Friends of Ham

Such a lovely place in the city centre and so close to the train station. The menu has a great variety and is perfect for sharing. The nduja toast and meatballs were perfectly cooked and went down a treat. I'd reccomend the mushroom pasta as well, really fresh and filling. One thing that stood out was the great service! Will definitely be back. For the city centre and the quality of the food the prices are really reasonable!

OK. I am writing this as I sit here. Firstly, it’s utterly superb. I was a walk in single diner on a Friday evening (working in Leeds Fri/Sat). It’s a cool, chic, friendly, laid back, fizzing atmosphere. I had a nice single table in the window. I let the waiters recommend wines - and they nailed it. Trust the chap with the beard - he knows what he’s taking about!! White, Red, Red. To eat I had the meatballs and the potatoes - again, waiters recommendation - sounds like the most boring dinner on the planet? Wrong, completely wrong. It was (to quote my teenage son) bang’in! Absolutely delicious - I would eat it again now. And I have only just finished it. Followed it up with a hard cheese, biscuits and a (boring but delicious) Malbec. OK. It’s not cheap. Dinner for 1 at £60 but it’s blooming good…..genuinely….really that good. Well done the Friends of Ham.Just to reiterate….it’s utterly superb.

Was down in Leeds for work and was recommended this place and WOW! Everything about it was spot on. Great and friendly staff; food that was sensational and a brilliant selection of drinks that you can't get in many other places. Only place outside of Scotland I've seen the Vault City Iron Brew (otherwise known as the greatest drink ever created). Can't wait for my next trip to Leeds to return and for now my wallet can breathe as the worry about how much I'd spend if this was in Glasgow is real.

Enjoyed lovely wine, ham and small plates at this place. Good value for the quality. We called in on a Saturday evening without a reservation, we were greeted as arrived and asked if wanted to wait at the bar, we were only a few minutes waiting before a table was available.

Just a quick review. I spent a few days in Leeds as a solo female traveller. I used Ham & Friends as a base to meet friends and a date. I love the atmosphere the food and the care the staff provided. Kaycee is a gem, I didn’t catch the names of the two other bar staff, I wish I had because they all made my visit so welcomming and safe. It will forever be my first stop for lunch and wine on my next visit. Recommend to everyone. I may have to book you for a quietly raucous 50th?!! Perfect people watching window. Thank you.

Absolutely great place to eat for a family treat. Possibly not somewhere I'd regularly use as it was on the pricey side. Nevertheless, we all had a great time. The food is excellent as is wine. The staff were terrific too, helpful and friendly. Highly recommended if your budget can stretch to it.

Lovely restaurant with really friendly / knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend and we will definitely be heading back soon to try the rest of the tasty cheese and meats in offer 😋

Five-Star Review: Friends of Ham, Leeds Friends of Ham in Leeds is still the spot for food lovers seeking exceptional quality and flavor. Years ago, it earned its reputation as a foodie favorite, and I’m thrilled to report that it hasn’t lost its touch. The meats and cheeses here are nothing short of outstanding—perfectly curated, fresh, and bursting with flavor. What really sets this place apart, though, is the wait staff. They’re incredibly knowledgeable and have an uncanny ability to recommend just the right pairings to elevate your experience. (I took their advice and added a speciality pickle and OMG!) For those who might feel hesitant to dive straight into the more exotic or stronger flavors, Friends of Ham offers plenty of traditional options. This makes it easy for anyone to explore their offerings and work their way up to the bolder selections. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of fine meats and cheeses, Friends of Ham strikes the perfect balance. A must-visit gem that continues to impress year after year!

Worker pissed on my food And they also left a turd all over the drink machine also the ambiance sucks because there is shit all over the floor

Eclectic vibe. Great food.wait staff was quite attentive. We tried a number of appetizers, all of which were wonderful. Love the unabashed name!

Dropped in last night - left after 15 minutes as the staff seemed to not care about helping customers. They did not even notice me as I left - seemed more interested in looking at the floor. Here's a tip - if you enjoy working in the service industry it helps if you have social skills.

Love this place, charcuterie and beer heaven, quality food and good atmosphere too, two rooms, ground floor and basement

Great for cured meat and wine. I've been for new year's eve and it was a great experience.

Apparently Friends of Ham has been open in Leeds for a couple of years - no idea how I haven't been before! It's a nice little bar with a great selection of cold hams and cheese. Food is delicious. Great selection of beers - all local or different breweries. Service was spot on and it's not too expensive either! Definitely recommend!

Really enjoyed lunching at Friends of Ham and will be back soon! They need to expand to London! The food was brilliant. We ordered the Spanish Sharing platter between two and everything was amazing. Both the ham and the chorizo were top notch - I could eat both every meal of the day. The goat cheese was also really really good. Not too strong and soft. The platter is perfect size for two however next time we will get some other hot tapas dishes as they looked amazing. The drinks we also great. I ordered a Cherry Beer and honestly wow. It tastes closer to a cider (maybe it is one?) but oh my god. This is a must get. We also followed up with a tasting menu of three beers. Everyone who's looking to drink should order this. It's cheaper than two beers and definitely more exciting! The atmosphere is also great. Very authentic and rustic. The whole restaurant makes you hungry just looking at it. The service was good but not special. Our waitress was pretty to-the-point but it was made up by the timely service and help selecting the beers in our tasting menu.

