Friends of Ham — Restaurant in Leeds

We have been going here as a small group since it opened. We truly found a hidden gem. Food amazing and a great selection of drinks. Table service and staff were good. Lovely interior and atmosphere. Spent a small fortune on our get togethers, but it was always worth it.

However - our last visit was a great disappointment to us all.

Where once you could chose your own platter/selection of cheese/meats and it would come with a few extras (bread, crackers, chilli jam and a couple of olives)

Now - it comes with nothing. You must pay extra for these. Basically three sad looking pieces of cheese or meat on a plate.

There is a option to chose a platter of their choice but you wouldn’t get what you wanted. (Which is probably the whole point of it all)

No more table service which was a shame.

I used to always recommend here for anyone going into Leeds.

I understand that prices have gone up etc but maybe if they Incorporated this into the pricing of the cheese/meat and the little extras came with it all it would be much better again in my opinion. (Prices have already gone up as you would expect)

Added are pictures of what it used to be and what it is now. (Crackers in the sad photo - were paid for as a extra)

Seems to have lost the small much loved venue it once...

We have been wanting to visit Friends of Ham for some time now and have finally managed it. We didn't have to book which was a suprise considering it was a Saturday afternoon. We were led to the basement seating which is lovely and cosy, especially in these wintery months, although it is quite dim there so if your sight isn't the best (like mine) you may need your phone torch or a great partner to read the menu out to you 😊 The staff were really helpful and made recommendations as well as helping explain what some of the dishes were. We did have a little wait but it was busy and we were happy chatting. When the food arrived it looked delicious and well presented, although our sharing platter did come out before our starters. On checking they did let us know that the rest of the food was on its way. Everything was lovely and looked beautiful, although the staff could have been more attentive to any further drinks required and to let us know the status of our food. I thought the prices were extremely good, both for food and drinks and we will be returning some time in the...

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...