Sam’s Chop House

Arrived here at 5:30pm on a windy Wednesday evening to be greeted by friendly and cheerful staff. I was given a choice of seating as I walked up to the eating area. The décor lends itself to a slightly hushed atmosphere of grown-​up conversations and romantic moments. The music was, thankfully, played at just the right level to soak up the quite moments as people eat the delicious food but not so loud as to make it difficult to have a conversation. Why do so many places get that wrong?
The food arrived promptly but with a long enough wait so as to give some assurance that it was being freshly prepared. When it arrived it was well presented, tasty and as described.
Overall, a very comfortable place to eat. Especially good if you want to have a relaxed dinner with conversation.

I recently had the pleasure in joining some fellow Unilocalers for a Sunday Lunch. Having frequented the standard carveries I wasn’t sure what to expect but I came hungry ready to give it my all!
Upon entering I was seen to quite quickly at the bar and when we had all gathered we were shown to a large table towards the back of the room behind a wall consumed by quirky illustrations and doodles incorporating Yorkshire Puddings. With this much devotion I certainly didn’t want to miss out on one!
The menu was a stapled booklet showing a page of starters, two of mains & one of desserts. Disappointingly there was only one vegetarian main option available but upon enquiry a second of veggie black pudding was provided.
I was very tempted for the 10day slow cooked corn beef hash but not wanting to miss out on the typical Sunday Lunch accompliments I went for the pork belly at £14.00.
When it arrived I was presented with a smart slice of a pork roulade with a strip of crunchy crackling and a complimentary thick pork gravy. The pork was very tender and not fatty. There was a small bowl holding a dark beefy gravy which I was grateful wasn’t pre-​poured and soaking my meal as sacrilegiously I’m not a massive gravy fan.
The veggies were the typical cabbage which wasn’t overcooked! The carrots were lovely and tender. The parsnips were possibly a bit darker than necessary but the roast potatoes had a good golden colour, crisp exterior, fluffy but slightly dry interior.
My Yorkshire pudding, immortalized on the surrounding walls artwork, was to actually to scale with the drawings and too small for what I expected and wanted to devour!
The waiter had graciously checked on us, seen to any drink & additional gravy needs. He cleared our plates and we were offered dessert but at £6 and up, despite coming hungry, I didn’t believe it would satisfy the cost.
I did however get a pot of tea at the bar which I had to assemble then & there as wasn’t supplied with a tray for the many components I couldn’t carry in one trip.
Overall I was impressed with the service that we received. The food was decent but I found it overpriced for the volume & size. I had my reservations that, as it wasn’t busy, (in fact we emptied the bar&restaurant when we left!) that the food wasn’t as prepared as freshly as it could have been and certainly the thick sliced beef looked reheated. I’m not sure I’d rush back but I’m glad I’ve been, seen & tried!

Ah, Sam’s. It’s a gorgeous building, and has a menu that promises all kinds of delectable treats, but alas — just can’t reach that fifth star!
We gathered here yesterday for another of the Sunday Lunch clubs with Unilocal,and it was easy to book up a table. They had laid everything out ready for us, and the chap who I’d phoned was excellent. He couldn’t have done more for us, and ensured we had everything we needed throughout the afternoon. No one was left without a drink in hand, and they even brought out surplus gravy, should anyone need more. I really appreciated the service, it was fantastic!
The drinks selection, as far as beers and ales, is somewhat limited but I’m told the ales (jorvik) were excellent. The Sam’s house lager was very drinkable, but it’s the wines that really stand out in this place. I didn’t partake of a glass during dinner, but they even had dessert wines, which I thoroughly enjoyed — and there’s a range too. The one from Hungary was the one I tried and it was delicious; it’s perfect if you’re too full from dinner but wish for something sweet.
The Sunday dinner arrived in good time, and a few of us went for the proper roast. The chap had the vegetarian black pudding, and assured that it was excellent — stand out, in fact. It looked the part, and I thought it was a really intriguing alternative, compared to some lacklustre veggie offerings at other places. However, the beef roast simply wasn’t as good as I’d hoped. At £14 it’s one of the most expensive I’ve had in Leeds, and sadly I can’t say it’s worth every penny.
The plate is of a comparable size to others (that come in between £8−10) and whilst the veggies with it were great, some of the parsnips were over cooked. The Yorkshire was tasty, but smaller than I’d hoped. The roasties were fine, although I’m particularly fussy with those so probably others might have liked them, but it was the meat that let me down. It looked red in places, which was promising, but when it came to eating it, it was full of fat and really tough to chew. I salvaged the best I could, but had to give up as I couldn’t get through most of it. So, whilst it looked the part, and the service was fantastic, the actual food was a let down.
I’m torn between 3 and 4 stars here, but will err on the side of generosity. Mostly, as I know that the other dishes have wowed me in the past, and I feel are much more value for money. Plus, with the lovely bar tenders and the veggie meal being so much more interesting than other veggie options, I’m going to look at the positives. I wouldn’t say the lunch feels like it’s worth £14, perhaps half that, but I’d still go back for the other menu options.