This is a good place to go if you want a light meal with drinks. The service is always good and we've never left disappointed. In the summer months it can get very busy and can be a little more difficult to get a table, but that's to be expected with its proximity to the train station and shopping.

As soon as we booked our tickets to Leeds for Bank Holiday weekend, we knew Friends of Ham would be 'on the menu'. We stopped off for a coffee when we first arrived but returned the next day for lunch. It was busy when we arrived so grabbed a stool at the bar and waited it out. They have plenty of beer on draught and in cans / bottles behind the bar, so I went for a can of Beavertown Neck Oil and the other half enjoyed FoH's own Pacer. After about 20 minutes we started to get a bit worried as we hadn't seen the girl we were originally greeted by for a while, but we needn't have - the next table of two was ours. The menu has changed since our last visit so we went for a the build your own system, plus the spicy nduja on toast and some bread & oil. We shared Old Winchester, brie, chorizo and rum soaked salami, which came with some additional bread and really delicious chunky chutney. The little cornichon pickles are the other half's absolute favourite thing at the moment, so it was great to see some of those scattered on top! There was a real delay with the nduja so we had to prompt the waitress, but it was so delicious I forgave instantly. Washed down with some additional beers, we shared an excellent meal and it tied up the end of our Leeds visit perfectly. At peak times the system probably isn't going to be the best for families / those with prams / anyone in a rush, but it's worth the wait if you can!

Well, friends. I've someone to introduce you to, and they're Friends Of Ham. And, they're the kind of folk that you'll instantly take a shine to since, I've only visited once, but know that any Friend Of Ham is a friend of mine. Nestled in along the wee side street, where the lovely Laynes have made their home, you'll find this fantastic pub-come-lounge. Whilst my friends and I didn't spend a huge amount of time upstairs, if you're in for a quick pint you'll find a selection of seating at the bar that will give you full view of the range in which to sup. For starters, beer specialists and connoisseurs, this is your home. Lined up in the fridge are a number of unique and rare bottles, ranging from Trappist to Craft, where there's certain to be something that'll quench your thirst and light up your taste buds. I'd even hazard, there'll be something even you've not heard of. Of course, there are hand pulled ales to pick from too, which I fully intend to return and try. Even a cursory visit will leave you planning your next attendance - there's simply too much to try! We went for the house red, which was extremely drinkable and affordable, but here's a tip -if you're a four, and all want it, just buy the bottle -you'll save a bit of cash. We, foolishly, bought a glass separately and received this advice after the fact. (Numpties!) Take a trip into the underbelly of the bar, and you'll discover a cosy hub downstairs, housing a huge central table, a number of little intimate spots and perhaps some of the comfiest sofas known to posterior. There's an array of miniature seating, especially for the wee ones, and a plethora of exciting and amusing board games for those who want to add in an element of competition to their visit. The plush, country home style of the room makes it perfect for chatting, relaxing, and given that it's in a basement you could quite easily lose five hours down here in blissful comfort, sipping on delectable drinks, until the small hours. I especially enjoyed the table with a range of book covers for decoration. Now, on to the charcuterie. So, they're called Friends Of Ham. Well, that's as may be, but you'll soon realise that it's nothing to do with veganism when you glance at the menu -here you can expect a meat and cheese feast of the most divine proportions. And, this is certainly not a critique, at least -not from me. I am a confirmed carnivore, and this is the place to indulge. There's several ways to approach this, and understand that you might be overwhelmed when glancing over the options, but it *will* pass -your excitement will calm, and you can order appropriately. Perhaps the most sensible manner, on a virgin visit, is to go for the two meat and two cheese option, and spend a good while picking which meats and sundries you wish to pig out on. The beer will keep you occupied whilst you choose, if nothing else. When there's proscuittio di parma, carne salata malenca, alejandro magno chorizo, and more to decide on, it's tricky. Bring a friend, and mix and match. As for cheese, I can recommend the Wookey Hole Cheddar (it's near my homelands, after all) and the Cornish Yarg (again, my beloved South West). Of course, there are some serious stinkers, for those that like a kick to their fromage -I am less brave when it comes to mould, but according to my cheese fiend friends, the range was incredible. Of course, you can bulk up a two-meat-two-cheese plate (which is £13.50) with olives, bread sticks, pork scratchings or even cured beef tongue. One plate will likely satisfy two lovers on a snacking mission, and definitely one hungry camper. My eyes are consistently bigger than my stomach, so initially I was hoping for more per plate, but my friends- it very nearly defeated me. My only thought was that I'd perhaps like more bread to partner with the items, but this is simply as I'm unused to eating pure cheese! Oh - and order some chutneys if you need a bit of moisture. What can I say? The meat was incredible. Beautifully smoked, raw delicious bits of pure beef, succulent and flavoursome proscuittio. I can't wait to return for more more more. The lady that served us was lovely, and you can tell that the staff have a genuine interest in making sure you're happy and loving what they do, without being overbearing. That, in combination with fantastic food, delightful drinks, an excellent space in which to relax, and an overall ambiance that somehow transported us to the likes of the Mediterranean, and you're on to a winner. Come rain or shine, this ultra cosy hub is the place to discover, and long may you be friends of Friends Of Ham. If you listen carefully, just for a moment, you can probably hear the rumbling from afar - nope. That's not a 5.6 on the richter scale; it's my stomach, begging me to return.

