Bar review: The Liquor Store and Whisky Parlour by The Hedonist Project, Lower Briggate, Leeds

Whether you’re looking for specialist music, a prohibition feel, fun activities like mini golf, elaborate cocktails or your chosen wine or liquor, there are bars for pretty much any taste in Leeds.

Pop-up prodigies and bar experts from The Hedonist Project are making the most of the city’s nighttime diversity.

Having delivered the innovative reggae-ridden Rum Shack pop-up next to the Belgrave Music Hall, in Cross Belgrave Street, last year, the experienced team of former Leeds bar managers have revamped a space in Lower Briggate.

The Liquor Store and Whisky Parlour by The Hedonist Project is the result of a suave refurbishment of what used to be a Wok On noodle bar.

Focusing on – you guessed it – whisky, the venue opened its doors before Christmas and will remain until the end of March when it will be transformed into a completely new pop-up bar.

With liquor experts at American-themed 51% Bourbon just around the corner at Hirst’s Yard, we’re glad to report that the Hedonist team have carved a niche of their own in this subtle venue that has a Scottish flavour.

The weathered wood flooring, rustic metal-topped bar made of thick wooden beams, warm lantern lighting and retro framed pictures of the Scottish coast make you feel like you’re sitting by the fire with a hot toddy in hand.

The venue is encased in bare brick walls, dark green and grey walls. There is cosy boothed seating by the windows and a huge grey, high-sided sofa by the bar to nestle into.

All of this is set to a subtle hip hop and instrumental soundtrack that instantly modernises this space into a cool themed bar.

It’s a quite unusual but well put together look, which is mirrored with a food menu featuring Angus steak dishes and classic fish and chips. Drinks-wise you’re looking at over 60 varieties of whisky served by the dram along with 12 inventive whisky-based cocktails, a handful of wines and a collection of bottled and canned real ales.

We opted for a Blood and Strand cocktail made up of two 12-year-old whiskys, cherry liqueur, vermouth and an orange foam topping. Presented in a small cut glass chalice after being delicately put together by the bartender, it had an almost medicinal edge beneath the sweet citrus.

With the addition of a Northern Monk Mocha Porter ale from down the road in Holbeck, the bill came to £12.

Get to the Hedonist team’s latest venture while you can. It’s a top notch addition that, despite its temporary identity, leaves a lasting impression.