Amazing food and a great atmosphere make this one of my favourite restaurants in Yorkshire.
Top quality plates of food (definitely try the Corned Beef Hash), friendly staff and the place always has a buzz about it!
Due to the prices, it’s a bit more of an occasion restaurant than an every weekend one.
This place never disappoints

Now, it was almost 2 years since I was in Sam’s Chop House, but it still lingers as an amazing experience I had. If I’m honest I didn’t expect great things, despite the nothing but positive reviews I’d read. But once I was in there my mind started changing straight away.
Indoors it’s feels sort of nice and warm and homely, whilst having a touch of class, which let’s face it, is pretty difficult to get right! I recall the staff being lovely, if not quite as amazing as some places, but still very welcoming. But then the most important part– the food. Oh dear lord the food was amazing! Considering I was so very uninterested in the food beforehand shows how good it was. I’d usually rank good hearty British food as one of my least favourites, but not tonight! I went for the slow cooked beef, and I’d say I’d recommend it above anything else, but I get the feeling that most of the things on the menu are of the same quality!
Anyway, throw in the Hi-​Life card I had at the time and you’ve got a bargain on your hands! But even if you don’t, the food is just that wonderful you’ve got to give it a try at some point.

Sam’s was recommended by two students that I was visiting in Leed’s. We’re all from California but I was in England visiting a friend in Manchester. The building is really beautiful with bar, chandeliers, and an air of «casual posh». The waiters and staff were all professional and attentive.
I ordered kidney & steak pudding with chips and gravy boat. Having never eaten this dish before I cannot make a judgement as to it’s authenticity but I did feel it was tasty with generous portions of each meat. The gravy set the dish off for me. For dessert I had pear & apple crumble with proper custard which was really delicious. My companions raved about their main courses and desserts as well.
Leed’s centre is quite a bustling place. The Christmas decorations and shopping crowds even in the rain was really very pretty. The indoor city market has fish mongers as impressive as London’s. For a visiting San Franciscan I was quite impressed with Leed’s and the number of cuisines available and also glad we ate at Sam’s Chop House.
Cheers!

Booked in to use our Hi-​Life card on Wednesday 30^th Nov.
The weather was terrible so we were looking forward to a really hearty meal after reading the reviews of Sams.
The restaurant was quite chilly to sit in and we were sat in tables in the ‘middle’ where the waiting staff have to walk around you to serve the other diners– the waitress didn’t even ask us if the table was ok/​suitable.
The menus were placed on the table as were we taking off our coats (which I was a bit reluctant to do with the lack of heat in the place) and we were rushed into ordering drinks.
There was maybe ⁷⁄₈ other tables full in the restaurant so I didn’t see the hurry– they weren’t exactly full to capacity.
Both the food and wine menus were very extensive and would accommodate most tastes I’d say.
We ordered food and wine and tried to relax but again– the lack of heating made this a little difficult.
Our wine was brought and poured– we weren’t offered to sample the wine as I would expect to do!
The starters were served to us and took longer to arrive than I would have expected– I had the corned beef hash cakes and my husband the Ham hock and potato terrine.
The poached egg on mine was cold– there is nothing worse!
The outside of the Hash cakes were also quite cold so although I summarised that they were quite tasty– I didn’t enjoy them as they were not served warm enough to do them justice. I was really disappointed!
My husbands starter was to a much higher standard and he really enjoyed it.
The mains again took a while to arrive and low and behold– the same issues here– almost cold food!
I had the Pork Belly– the Pork was cooked lovely and the crackling just right! The marmite potatoes however were no great addition and barely tasted of marmite!
the dish would have been so much more enjoyable had it been hot!
My husband had Lamb Breast on a white bean casserole which didn’t really compliment each other– the lamb had not been cooked enough as it was still a bit tough (we eat lamb breast at home and now how to get the best out of it!)
again– he would have enjoyed it more with a little more heat.
We ordered the cheese board and the chocolate platter for dessert as we were still quite hungry.
The cheese selection was quite poor to be honest and only provided with bread– no crackers! And the chutney was very tart and not complimentary at all.
The chocolate platter however was a stark contrast and delighted us both.
All in all I’d say the food was a good quality but lacked the heat when served to make it as enjoyable and do it the justice it deserves.
The service was quite poor and there was no atmosphere in the place the whole time we were there.
£69 bill (with BOGOF on 3 courses) was a pretty penny to spend on a meal we weren’t quite happy with but we know we won’t be going again.
The score given is purely on the quality of the food which we know would have been better served at the correct temperature!