Such a nice relaxing environment for tapas style food and artisan beers. Great quality wine and really nice atmosphere and very reasonable price. Great for groups to share and also for couples. The ham is delicious of course but they add great cheeses, fried fruits, pickles etc

What a lovely way to spend a spare hour. I haven't been back to Friends of ham since I first came here last month. Although I have passed it many a time as I drive my bus up New Station Street. The atmosphere is so relaxed and so are the clientele. I got here at 4pm, purchased myself a pint and dived straight down stairs. The music is a little louder than I remember it but that isn't a problem as I am a Billy no Mates today and I am on my lonesome. The lighting also seems brighter giving the feeling of much more space that last time. It is by no means a size able place it definitely seems larger than it did the last time I came here. The decor is very warm and relaxing. I sat on the long cushioned bench which maybe wasn't such a good idea as my bum started to go a bit numb. 2nd impressions? I really like it here. Next time I need to actually plan to come here and try the food. But I need to come with someone who knows their cheeses and meats as I am a total cheese & meat virgin. But reading through the menu is making my mouth water. I really look forward to coming back for a planned visit. I have given it 5 stars because I really like the vibe and feel of the place. The beer is very good too. The next time I come here I will try the food.

Called into Friends of Ham based purely on the name as well as it's handy location near to Leeds train station. While there's nothing specifically wrong with the pub it's got nothing that makes it stand out either. There was a pretty big selection of cured meats and cheeses available but as I'd just eaten these didn't hold any interest for me and the beer that I got was ok but nothing special and wasn't cheap either. In my opinion there are better pubs in the area however you could also do a lot worse

A real gem that all 'Loiners' should be incredibly pleased with having that can be found nowhere else. We'd love to have a Friends of Ham over here in the Republik Of Mancunia. With a few seats at the bar on street level, where you can stop by and grab a quick bite on the way to/from the station, the beating heart of the place is found downstairs. Lots of seating space, a bustling atmosphere and friendly staff on hand to provide your choice of cheeses and/or meat platters. I didn't eat in here but was envious of what I saw others tucking into. Instead I downed a delicious 'Villainous IPA' from Huddersfield's Magic Rock Brewing. Loved the vibe, loved the beer, loved the interior. Triple love!

Friends of Ham is cool. A bit hipster, definitely a bit trendy and quite well aware of how cool it is. Fortunately, it carries it off. As the name might suggest, ham features heavily on the menu with sharing platters probably the most obvious choice for what to order. Unfortunately that wasn't super appealing to the vegetarian in our group, so we opted for a large platter with four different cheeses, bread with balsamic and olive oil and a small platter with two hams just to satisfy the curiosity of the carnivores. The bar was busy on a Monday evening, which probably means it gets much, much busier at the weekend. However, the staff managed to find us seats at a long table which we took one end of while another group took the other (their are other, smaller tables available for those who prefer that). Drinks and food orders were taken quickly and brought to us quickly and the staff showed no signs of struggling to keep up in spite of the crowd. The platters were delicious, presented with more bread, crackers, grapes and cornichons. I surprised myself by being more impressed with the cheeses we ordered than the hams but I'd be keen to try more of both (and more of the rest of the menu too). Our group of five made short work of them and it was a perfect bar snack for us but I'd recommend ordering more if you want a full meal.

The Mr and I saw this place preparing to open and I've been desperate to try it ever since! Am soooooooo glad we took a well planned afternoon to go here as I'm truly, a Friend of Ham. 'Where to have a nice Saturday lunch' is always a favourite game of ours and Friends of Ham- well done, you did not disappoint!! There was a large group of men in the bar area trying out the Speciality ales they had to offer so a kind member of staff suggested we eat downstairs (I usually like to sit near the window though as I'm an avid people watcher :-D ). The atmosphere was buzzing, a few couples enjoying a nice civilised drink or lunch, a son and dad playing shuffleboard and then in came a hen do so there is a eclectic mix of people trying the delights this place brings! Carafes of water with cucumber and mint are provided on the tables which are a lovely touch and as it was a scorcherooo day I didn't hesitate to tuck in as we browsed the menu. Seriously, there are too many nice things listed to try, damn you Friends of Ham! We decided to go for the 2 cheese and 2 meat plate with a scotch egg to top it up. We had- Cornish Yarg with wild garlic leaf & Mayfield farmhouse cheese Carne Salata Malenca & salchichon De Vic meats and complimented this with a Black Pudding Scotch egg. A superb platter was delivered to us and we dived in. All the flavours were fresh, excellent quality and a pleasure to eat. Bread and crackers came as accompaniments with a mango and sweet chili chutney in the cutest of mini jam jars. The black pudding had a extremely tangy mustard delivered with it. We cleared the whole lot and patted our rather satisfied tums. The Mr tried a light IPA ale with his lunch and I had a rather refreshing ginger ale. Everything was top class and this place will feature high on our lunch destinations in future! The decor is quirkily excellent (pretty little pig pics and quotes, great comfy seats and fab wallpaper), the staff very pleasant and knowledgeable and it's a gem of a place.

