Mine
Posted by Norm on January 16th, 2008 filed in ReviewsI have eaten a couple of times in Mine now and I am still unsure as to how I would rate the experience as a whole. Mine is Leeds University Union’s ‘upmarket’ eating establishment and bar - offering table service, a la carte menu and at night an intimate, atmospheric venue used mainly for the smaller club nights and live music.
First, my main criticisms. I think that the food menu is too small and lacks any real variety, the food is of so-so atandard and is somewhat overpriced in my honest opinion. Today was a bad experience in terms of drinks - the lager I ordered was flat!
On a positive note, the service and atmosphere are pretty good. Relaxed enough to enjoy a quick bite with friends yet formal enough that you could entertain there too. As usual with the union establishments the staff are friendly and approachable and are very quick to deal with any issues.
I will probably eat there again, but mainly due to the fact there is no viable alternative within walking distance of the university with the decline of the Llama and Eldon. The Library too far away and The Faversham too expensive. I hope that the union is quick to look at the potential of Mine and realises that it could be so much more!
January 16th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
They dont have food I like
Damn my fussyness!
January 17th, 2008 at 1:45 am
I’ve never liked Mine. Firstly, if you want to eat with more than 3 other people, you either have to be uncomfortable (wooden benches with metal tables, come on!) or you have to split up. I mean, I know we only ever ate on the couches in the Llama, but at least it was okay to move stuff around in there.
Secondly, in my experience (and yes, this does mostly extend from 1 really really bad experience) they are really really slow with food. And I rarely complained at the Llama.
However, although I agree that the food is over priced, I do tend to find it yummy, but then I am always going to think lamb is over priced, and yummy
January 18th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I tend to defend Mine on the basis for everyone else’s hate compaign against it.
They had some teething problems when they first started offering table service but these are gone now, you get your food at a decent speed, far faster than The Eldon would get you it.
That said they are walking an awkward line with upmarket and students. They have all this upmarket table service and pay when you leave. Then you have to leave a student card in case you run for it :p.
January 20th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I think their issues go beyond teething problems. As you point out their turnaround time is acceptable but it is still not enough to make up for the other niggles I have outlined.
I guess that until a viable alternative is found we will continue to use it!