A central Leeds venue that is nicely arranged, and has a quite good wine list.
On the other hand, I’d have to take issue with previous reviewers on the food, as I neither found the menu particularly interesting, nor was overawed with taste or presentation.
From me, therefore, a middle-​of-​the-​road rating.

I’ve only been a couple of times, but I decided on my last visit that Sam’s Chop House is one of my favourite places to eat in Leeds; I must go more often.
The feel I get in Sam’s house is of grand Victorian pub, perhaps akin to the Victoria Hotel, but a bit more formal and obviously set up for dinning not drinking. They have a good selection of hand-​pulled ales, including a couple of their own, which are both excellent.
A large chunk of the menu is what I would describe as Victorian classics with a contemporary twist. You have your corned-​beef hash, Lancashire hotpot, stews and various cuts of meat. I had the corned-​beef hash starter and a wonderful slow cooked lamb dish main.
The whole meal was superb; good hearty food, real ale, a hint of nostalgia, what more could you want? What’s that? You don’t want to have to pay for it. It’s not that expensive anyway, but get yourself a Hi-​life card and you’ll only have to pay for half of it.

Ah. Victorians. Stout, hirsute and not given to laggardliness, pettifogging and all that damn Frenchie nonsense.
I exaggerate a little, but I think there’s a secret part of every man’s psyche that wishes he could freely grow an intimidating collection of facial hair and stride about in cummerbund and spats, berating his servants and ordering hansom cabs.
Alas that we live in more querulous, timid times! And that our wives frown upon fulsome whiskers.
Sam’s Chophouse is part of a small chain of «Victorian Chophouses», which aim to emulate something of the 19^th century experience. Perhaps the most obvious expression of that is the setting of the place.
The building is a handsome stone edifice which used to host a bank and latterly some Townish nonsense like Fat Cats or something, but has now found it’s true purpose. The high ceilings, polished fittings and imposing stonework really gives you the Victorian vibe.
Much is made of the service which actually probably isn’t that Victorian at all. Everyone knows that Victorian service was either high-​nosed butlers creeping around your backside to replace your napkin and fuss with with your cuspidors or just some wizened crone serving you pie for a penny. In fact, the service is just good old-​fashioned friendly, smart and informed.
The menu too really has little to do with the Victorian era, but is probably best described as Properly British. That means that it isn’t for the lily-​livered. Two courses here could easily make you burst everywhere and shower the place in gravy and pastry, so don’t feel that you have to order starters.
I can’t recommend the corned beef hash cakes enough. This is the closest Sam’s Chop House gets to fusion cooking — taking trad corned beef hash and deep frying it in breadcrumbs. Served with poached egg and crispy bacon, it is enlivened by a witty «dressing»… of HP sauce.
The steak and kidney pudding is probably another signature dish. This actually serves two potential purposes: as a stomach-​swellingly satisfying meal or as ballast for a small fishing vessel. Either way, you really see where your money’s gone — which is something that I, as a Yorkshireman, always value.
This is a very resolute menu, free from fripperies like jus or foams and probably best avoided if you’re at all interested in calories. The emphasis is on big portions of heartiness — although there seem to be a good selection of both fish courses and (surprisingly) vegetarian dishes.
Maybe the best recommendation I can make is that I’m going tonight and I won’t eat anything after noon so I don’t kill myself trying to eat every morsel tonight.