There are very few things which can make me as happy as meat, cheese and artisan beer. Friends of Ham delivers on every count. Platters of delicious piggy and dairy products (both locally made and from further afield) are delivered to tables of hungry diners and devoured with rapturous appreciation. However, it is arguably the beers which are the best thing on other. Served by the pint, 1/2 and 1/3 they constantly change but always interest. The bartenders are knowledgeable and are happy to guide you to an interesting choice or pour you a sample to taste for yourself. So nice in fact that I often find myself enjoying a quiet drink and a nibble on more occasions than I would care to admit. Friends of Ham has just celebrated its first anniversary. Hopefully it will be able to celebrate many more in the years to come! A business to cherish!

I think the place is very good although the service is a little bit slow yes it's a good place to eat so it's just the service sometimes on the slow thank you

The perfect place to stop for a light lunch conveniently close to the train station in Leeds city centre. A complete change from the usual fish and chips, pizza or burgers. I found the menu initially a little confusing but basically there's a list of different meats and cheeses. Following advice from the friendly server I chose one meat and one cheese which were served with bread, crackers and an onion tapernade. Combinations of meat and cheese are priced as follows: £5/1, £8.50/2, £11/3 and £14/4. The £14 option is a good deal for two to share. The meat I chose was Cecina de León (Spanish cured beef) and this paired perfectly with the Monte Enebro (soft blue Spanish goats cheese). The decor of the restaurant follows a rustic theme which goes perfectly with the food and drink they serve. The impressive drinks menu is also worth stopping by for, even if you're not eating. I had the New World IPA which is from a local Leeds brewery and surprisingly refreshing despite its 6.2% alcohol content!!

I instinctively knew that I was going to love Friends of Ham and it lived up to my high expectations. It was a great spot for a catch up with friends I hadn't seen in some time, and to save fussing over the menu we simply handed the reigns to the very friendly woman serving us, and asked her to choose us three meats and three cheeses. She also suggested a portion of raclette which we were more than happy with. To drink I started with a flat white as it hadn't gone 12 when I arrived. This was a really great coffee and just what I wanted from a flat white: strong, short, and sweet. Then the clock struck twelve so naturally I ordered an Aperol Spritz which was also great. The food started coming and everything was really great. I can't for the life of me remember what any of it was but all the meat and cheese was really great, served with great crackers and bread. It was really just exactly what we wanted it to be. The raclette was nice but by the time I tucked it it had started cooling down rapidly, which I guess is nobody's fault but my own. Overall this was just what we were after and I can think of few occasions where this wouldn't be the ideal venue. What's more is that for a good feed, a coffee and a cocktail I paid around £20.

Great local bar with a wide selection of craft beers both local and global. Try the flights and then take your choice from there. Match with a wide selection of cheese and of course Ham :-). Friendly and helpful staff will keep you on track and help with choice. A great spot for a Quick lunch or an evening drink

Thumbs down, Friends of Ham. The place was highly recommended by traveling vloggers, the Vaga brothers. We arrived 2 hours before closing and they tell us (tourists) that the kitchen is already closed. Umm, you don't fry anything. You arrange things on a plate? Why don't you tell people that you really only serve beer OR place your special hours on the website. : /

In Leeds for work for a couple of weeks and fancied a beer after a long day. This was exactly the kind of place I was looking for. Not used to dining on my own, so their combo of small plates and charcuterie boards (including a selection of amazing local meats and cheese) was the ideal set up for a solo diner. I grabbed a seat at the bar and got help from the bar staff to pick a beer from their incredible selection, ask to try a couple if you're unsure. Something to note for the spirit drinkers, a couple of people ordered gin while I was at the bar and were told they don't stock it. The beer and wine selection is top notch though so not to worry! My friend is coming down from Glasgow to meet me this weekend and I am dragging him here for dinner over the next couple nights!

