Bar Censsa

The design of the place has always been quite impersonal but that’s not the real problem of Bar Censsa. It needs a revamp and some air-freshner.

The Venue
You will not notice it right away but if you sit down on one of the couches on the split-level you'll see that the upholstery is worn down, the carpet is threadbare and there is a nasty smell coming from both. Bar Censsa must have looked nice when it opened but it looks tired and old. You could blame the customers who have abused it for years but the management is not without fault. Changing the carpet doesn't kill anybody.

The bar never had a distinct character. The furniture is of the same style as you'd see in a traditional pub just more modern. And the purple, blue cream and wood colour scheme makes the place look like a cheap hotel chain. If you have to sit go for the tall wooden chairs. It is by far the safer option. Overall the entire place has seen better days.

The People
The crowd is not as bad as the place itself and you wonder why they prefer drinking here than somewhere less trashed. But the cheap prices are a big attraction. The clientele is young, mostly university students and other youngsters attracted by the cheap deals and the presence of like minded people. The karaoke on Sunday (from 8pm) is a good time to visit as the place gets packed and you won't notice the dirt and dinge so much. Bar Censsa doubles as a club whenever the request is high enough. Don't expect a special night out but, once again, drinks are cheap and the crowd tends to be friendly.

The Food
The price is once again the reason to look through the menu due to a lot of two-for-one deals. The food is a mix of pub grub and the usual dishes you find in a place dominated by young people. There are spicy chicken wings, nachos, fries topped with cheese and bacon and spring rolls. The sandwiches go for an affordable £4 to £4.50. The mains (£7 to £10) include fish and chips, sausage and mash, chili con carne, scampi and you can get a two for one deal on most of them. The same goes for the salads (£8) and the desserts. Burgers (£5.75) and sides complete the list.

The Drink
The deals are not lacking and prices are the strong point of Bar Censsa. Shooters are £2.05 or three for £5, cocktails (there are only a few to choose from and they are all classics) are £4 or two for £6, sambuca, sours and Dooleys are cheap at £1.80.

The fifteen or so house wines are a bargain as well. Bottles costs a mere £8 to £10.50 while small and large glasses are affordable for every pocket at £2.15 to £3 and £3 to £4 respectively. The McGuigan Black Label Chardonnay and the Merlot are recommended.

Bar Censsa even serves Champagne and the bubbly Tattinger and Moet Et Chandon seem terribly out of place here. Beers are obviously available as well.

The Last Word
The central location and the food and drink menus would be a good base to work on. A revamp is necessary at this point but with a few improvements Bar Censsa has some potential. But there are better places to end up.

venue information venue map view leeds review write a review