: 36 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 6DT

Telephone: 0113 430 0144

Website: www.powercorruptionandlies.co.uk

Opening hours:

Monday: 12pm to 2am

Tuesday: 12pm to 2am

Wednesday: 12pm to 2am

Thursday: 12pm to 2am

Friday: 12pm to 3am

Saturday: 12pm to 3am

Sunday: 12pm to 3am