Well I've finally done it, for Leed's answer to Miss Piggy I am surprised as you that it took me so long to crash through the doors of a place selling beer....and ham. Looks can be deceiving and despite its eenyweeny bar where you couldn't even swing the smallest kitten that ever was (I have that kitten, his name is Ian, and I can confirm if you swing him in Friends of Ham you WILL hit something) there is a whole secret world downstairs with rustic tressle tables where you can get down to hammage European style whilst meeting the neighbours* *by meeting I mean turning around to them with a face full of Serrano and going MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM :) There's enough quality and quirk to keep you interested after the first drink and even though I have a real dislike of downstairs bars without windows it really is large and airy enough on the lower floor not to feel claustrophobic. Good choices, quality noms and a genuinely convivial atmosphere. I liked Friends of Ham, it gets 4 solid oinks from me. N.B FoH loses one oink for having the most horrible seating up in the bar, barely half a bum cheek worth (yes I'm a bit fat, but others in my party aren't and they hated them just as much)...so replace those horrid, solid, spiky wooden torture pokes with some 50's style padded round high stools and you get your final oink from me. It wouldn't take up any more space and your clientele wont have to feel like they are having a gynaecological examination.

My final and favourite pub of the evening. Friends of ham has a good selection of fine beverages on tap with knowledgeable bar staff. If Fiends of Ham did pubs they'd be like this one! Probably the only pub in Leeds where you can play shuffleboard!

Food was phenomenal. Beer selection amazing. Service. Terrible. We waited a half hour for a drink order when sitting down. No one came so we went to the bar. We were told we take it at the table. Someone came by promptly. Then came the refill time. Same thing had to stand up to get service. And with the food order had to stand. Don't think I'll be going again.

First impressions were 'wow this place is tiny!' being totally unaware that it has a downstairs. I mean sometimes I really do need to question my own intellect. The smell that hits you when you walk in the door is that similar to a sense of home. It feels very welcoming and the staff are very friendly and helpful. I looked around the bar possibly looking quiet puzzled I would imagine as the bar man offered a helpful hand. I'm not very familiar with beers and the like but he asked me what flavours appeased me and gave me a couple of samples before I decided... on a glass of wine.... no I'm kidding the beer was really well received. Downstairs is really quirky and very nicely done, a relaxed atmosphere with couples and friends huddled together in cosy corners laughing and chatting over a lovely ambiance of music. Which I have to say doesn't inhibit you from hearing each other but enough to give you the sense of privacy. I looked over the food menu but unfortunately have not eaten here as yet. I found it to be a little pricey but based on the reviews I may have to make a rapid return. I also had a glass of wine here which was to die for so I'm pretty sure with some meat and cheese this would complement my pallet perfectly. I love the fact that they have board games too. Although I didn't get chance to play any as it was a more formal affair. I'd say great for a pit stop for lunch, a catch up with a friend, after work drinks or a date not for large groups of people The only downside is that I think it is rather expensive.

I like to consider myself a friend of ham, I like pigs, I love their little curly tails, their funny little noses, Spider pig, Bacon & Ham.... This little bar is an absolute paradise for Beer snobs & piggy meat snobs alike. A wide selection of beers & ciders from around the world accompanied with cured meats & cheeses makes Chris as happy as a pig in muck. The downstairs lounge is very comfortable and as an added bonus there's a number of piggy pictures on the walls. The staff are very knowledgable on the products they have on offer and are more than happy to let you sample a couple of things if you are not quite sure on trying out something new.

I've got to start this review by confessing that I've not been back in far too long. Mea culpa! That said, whenever I'm in the mood for a treat Friends of Ham is one of the first places I think of. They've got an amazing beer selection that's always hopping to something new and exciting to try! Their cured meats make me want to learn more about the process and go all artisinal by trying making it myself. But, until my wife gives the green light to huge haunches of meat becoming a permanent fixture in our house, I'll let the experts do the work and I'll just enjoy the fruits of their labours! The cheese selection is really remarkable and always leaves me wishing I'd ordered an even larger platter. There's just something magical about what people can do with a bit of dairy! Last time I was in I was in the clutches of a terrible cold but FoH managed to cheer me right up. The space is nice and friendly with some shuffleboard on offer downstairs (I definitely recommend settling in downstairs). As a side note, I also went the MicroHam which was a teepee they set up at Leeds International Beer Festival 2013 and it was absolutely brilliant. I grabbed a bottle of Quaffing Gravy and quaffed it right down. All in all, FoH is a lovely place to go if you're in the mood for some delicious treats that you really won't find anywhere else and a killer brew or two to wash it all down!

