Graphical House,
2 Wharf Street,
LEEDS,
LS2 7EQ
(0113) 246 9912
The ViewLeeds Review
Oracle is the centre of gravity of the Brewery Wharf. Prominent and elegant, it's an upmarket bar where you can dine, drink or relax at all hours of the day.
The Venue
Oracle is the fulcrum of Brewery Place, located as it is in the middle of this circular development. It's also the largest waterfront venue in Leeds. A circular room that centres around a white circular bar, it's furnished with designer chairs, a few couches and tall, modern stools by the bar. The whole space is dominated by a white and burgundy red colour scheme which is present on the tables and the curtains screening the many windows.
Upstairs there's a second area available for private hire which also acts as a members only bar. There are several tables and chairs on an outside section that overlooks the pretty canal. The place looks elegant and slick during the day and at night it dazzles.
The People
Oracle has a slight whiff of pretentious. It's a bar that cuts a bit of a dash and this provokes a sense of pride in its staff and regulars. During the day you'll see people walk in who haven't made a special effort and this informal crowd is only interested in a pint of beer or a glass of wine and, once their thirst has been quenched, they're ready to move on.
But the regulars and those in the know show up in the evening wearing an elegant outfit. This refined group is composed of young people who come here to be seen. The target customers of Oracle are well-heeled thirty-somethings.
The Food
Oracle specializes in burgers (£6 to £7 or £9 for a double). Try the Oracle Works, their own satisfactory attempt to create the ultimate burger. It's got bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, gherkin, cucumber, mayo and relish. They also serve out-of-the-ordinary burgers including an Italian version, a Thai green salmon burger and chicken with bacon and avocado. If you're not keen on ground meat in bread there are other options (£6 to £7) including classic German bratwurst, steak sandwich, tuna nicoise salad and a selection of sides, bar snacks and desserts.
The Drink
On a hot day in Brewery Wharf you'll love a refreshing cocktail (£6.75). Their list is based on classics and favourites. The Fizzicality range (£8) with Champagne includes great house concoctions like the Fabulous Gay Wedding (cucumber, raspberry, strawberry, gin and Champagne) while you can sample a special spirit cocktail from the Connoisseur Choice (£7.25). The beers available are Grolsch on draught and bottled Peroni, Sol, Grolsch Swing Top, Tsin Tao, Asahi, Fruli Strawberry, Tiger and Bohemia. To go with your meal you can order from the Oracle's impressive wine selection which isn't overpriced. Bottles are all in the £13.50 to £27 range with glasses at £3.25 to £5. Champagne is rather pricey at £50 to £135. The three rare Champagne rose from different makes are also available at £60 to £80.
The Last Word
Oracle is ideal to see and be seen. You'll need to dress up a bit for the evening and be ready to mingle with the Leeds top nightlife tribe.
Oracle has been reviewed by 2 users