ALEA – Leeds Restaurant Review

By Jane Bion

There is more to ALEA than meets the eye. Visitors to the emerging Clarence Dock area of Leeds will have no trouble locating this impressive entertainment hot spot. Look, we in the UK will never match the imaginative splendor of Las Vegas but the management at ALEA has created a little corner in West Yorkshire that will appeal to many. Is it a casino? Is it a restaurant complex? A collection of cocktail bars perhaps? Or maybe a corporate event or formal party venue? Well in fact it’s a little bit of everything.

The gaming is spread over two floors, one dedicated to “ slots” with the upper floor offering access to the full range of gaming tables. ALEA operates an open door policy so membership is not required. Expect some degree of visible security on the door for obvious reasons. The experienced gambler will appreciate the facilities with up-to date table technology on hand to confirm or otherwise that winning bet. For the beginners there are practice tables available where you can construct your strategy. Tucked away is a more private suite of tables – some serious poker playing going on in there so we left them to it. For those wanting a break from the gambling highs, a small movie theatre is on site (although the visitor would need to confirm whether this was by prior arrangement or generally available). Or perhaps it’s just a cocktail in the finely appointed and well stocked cocktail lounge, which was my favourite area as the Jamaican Mojitos and Brandy Alexanders were excellent, there was a fab atmosphere and the black marble, beautiful huge red chandelier and large mirrors looked opulent. Certainly a cosy corner to check your winnings.

There are two eateries within the complex. The Bird offers Indian cuisine inspired by a the Michelin recognised chef, Vineet Bhatia, is adjacent to the gaming floor and is also situated close to a tastefully appointed private dining room which can comfortably accommodate 12 people in some style. The bistro, The Fig at which we dined adjoins the Slots floor. It has a functional if somewhat limited menu and affordable wine list. I would recommend the scallops for starters which were very good and although initially nothing particularly excited me on the main course list, the Rainbow Trout which I ordered was actually very nice, as were the salad and veg sides. The Chenin Blanc proved to be a good companion for my food. My friend John was equally as happy with the salmon in a Mediterranean tomato based sauce. The biscotti desert to share was excellent. With a carefully chosen wine the damage to the credit card will be minimal. The saxophone player was a pleasant touch; not intrusive but excellent mood music. Small parties are welcome in the bistro perhaps as a precursor to a night of certain risk and possible reward. The ladies celebrating a 21st were certainly having a great time!

For the corporate event or formal private function, ALEA offers its top floor. There are extensive conference facilities, a dance floor and plenty of space for that function or party with a difference.

In summary, ALEA offers a little taste of Nevada and a whole lot of fun just a few hundred meters from the centre of Leeds. Will it cost you? Well of course that depends on whether that most fickle of lady friends Luck is in your party. Don’t bank on it, but do enjoy!

Alea, 4 The Boulevard, Leeds, Restaurant Review

4 The Boulevard
Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1PZ, United Kingdom
tel: 0113 341 3200

http://www.aleacasinos.com/alea/leeds/