Love Love Love this little gem of a place. Once again, it was actually the lovely Row who recommended we meet there. Let me walk you through my first Friends of Ham experience..... First impressions really shouldn't matter, but they do conjure up an opinion don't they? Well as I walked from the train station, I was on the other side of the road to Friends of Ham, you know where the cycle shop is? As I glanced over, it almost looked like a Victorian Christmas scene! The small window front was filled with condensation; beyond this, I could make out twinkly lights and groups of jostling people - in my romantic mind, I'd like to think they were raising their glasses, wishing each other a Merry Christmas, but as I'm pretty it was earlier in the year, this is purely my over-active imagination. But you get the picture?! I ventured into a warm, friendly environment. I wouldn't say it was a laid back kind of atmosphere, as everyone seemed to be so busy, whether it was the bar-staff making recommendations to punters, or a couple of ladies talking animatedly sat on the window seat or the group of lads talking passionately about their choice of beer. I must admit, I did feel a little intimidated initially. This was due to the extensive range of drinks and food on offer. I sat by myself for a good ten minutes, staring wide-eyed at the cheese menu, the meat menu and the HUGE range of beers and wine on offer. I'm not a beer person, but I've been informed that the beer on offer here is great. I am however, partial to a glass of wine, and on the numerous occasions I've been back to Friends of Ham, I've never been disappointed. Red or White, Rioja or Sauvignon Blanc, it's always hit the spot. This is in part to the knowledgeable, and very approachable bar staff - who surely must be called something else - somehow bar staff doesn't seem to do them justice - this is in no way derogatory to bar staff, but staff here really are so informative about the food and drink on offer. Confident but not cocky and certainly not intimidating. I'll be honest, even if I know what I want when I visit Friends of Ham, I still make out I don't, just so I can gleam a bit more knowledge. ...is that wrong? Probably. As well as the superb wine on offer, I have sampled some of the menu. I've not tried many of the meats yet, but have had a number of the cheese(s). I absolutely love the description of the food. It's simply put, without any of the pretension you can sometimes encounter in specialist eateries. The food is described in not too much detail, but enough for you to know whether you'd like to try or not. I've just looked up the menu online http://www.friendsofham.com/food-menu/ - I mean, come on, don't you just love descriptions such as 'Made by Rafael Baez and his daughter Paloma, in Ávila, Spain' 'The King of French brie, a raw milk farmhouse handmade cheese that melts like nothing else' Anyhow, as I'm salivating over the cheeses, I've remembered I've not even got to the best bit yet ....downstairs. An absolute magical, secret place, that you'd absolutely never have known it was there from outside. Maybe I'm just a dramatic person, but blimey, I was so excited to discover this underground hideaway. The décor is warm, homely and inviting with small quirky vases with one or two flower stems on each table. One long table and bench down the centre of the room, so ideal for groups of friends, and the rest of the space is made up of different sized tables and leather sofas and chairs. There's even a shuffleboard down there, with a shelf around the side of the room to perch your pint whilst playing. It's little touches like this that excite me. There are pockets of people everywhere, all engrossed with each other. This is a perfect place to catch up with friends. There are two not-so-positive comments to make. Firstly, it can be a little pricey. Two glasses of wine and a sharing board came to £25. Although I don't live or work in Leeds, so perhaps I'm not very realistic about bar and food prices, who knows. However, I do know that it's a little out of my budget which makes it a 'special treat' which isn't a bad thing at all. It means the novelty factor never wears off, and it certainly doesn't deter me from going when I do want to go somewhere a little bit special. Also, I guess if prices were run of the mill, maybe it would become too busy and lose that specialness - you really do feel as if you are one of a secret few that know. The second thing is, and it's not a negative in the slightest, but I keep forgetting the bloody name. I know it has ham in the title and that's as far as I get; so in our house it's become that 'Green Eggs and Ham' place. ....well we know what we mean!

I'm not a friend of ham. Being a vegetarian i am more a friend of the live pig variety. That being said I could learn to love FOH. Clean, friendly,comfortable and shuffle board. Rather handsome bar staff too! Somehow the punters were of a higher standard than the other places we had been to. Everyone was just there to have a good time. I did...I beat dave at shuffleboard! Whoop

Platters of fine ham, Or cheese, or maybe try both. Beer and shuffleboard.

Ok. So here are my impressions of Friends of Ham. They are doing some great stuff. I loved the sheet music on the floor and the decor downstairs in the dining area is really stylish and interesting. The food was...AMAZING. Definitely, pricey but you're paying for quality. You can either get a single meat or cheese or you can get combo plates. We went for a plate of three cheeses and a plate of three meats and split them between the two of us. At first glance it didn't seem like it would be enough food to fill us up, but with a beer each, by the time we finished we both felt satisfied. The cheese was delicious and I loved the pepper jelly and chutney that came with it. The brie had been left to warm up so it was creamy and delicious, and the smoked goat's cheese was inspired. All three of the meats we tried were good, but the beef was my favorite. As for drinks, the beer selection was impressive. I had a delicious milk stout on tap but they had so many to choose from that it was hard to make up my mind. The bartender let us try what was on tap to help us choose and he was extremely knowledgeable about what they had. As is true with a lot of new businesses, they have a few kinks to work out. The ordering system is a bit odd. We placed our food order at the bar and then they asked us to describe where we were sitting so they could find us. Surely there's a better way. The friends we were with ordered at the same time as my husband and me, but their food came out fifteen minutes after ours. Also, the long wood table in the center was a nice touch to the atmosphere, but it wasn't finished and little bits of wood kept stabbing my arms. These are not major issues, which is why I only took off one star. In conclusion, I really really liked this place. I would definitely recommend it to people, and already have! I think there are a few little things they can work out, but being a new business that's bound to happen. I can't wait to return and try a few new meats and cheeses. Bon appetit!

