Where Food Meets Funk: Leeds’ Grooviest Brunch Spot

Have you ever taken one bite of a meal and instantly known you’d be back? It was love at first bite the moment my fork hit my tongue on my recent trip to Galleria, although sparks had begun to fly almost as soon as we entered the door.

Located within Project House, the creative warehouse space known for hosting anything from concerts, to tattoo art exhibitions and free yoga, Galleria is an all-day, wood-fired restaurant and bar. A collaboration between Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall,

Welcome Skate Store and Super Friendz, Project House has had a stellar selection of artists play under its roof and, as you’d expect, made sure that Galleria felt pretty trendy. Hanging plants, colourful prints, exposed concrete. You know the type.

Only in a place like this would I be able to buy Greentea Peng tickets after seeing an upcoming events poster whilst being shown to our seats. Turkish eggs and an iced latte on the way, and booked in to see one of my favourite artists? I didn’t think the day could get better, but that’s because I hadn’t tasted the food.

The charred, bubbly flatbread had a sourdough-like tang, and was still warm from the wood fired oven. It made the perfect instrument to scoop up the pools of smokey ‘nduja butter, hot honey, poached eggs and whipped goat’s curd. The dish was rich, sweet, and spicy but the mint leaves and chopped chives added a freshness that kept it light. I couldn’t help myself as I greedily scoffed every last mouthful, barely looking up to notice I’d almost finished my entire plate before my friend Eleanor had gotten through half of hers. I had to slow myself down and savour the last few mouthfuls as I swept the flatbread along the bottom of the bowl, already planning out my next trip in my head.

My friend ordered Galleria’s take on huevos rancheros: tomato and ancho chilli, refried beans, two fried eggs, sliced avocado, crème fraîche and beautiful jewel red roquito peppers. Like me, she was obsessed with the flat bread, a must-order for anyone taking a trip to the restaurant, no matter breakfast, lunch or dinner.

This was honestly the best brunch I’ve ever had. Simple but still luxurious. And whilst Galleria is a bit off the beaten track, it is worth every step of the journey and there is no doubt I will be coming back. With their 2 for £15 cocktails on Thursday to Saturday, and their amazing dinner menu, I had barely scratched the surface. A hot honey and peach

mezcalita? A smoked bone marrow flatbread with boquerones, parmesan and a shallot, caper, parsely salad? Char sui bone in pork ribs with pineapple mustard? How could I resist?

Words and Images by Molly Lucas, she/her