Festive Menus At Bavette In Horsforth

It seems like everyone in Leeds is talking about one particular neighbourhood restaurant. That place is Bavette, a French bistro in Horsforth that’s been getting some serious attention. And it’s no wonder. Just a few months after opening its doors, it was named the UK’s Best Neighbourhood Restaurant by the Good Food Guide. Not long after that, it scooped up a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which is basically Michelin’s way of saying, ‘this place serves brilliant food at great prices’. Now, with the festive season just around the corner, Bavette is rolling out three incredible special menus for Beaujolais Nouveau, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, giving everyone a perfect excuse to see what all the fuss is about. The Head Chef Sandy Jarvis is the talent behind this amazing food.

A very French celebration for beaujolais nouveau day

Ever heard of Beaujolais Nouveau Day? It’s a massive deal in France. Think of it as a huge party celebrating the official release of the first wine of the season. On the third Thursday of November, the entire country toasts the new harvest of Gamay grapes. It’s all about simple, fruity, and fun red wine, and it’s a tradition that’s all about celebrating together. And now, people in Leeds can get in on the action.

On Thursday, 20th November, Bavette is hosting an authentic Beaujolais Nouveau evening. The event, held in their gorgeous dining room, is built around a special three-course menu designed by Head Chef Sandy Jarvis to perfectly match the wine. And the best part? The Beaujolais Nouveau wine will be free-flowing. Guests will get to enjoy three different pours, raising a glass to the new release.

The menu itself sounds absolutely spot on for a cosy November night. Things kick off with some light snacks – cervelle de canut (a herby cheese dip) with crostini and walnut oil. For the starters, there’s a choice between ouefs en Mourette, which are eggs poached in a rich red wine sauce, or a classic saucisson brioche. The mains are where the real comfort food kicks in. Diners can choose between a melt-in-the-mouth beef cheek bourguignon with pommes puree or a beautifully roasted poulet de Bresse with pommes lyonnaise. To finish, a classic dessert of tart vigneron with crème fraiche. It’s a menu that lets people truly enjoy the spirit of this festive French tradition. Reservations for this unique three-course menu are essential.

The perfect Christmas meal out

Finding the right spot for a festive meal can be tricky. It needs to feel special but not stuffy, with a menu that’s a step up from the usual turkey and trimmings. Throughout December, Bavette is offering a Christmas menu that looks set to tick all the boxes. Head Chef Sandy Jarvis has put together a menu of French showstoppers that highlight the best local ingredients of the month.

The festive meal starts with some seriously tempting snacks, including comté cheese croquettes and that lovely cervelle de canut again. Then for the starters, there’s a real dilemma. Does one go for the signature shellfish bisque with a rouille-topped crab crostini, or a classic, heart-warming French onion soup? Let’s be honest, there’s no bad choice there. The images of the dishes alone are enough to make you want to book a table.

For the mains, it’s all about indulgence. There’s a choice of roast duck breast with a braised leg parmentier or a magnificent sirloin on the bone. Both of these incredible mains are served with two of the best side dishes known to humanity: dauphinoise potatoes, layered with cream and garlic, and braised red cabbage. A rich prune armagnac jus brings it all together. To finish, the dessert is a warm chocolate sabayon tart with griottines ice cream. This is one of those special menus that people will be talking about long after the decorations have come down. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a proper Christmas celebration in Horsforth.

A proper foodie New Year’s Eve

Waving goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new one deserves a truly memorable meal. On 31st December, Bavette is hosting a special New Year's Eve event in its beautiful dining room, and the menu is pure celebration. This isn’t just any meal; it’s a full experience filled with luxurious snacks, shareable starters, show-stopping mains, and a decadent dessert.

The evening begins with snacks designed to get the party started: comté & truffle croquettes and, of course, half a dozen oysters. What’s a celebration without oysters? Following that, a variety of starters are brought to the table to share. This includes a fantastic looking pate en croute served with Bavette’s own mustard, and house-cured trout with rye bread, crème fraiche, and a little bit of caviar for that extra sparkle.

The mains are designed to impress. Diners can choose between a venison pithivier – a stunning, free-standing pie filled with rich venison, served with savoy cabbage, lardons, and chestnuts – or monkfish en croute with a classic beurre blanc sauce and spinach. Both sound like the perfect centrepiece for a special meal. The night ends on a sweet note with a classic dessert of profiteroles filled with crème patissiere and drizzled with chocolate sauce and praline. This is how to finish the year in style. With a fantastic wine list to explore alongside the menu, it promises to be a great night in Leeds.

All the details for your visit

Ready to book a table? Given how popular Bavette is, getting reservations for these special menus is definitely a good idea. Here is all the key information needed.

• Beaujolais Nouveau Menu: Available on 20th November for £55 per person, including free-flowing wine.
• Christmas Menu: Available throughout December for £65 per person (wine not included).
• New Year's Eve Menu: Available on 31st December for £65 per person (wine not included).

The restaurant's address is 4-6 Town St, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RJ. Reservations can be made directly through their website. It's important to check the December hours, as the restaurant will be closed on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of December to give the team a well-deserved break. Whether it's for the exciting release of the Beaujolais Nouveau, a festive Christmas get-together, or a stylish New Year's Eve, Bavette has a menu to make it special.