Sometime in the next month me and the missus will have a night out without the kids - the 3rd in 11 years. Indulgent, I know.

We're struggling to think of somewhere to go.

We'd like somewhere posh but not poncey. <aybe small and intimate rather than big, brash and bustling. Somewhere not full of p[ii[/iss heads or students and somewhere where you can take your time over 3 courses.

Any ideas?

We went for a meal to the Olive tree, (Rodley) last week. Superb as ever.

Ah, ha.

That's the only place that was on our shortlist so far.

Never been to the Rodley one but been to Headingley a couple of times.

We haven't been to the Headingley one.

At Rodley they have a set menu - 3 courses for £12.99, (I think) or you can choose from the extensive menu.
We have never had a bad meal there.

This could be a winner.

Is the Rodley one sort of smart but casual? In other words you don't need a jacket and tie but people make a bit of an effort?

I don't feel comfortable in truly posh places but as this is an event that occurs about as often as the Olympics I want it to be a bit special!

I’d get yourself to that pub near Thornton were that bloke got shot around ten year ago. The soup was pretty nice. I’ll get the name of the place today when I go visit my gran.

Salvo's in Headingley. Gip, the head chef, is a great guy. He gave a 'pasta masterclass' just before Christmas and it was great. He's won the best local Italian restaurant (an 'F Word' competition) don't you know. Well priced too.

Zouk on Leeds Road in Bradford has never, ever let me down.

You hoping she will put out?

I first went there in the mid-eighties but haven't been in more than a decade.
Nice to hear it's still good, might make the effort to give it another go sometime (postcode permitting).

I love Greek/Cypriot food, me.
The grilled halloumi is calling ...

Burger King.

Surely that rules out the Olive tree? It is all of the above IMO.
Most of my suggestions would not be posh. Sous Les Nez used to be excellent, however I haven't been for a couple of years. Mal Maison's restaurant might be worth a bash, but I've not been there for a while either.
I don't like either Brasserie Blanc, or BiBis (sp?). They're both tosh, however Brasserie Blanc was nice and relaxed, and farely quiet, but the food was average for the price.

Betty's in Ilkley. I can have a word with the lads on the door.

IMO Rob you are better reserving a table down stairs as some of the rooms up stairs are small and lack atmosphere.

I don't think he'll be that much trouble. His wife on the other hand...

Went to Gusto on Otley Old road a couple of weeks ago after a few recomendations, was very impressed. Everyone was smart casual without being too poncy, service was great, prices reasonable and food very enjoyable. Its also child friendly, we had 2 12 year olds with us. We had a party of 10 all of whom really enjoyed the evening. Its Italian with the normal pasta and pizzas but plenty of other choices including steaks which looked great and a pretty big fish selection.

Rob

What about the Stansfield at Apperley Bridge - good food early bird £10 before 7

Yeah, you have basically got it spot on there.
Like Phil said, I would book a table as it has never been quiet while we have been in.

If you do go there, the feta cheese and herb parcels are gorgeous as a starter, although Danny prefers the sardines.

Like I said earlier though, we haven't had a bad meal there.

There's also an Olive Tree at Chapel Allerton (but unless you are in the north of the City, the one in Headingley will probably be closer).

I hate Greek food

I just thought I'd add that.

I like greek yoghurt though, funny that.

Me too, it's terrible, they have a real problem with their meat in Zante. Jesus it's f-cking rank.

It all started in Rhodes in 1979...

(screen goes all wavy...)

Theres me sat in a taverna and I saw my mates plate of moussaka and thought it was shepherds pie, so I ordered it, took a great big forkfull of aubergine base layer...


...and gipped it all back out again.

Jesus wept I've never tasted anything as foul then or since.

And their bread is usually stale too.

Nah, the Olympics is every 4 years!!