Friends of Ham...where to begin with the superlatives? Ultimate proof that a simple concept executed brilliantly with passion and a clear vision will prosper. Th price list seems a little daunting at first, but you eat your food, drink your drink, and relax in the surroundings and you know exactly where your money went. It was a Sunday, as most of my imbibing days are, and I'd met my friend Nat after she'd finished work for what was meant to be a quick drink before she suggested FoH. It was quite busy but we were served quickly and found a seat downstairs before going back to order a meat board - I've a pretty heavy lactose intolerance so had to pass on the cheese. The wine we chose was Matsu El Picaro, a young yet wonderful Spanish red from a family winery. I've had their wines through Latitude before so I knew what I was getting with it, and Nat was equally as happy with the choice - pleasingly light and mildly leather scented with cinnamon, anise and blackberry palate...the bottle didn't last long. The meat we chose (well, I. Nat didn't want anything to eat but I knew there'd be picking at my board so I got her a scotch egg. Only the vegetarian option was available but the bartender assured me it was delicious, and it was (hey, picking works both ways!)) was served on a rustic style board with some pickled baby gherkins, and we had chorizo (spicy and slightly smoky), serrano style ham (sweet and almost oaky in maturity), and finnochiona (straight up delicious). The quality of the meat was like nothing I have eaten before, other than my past visits to FoH, and I feel it backs up my comment earlier about knowing where your money goes. At this point, we realised that we'd been there for over two hours talking about all the things good friends talk about in lovely surroundings, and we were running late to meet Nat's girlfriend at North, so paid our tab and left having had a thoroughly good start to the evening. Recommended if within your budget.

YES! Finally made it to Friends of Ham. After explaining that it was our first visit, we were treated to mouthwatering descriptions of the meats, cheeses and drinks on offer. Although the beers sounded great, I settled for a glass of Pinot Noir which was deliciously smooth. The carefully presented meat and cheese platter disappeared quickly!. The atmosphere here is relaxed, the staff are friendly and clientele happy to soak up the mellow vibe. I agree the chairs at the bar are best avoided if you plan on staying a a while. Take a seat in the suprisingly cavenous, but cosy downstairs area instead. If you enjoy quality nibbles and drinks with likeminded adults - try this place!. .

Absolutely amazing. Great food, fellowship, and atmosphere. I am from the US and will come back here every time I travel to or through Leeds.

It's time to update the review back to it's original rating. They still have table service downstairs but you chose where to sit and they are quick and happy to give advice even when I had the most specific requirements ever! The menus have been vamped up from a piece of paper to a menu with a leather type cover. Although shuffle board is still in the corner it isn't covered over so it's almost back to it's further glory. I will not be avoiding this place anymore :)

I've been to this place 3 times. The first was great - relaxed, efficient and very enjoyable. Sadly both of the next 2 visits were very much below par and that marks the end of me going there. The first time it was chaotic. The lady who served us - very nice - had no idea about any of the beers on offer which is decidedly odd for a specialist beer bar. Our order came in bits and bobs and paying was not easy, but we managed in the end. It took so long for any food menus to come we decided we'd eat elsewhere. As we left there was a great deal of confusion about the bill which the staff had made a mess of. We paid eventually but it was complicated. The next time we went here the staff - none of whom I recognised - were cold, distant and decidedly unhelpful. We'd bought our drinks upstairs and paid for them but when we went downstairs - like many others had done - the welcome wasn't great. We decided enough was enough and we'd leave after one drink. When we tried to go the staff downstairs tried to make us pay for the beers we'd already paid for upstairs and weren't too polite about asking us to do so. We explained we'd already paid upstairs and had to get the barman upstairs to confirm this. This is not how to run a bar efficiently, or indeed with any good customer service. The sad things is the place had such a cool reputation that we'd marked it as being a place we'd return to, but after this kind of treatment Friends of Ham is somewhere I won't ever be visiting again. Good beer, hopelessly run.

I've got to say that I'd love it if there was a friends of ham in every UK city, although I'd never want this great concept watered down to be some sort of dodgy franchised chain! FofH is as independent as they come and this is reflected through their attention to detail on sourcing fine quality beer from here and abroad and their dedication to providing finely sourced meats and cheeses which are served on selection platter boards! The staff are what gives this place an extra boost though as they're so friendly, helpful and knowledgable while also being effortlessly cool! Magic Rock beer and fine cheese was the perfect way for me to start my Saturday! Nice work Friends of Ham!!

This is a great but loud place to enjoy selections of cheese and meet. They have a good wine selection too. Their beers are ok is you like hops. They always list many good beers beer but never seem to have the one I really want on tap. Nevertheless, I will come back for more iberico ham and blue cheese.

Highly recommended by friends but I find the menu quite limited and not varied. Platters are not varied enough

I'm more of an acquaintance of ham rather than a friend. Its a nice enough place but not somewhere that I would shout about .

This place is a crown jewel of beer bars. I would make it a daily stop if I was living in Leeds. Awesome beers, great wines, superb food (a bit pricey). The team is super knowledgeable and relaxed and the decor is well crafted. Top times to be had for sure.

