Recently, Leeds’ bar and restaurant scene has had a pretty impressive revamp. From the redeveloped Greek Street to the brand new Victoria, our Leeds’ team are never short of options when it comes to eating out or sipping on cocktails. Since Issho opened earlier this year, we’ve all been checking out the fabulous Sashimi and sunning it up on their terrace – now they’ve launched a brand new Live Music night which is sure to give our evenings at the top of Victoria Gate an extra little something. We sent our girl Jenna Clarke to check it out….

“I LOVE roof top bars. Ever Since Angelica stole my heart when I first moved to Leeds four years ago, i’ve always thought that D&D (the holding company for Angelica, Issho & East 59th + more) have always brought a touch of London to the North. With gorgeous interiors, roof terraces to rival NY and extensive menus, it’s no surprise their bars are so popular here in Leeds. As soon as I heard D&D were opening their first Japanese inspired restaurant and bar right at the top of the new Victoria Gate development – I jumped for joy. After living a few years in the ‘Northern Quarter’ of Leeds, I was always annoyingly far away from Trinity and Call Lane etc, but thankfully the new Victoria is just a five minute walk away from my apartment – perfect.

After visiting for some amazing Sushi and Sashimi several times before, I loved Issho by day. It’s light, it’s airy and the warm wood and linen interiors is all very chic. However, I’d never seen the venue by night, when it really comes into it’s own. Arriving on the Friday night, we ordered a bottle of fizz and settled down at a table right next to the unique square bar, which is a key feature to the new Kori area of Issho. The lights were low and we were sat chatting to the Business Development Manager and also the Marketing Coordinator about the Kori Live show which was about to commence. Now, I was skeptical as sometimes live music in bars can be annoying and really distracting when you’re trying to talk to your friends or significant other, especially if it’s bad. However, I was pleasantly surprised when the music started.

The performance was the exact perfect mix of modern floor fillers and lounge music. Think Acoustic AlunaGeorge, the neo-soul duo Mali Hayes and George Jazzman Holiday hit the nail on the head when it came to covers of popular British House and Garage classics. I was constantly saying to my friend ‘oh my god I loveeee this song’ and Mali’s voice was absolutely to die for. From 9pm until 11pm every Friday, top musicians will be performing everything from jazz and blues to soul and stripped-back acoustic sets.

It was a really lovely backdrop to some pretty awesome drinks. My favourite was definitely the Ginger & Lychee Bellini , which was a great Asian take on some classic fizz and my friend loved the Sakura. Telling myself I was going to move onto something a little more Japanese, it had to be Sake. To ease myself into this unknown territory I started with the Umesho Tonic cocktail which was Plum Sake stirred with Fever-tree Mediterranean Tonic Water. It was so good I had two, or maybe three and then we migrated to the Terrace. Ordering some bar snacks (the Chicken Karaage is absolutely dreamy) we sat back and took in the last of Mali & George’s gorgeous set.

For anyone looking to upgrade their Friday nights, you have to check out Kori Live. It’s ideal for drinks with the girls before a big night out (calm before the storm!) or perfect date night. Bookings can now be made in Kori Bar, via their website or by calling 0113 426 5000.”

Kori Bar, Issho, Victoria Gate, Leeds, LS2 7AU.

Kori Bar Opening Times

Mon-Sat: 12noon till late

Sunday: 11am-7pm

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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