Christmas celebrations at LEAF, Liverpool (review)

So, let’s get straight into the festive menu. Just off the bat, one thing that instantly stood out to me about LEAF’s festive menu was the fact that their options aren’t all entirely “Christmassy”. You can decide for yourself just how festive you want to go with your food. Sometimes, you don’t want a typical Christmas dinner for your work Christmas do, or for a festive family dinner out. So, the fact that LEAF offers a range of options that felt traditional and non-traditional was an instant win in my eyes. To get us in the festive spirit, LEAF had whipped up a Santa Spritz for everyone. Think Aperol Spritz but make it Christmas. That’s a Santa Spritz – prosecco, Aperol, cranberry juice, “Santa Syrup” and a sprig of rosemary. Delicious.

Onto the menu itself…to kick off the festive experience I chose their ham hock, pork belly and tarragon terrine. It’s not something that I’d usually go for but, I have to admit, it was pretty amazing. Served alongside the terrine were a spiced pineapple chutney and toasted focaccia. The chutney was the perfect bit of sweetness to cut through the rich terrine.

For my main course, I had to go with the fish dish: roast cod with a warm potato salad and coconut curry sauce. Not a typical Christmas dinner meal, I’ll admit. However, as I said before, the non-traditionality of LEAF’s festive menu is what makes it so brilliant in my eyes. The cod was cooked to absolute perfection, and the potato salad almost took me right back to my holidays in Malaga. There was something about it that reminded me of the Russian salads that I tried at some of my favourite tapas bars over there. The curry sauce was light and creamy, with a slight kick to it. A perfect balance to the cod.

If you know me, and Female Original, then you’ll know that the wine pairing was just as important to me as the food itself. I paired both with their King Stag Chardonnay which was a delicious, medium-bodied, buttery chardonnay. Right up my street. If you like a less acidic chardonnay then the King Stag is most definitely for you. It went brilliantly with both the terrine and the cod, a real star.

To round off my three-course dinner, I opted for ultimate decadence with their white chocolate and cranberry bread and butter pudding. LEAF has truly spoiled guests for choice with its range of desserts this Christmas. Whilst their panna cotta was tempting, my love of carbs took over and it was the bread and butter pudding that took my fancy. It was everything that I was hoping for. Sweet, but not too sweet.

I paired this bad boy with a glass of the Apericena Appassimento. This red was giving me pure cherry and plum, with a hint of vanilla. It was the perfect wine to pair with any Christmas dinner.

It’s fair to say that the festive experience at LEAF on Bold Street lived up, and exceeded, my expectations. And, if you’re in charge of the work Christmas do this year then LEAF should absolutely be on your list. But, if you’re wanting to get a festive experience in your home then LEAF’s at-home feast box could be just what you’re looking for. As part of their festive range, LEAF has put together a “feast box” which contains a mix of delicious festive treats to enjoy at home. We’re talking turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing, roasties and sprouts. Everything you need for your festive celebrations. Sound like a bit of you? Find out more by getting in touch here.