So after walking past this new trendy spot to go to Laynes i thought i must try it out! Truth be told i am in no way a cured meats aficionado, virtually virgin in in fact. And as for cheese i am a right wuss! However, after kindly being lent a menu to browse over whilst in Laynes we decided that their offerings did sound pretty good. So later that night we returned with empty stomachs and high expectations after Yelping them to see what we were getting ourselves into. They sell so many types of beer, ale, cider, wine, etc, etc, etc. Its brilliant! Myself, im not a beer man at all, but cider i will devour! The atmosphere is perfect, cool, calm, relaxed, trendy. I love it! The vibe is a rare one to find in Leeds in all honestly, and they got it just right. We opted for 2, 2 Meats and 2 Cheese platters. I wussed out on all accounts and went for a cave aged cheddar, possibly the best cheese iv ever had, in fact the more i think about it THE best cheese iv ever had and a Yarg with edible garlic leaf wrapping, a fantastic compliment. The meats i got im not sure sure what they were other than saying one was DOP ham and a cured beef. Both very very nice, but my flag lays safely on Team Cheese on this occasion. My lass opted for more exotic meats and cheeses which i tried a bit of everything too, all i can say is blue cheese is the worst thing in the world! Well its not for me thats for sure! We were allowed to sample a few different options of drink to decide where our tastes lie, i opted for a Red Delirium, a hefty beer pulling an impressive 8.5% and my lass (apparently more of a man than me) got a tasting tray. We wandered downstairs, to find an amazing area, literally quite perfect. You could waste away an afternoon with friends in here quite happily, with their selection of board games, shuffle board, free wifi and calming music. The only thing that let this place down is its stock control, i asked for several things that were out of stock, this maybe because they are new, however being told we dont have it in right now 4 times is a bit lame! Honestly so lame that i was going to give only 4 stars, however i feel they excel so well in other areas im being generous for once. And i havent even got started with the chilli jam! My new favourite thing, i bought a pot to go home with and cant wait to make myself a packed munch for uni or work! Amazing! So as i said before, i was going to only give 4 stars when setting out to write this review however, as i recalled more and more of the experience in my mind i just couldnt do it! But please really endeavour to sort out your supply chain, a second time of sell outs i dont think id be so enthralled. This is one further issue, come worry i have. They combine a vast array of beers with dining; and on our night (Monday, not a renowned drinkers night we were vastly out numbered by drinkers which did feel a little weird. I will be very interested how they manage to keep combining two different and possibly opposing businesses. I fear the beer may win out when the till comes in if push did come to shove. Great place to try something new though!

It feels strange reviewing a place called Friends of Ham, when my last review was raving about a vegitarian cafe,,, but, here i go. Me and my mate John went here the other day as i'd heard rumours about the selection of meats and beers,,, and Lo!,,,, there is a fabulous selection of top class ales, mostly sold by the half or the bottle due to them being very strong,, and also quite expensive. The meats also a fine selection, i opted for the selection board,,, a try three for £11 choice, something they do with their cheeses as well. The food is excellent, but be warned it's not a place for a cheap snack. The bar area upstairs is nicely done, and the staff very friendly and knowlagable,,, you have to find the right expert for whatever you're asking about,,, I asked one of the blokes about the meats, and got the reply,, i'll just ask the meat person as i'm the beer man,,, which is the best title i've yet to decide, probably both better than being called the cheese man.... Downstairs the lounge is great, and a bit of a shock when you go down expecting a small area,,, it stretches a long way ,maybe three times bigger than the upstairs, and has a nice long weird bar game based on bowling i think,,, i'm sure it's a traditional old pub game from a bygone era,, i just thought it looked impressive, as did the decor, they've managed to make it stylish and cosy. Nice place for friends of meat, cheese and beers in general. I shall be returning for a treat of some of that Serrano ham!

Amazingly small but very popular if you are a meat , beer and cheese fanatic its a must visit , thzts if you can get in . Expect to pay though for the delights on offer :) . Still its nice to have variety available .

Stunning, best beer in Leeds, even topples North Bar, though the range of drinks can't come close to matching them, that's not this places aim really. Great atmosphere, everyone seems friendly and the always cheerful staff can't wait to tell you about what new drinks are in. The aesthetic is spot on too, from the little stools to the board games (a bit cliche now but they get away with it) downstairs, it's just a really nice place to sit and drink. The only downside is that it can get a little warm downstairs, so some air conditioning is badly needed.

Great place to meet people - even better to bring out-of-towners to. Lovely drink, amazing cheeses, great atmos, lovely staff, and (this might sound like a small thing)... Bottles of water with tiny pieces of cucumber in it on every table! Thoughtful touch. Can't fault it.

When I want to impress my friends, I bring them here. Friends of Ham wins it for ambience, beer/wine selection, food (great selection of iberico and french hams and cheeses), price and staff. It's not a dinner place, more tapas/snacks, but it's definitely a must when visiting Leeds.