GAGA ABOUT FOOD: SLATE NQ, LEEDS

When I was invited to try out new bar and restaurant Slate NQ last week, I jumped at the chance. I'm a big fan of its sister venues, Roxy Ballroom and Roxy Lanes, plus I love the new hot-spot area of Leeds, the Northern Quarter. It was the perfect excuse to pop to Leeds and catch up with one of my fave uni gals. 

The place itself was really cool- very on trend, but quite grown up feeling. Its perfect for drinks with the girls, causal meetings or just a nice place to chill during the day. It has a gorgeous rooftop terrace area and beer garden, something that is quite difficult to find in Leeds. The decor and layout was right up my street, and really fits in with the whole bar scene that's so popular right now. 

We started off with two gorgeous cocktails- probably the best I've ever had, and certainly different. I went for a 'Ginger Collins', which was soo refreshing with pear and ginger beer. I highly recommend! Jess opted for 'The Baroness', which was equally good. I love how they come in their own glasses too, which really complimented them.

Next the food... It was just delicious. We were really hungry so we went for a couple of starters/nibbles to begin with. The humous was to die for, and the fresh, warm pitta bread absolutely moreish. And for me, you can never go wrong with tomato garlic bread. Next we shared two pizzas, Slate's speciality. We chose the three cheese, and truffle salami pizzas, and they were so so good too. They were different to your regular run of the mill pizzas, and super yummy. I can't wait to go back and try some of their other flavours (top tip: they have a deal on pizzas every Tuesday).

After all the food and drink, we were truly stuffed, but managed to squeeze in thirty minutes of pool before we left. My pool skills are a huge embarrassment, but it was a great laugh. I think this would be a fab place to come for drinks, nibbles and a few games of pool, even if you are as bad as me and miss the balls more than you hit!

Overall, I had a great time at Slate NQ and would recommend it to everyone, whether you want a nice meal, drinks, or nibbles with friends. I'm already organising a girly night, and thinking of ordering more starters, and maybe trying one of their meat and cheese boards, as they sound delicious. Fingers crossed the sun will be shining and I can enjoy the sun terrace too. 

Let me know what you think of Slate NQ, or I would love some tips on other cool places to eat or drink in the area. Thanks again Slate!!

www.slatenq.co.uk

GAGA ABOUT FOOD: AUNT BIBBY'S HULL

So earlier this week Tom and I visited one of our favourite places to eat here at home- Aunt Bibby's Smokehouse. The food they serve is right up our street and the atmosphere really cool too. Apologies for the photos, it was quite dark in there (all part of the vibe) and also crowded so I couldn't wapp out the flash without looking like some kinda wierdo. Not that the below photo needs flash for you to appreciate it's wow factor. 

Most importantly, let's talk food. I love it here. Anywhere that sells good pulled pork is a winner for me, but this stuff is really something else. I've had both the pulled pork and shredded chicken sandwiches here now, and both were juicy and so tasty, absolute perfection. Tom, as always, chose the biggest thing on the menu, the 'Lard Arse', which had two cheese burgers, a chicken breast, bacon, pulled pork, onion rings and salad (which he took out and gave to me). I tried a bite and can say it was absolutely amazing. Although in a lot of places I find the bigger plates to be lacking in flavour, this certainly wasn't. 

The real winner here though are the 'Aunt Bibby's' Fries. Oh my word. A mixture of normal and sweet potato fries (why don't they offer this everywhere) topped with pulled pork, bbq sauce and gooey melted cheese. Pure chip heaven. 

(my much smaller portion)

As well as the great quality food the prices here are surprisingly cheap. I think the mega 'Lard Arse' was around £13, including sides, and my pulled pork sandwich around £7. Altogether, with two drinks each, this only totted up to £30 for two. Bargain!

A mention also needs to be given to the special sauces you are given here, all different variations on traditional bbq. These are much runnier than normal sauces, but really yummy drizzled over your food. Treat them more like a nandos sauce than you would a dipping sauce. My favourites are the Louisiana Hot and Bourbon variations, but there's chocolate and blackberry twists for the more adventurous. 

Finally, what tops off the whole thing is that going for tea at Aunt Bibby's is a real experience too. You enter to an american style bar and go through traditional saloon doors to enter the restaurant. Everything is really what I call 'deep south' american, imagine yourself in the wild west or on Route 66. There are signs all over the walls, and the likes of Bon Jovi and Dolly Parton are playing throughout. If you're a Rock Of Ages fan, you at least need to come by for a drink.

All in all, I very much recommend Aunt Bibby's if you're in Hull. This won't be the last time I visit for sure!

Find Aunt Bibby's here.

Have you been here before? Could you suggest anywhere similar for me to try? What do you think of of my new foodie posts?

Charlotte x