We went here last Tuesday with some close friends. I had booked it a fortnight earlier and mentioned it was to celebrate my Brother’s birthday and it would be a party of 6. I had heard very good things about this place and that the price was reasonable. The menu had changed since I last looked at it and we were really impressed with the range. The interior of Sam’s Chop House is second to none, very classy, high ceilings. I ordered the French Onion Soup and was really looking forward to it, but when they brought it over, the cheese on bread was already on top of the soup making it really soggy and I thought it was overly sweet. I would have preferred my bread on the side or just floating on top but not ‘dunked’. For my main I opted for the confit of lamb and the portion was more than adequate. I had trouble finishing it, the potatoes were lovely and went well with the dish. The only gripe I have was the quaility of service was not very good, the waiters were not very attentive and they must have forgotten about my Brother’s ‘Birthday’ as they did not acknowlede it at any time of the meal. We decided to have dessert elsewhere because the service was appalling although beware they add a 10% service charge as standard. The food was very good and a good price but service let it down.

The Guardians take on this place was, «Remember the good old days when service wore its best smile, food was hearty & calories hadn’t even been thought of? The people at Sam’s do.»
And this is really true. The place is themed around the Victorian era and we all know the Victorians liked hearty portions. I agree with Charlotte though, casual or formal? I just don’t know… Maybe go smart casual. Whatever that is.

Take a step back in time and be greeted by jovial staff trussed up in waistcoats and shiny shoes. Following on from the Manchester branch this pub found an ideal location, long may it survive if solely for preserving such a marvellous building and maintaining both the interior and exterior.
The menu is mildly pricey restaurant-​come-​ale-​house-​come-​wine-​bar plays host to a lovely selection of meaty British dishes whilst providing a balance with some meat-​free grub too. The décor is extravagant, the food well presented and the booze delicious.
For a slightly extra special evening/​lunch out you may want to give this ago.

Sam’s Chop House was bought to Leeds after the booming success of it’s Manchester branch. Sam’s offers a traditional Victorian vibe to contrast with the now contemporary and modernised city centre.
The building is authentically Victorian and the décor (right down to the chandeliers, place mats and cutlery) creates a feel so Victorian that it really does send you back in time. With such a theme Sam’s could turn into a slightly cheesy venue to dine in, however the Chop House just about dodges the cheesiness!
The menu offer traditional English cuisine along with an award winning wine list (Leeds best wine list winner 2008) which on the surface seems to equate to a lovely meal out. However I find it all a little extravagant and over the top. Is it a pub? Is it an up market restaurant? They offer Cornish beef pies which would indicate it’s an old public house, however the tables are decorated extravagantly and ducks leg is also on the menu. Customers wear both jeans and dresses in here so I think the clientele are just as confused as me.

While it might seem odd for a vegetarian to be reviewing somewhere that calls itself a ‘chop house’, Sam’s deserves recognition for making some impressive concessions towards non-​meat-​eaters in its menu despite essentially being a place where people go to eat meat. It’s a great place to go as a compromise if you have both carnivores and veggies in your party, as hearty, hefty-​looking dishes like home-​made corned beef hash and confit of duck leg are served up alongside surprisingly well-​executed meat-​free options like wild mushroom wellington and asparagus in hollandaise sauce. While the meat is obviously done well, keeping grins on the faces of the other diners throughout my meal here, the chef maintains a level of subtlety and skill that is often missing in restaurants of this ilk. The room itself is convivial, with high ceilings and exposed wood adding an air of grandeur to what from the name could just as easily have been a neon Americana themed nightmare, while the prices are good value, with mains around £10-£15. A good place to take a date if you’re not sure about their dietary preferences, or for a group of friends who have mixed tastes.

I like the food at Sam’s Chop House. Proper, no nonsense, good quality grub. I can’t remember the starter I had, but the fillet steak was melt-​in-​the-​mouth delicious. The interior’s just a bit odd. It’s all a bit ‘I used to be a bank’-esque. But the food more than makes up for it. Definitely worth a visit.