Amidst the many new shops opening up in the Leeds Grand Arcade, you will find a humble vegetarian café that has been around a good deal longer than most of us. Tucked comfortably in the arched passageway, Roots and Fruits has been feeding many happy tummies, vegetarian or otherwise, for the past 25 years.
There’s an artsy vibe upon entering. A beautiful mosaic counter filled with freshly baked cakes greeting all those who enter that’ll get anyone deciding what to get for dessert before you’ve even sat down. The menu includes familiar favourites, such as falafel on pita bread, an all-day breakfast, chilli burritos and jacket potatoes. However, there are a selection of delectable specials for the adventurous individuals who want a taste of the chef’s creative skills. The specials board is filled with colourful and exciting dishes which change weekly, and sometimes daily, based on popularity. On the day of our visit, it read ‘Katsu Curry with Tofu’, ‘Lentil, Carrot and Courgette Burger’, and ‘Aubergine, Split Pea and Bulghur Wheat Salad’, to name but a few. Most dishes are served with a special homemade condiment; be it their homemade raita or famous rawslaw side, you can’t go far wrong.
Then it came to the sweets of which at Roots and Fruits you’re absolutely spoilt for choice. You can choose from a mouth-watering list of homemade desserts or the selection of cakes on display, baked by local bakery That Old Chestnut. Most of the desserts are gluten-free and/or vegan, so all are catered for here. We recommend the decadent Chocolate Cheesecake, which is served on a base of desiccated coconut, or the ever classic Sticky Toffee Pudding, served with a delicious vegan ice-cream.
There is a strong sense of passion at Roots and Fruits. The team works like family, making their patrons feel right at home. The kitchen is manned by the super triple-L team, Lizzie, Luke and Loui. Kay, who has recently taken over the establishment, keeps the restaurant floor energetic, ensuring everyone leaves full and contented. We were let in on a little secret before our departure; Roots and Fruits are currently in the process of revamping the menu, though we weren’t sure how it could possibly get any better. Based on what we saw, smelt and tasted, we are incredibly excited, and recommend you get down there as fast as your empty stomach permits to witness all the wonderful new goodies making their way onto the menu.
With produce that comes in fresh from Thornes Park, and breads that are baked daily in the kitchen upstairs, Roots and Fruits is definitely more than its name suggests. It’s fresh, wholesome and good down to the ground, catering for all who enter. We give the team a gold star for proving that vegetarianism and veganism does not mean eating boring ‘rabbit food’. Head on down for a perfect ‘meatfreemonday’ meal, or grab something to takeaway. You can even bring along your own alcohol for a small £3 corkage fee; doesn’t get much better than that, does it?
Charlotte de Drouas
Roots and Fruits
10- 11 Grand Arcade,
Leeds, West Yorshire
T: 0113 – 2428313
http://www.rootsandfruits.net/