Le Chalet tearoom, Leeds

When I go out in Leeds eating and drinking, I tend to spend a lot of time in the area around Greek Street, sort of the city’s financial quarter. But an invitation came through the other day for a blogger buffet at a place around there I’d never noticed before.

Apparently, Le Chalet (31-32 Park Row) has been open for seven months. I don’t think there is much in the way of French cuisine in Leeds, whereas virtually every other popular foodie taste is catered for several times over.

Being something of a Francophile (remember my time in Paris, week in the Dordogne and that I dream of owning a house in France?) I was hardly likely to resist an invitation to a French tearooms and bakery. Le Chalet wanted us to try out the new August menu.

This does still seem like a business somewhat in its infancy but staff, though busy, were attentive with warm, wide smiles. French owner Nermine says on her website that she wants to make the world a better place – not something you hear from every restaurateur. She told us on the night she wanted to bring something different to Leeds and, in an over-commercialised world, create a place where people can come together and connect.

It’s an admirable philosophy, and certainly one that makes me want to support this independent by returning. But what about the food? Well, that would draw me back too.

Le Chalet sells a mixture of things, which is unusual for us to see but perhaps more common in France. There were hot and cold main courses: the ratatouille and beef bourguignon were superb; we also tried quiche, filled pancakes and sandwiches, all very good.

As you might expect, Le Chalet has some spectacular-looking cakes, colourful macaroons, freshly-baked biscuits and a good selection of wine and champagne. It has a wide range of cheeses and fresh bread on the counter. And it also sells 18 different varieties of tea, served in exquisite glass infuser teapots (I later found out they’re for sale - £15!).

It doesn’t open directly onto the street, so when you enter it feels a little like you’re walking into an office, or museum, and once inside the layout isn’t ideal for a cosy Continental café atmosphere. But the décor helps, a lot, with its chandeliers, baroque wallpaper, table lamps and ornate mirrors.

This little place has a lot of heart and a lot going for it, and I’ll certainly be popping back in – anyone fancy afternoon tea?