Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant has unveiled a new venue on The Calls, introducing a novel concept that merges retail with an on-site drinking experience. Patrons can enjoy a diverse selection of 20 wines by the glass, artisanal beers, and classic cocktails, alongside local charcuterie and cheeses, in an atmosphere that promises memorable tastings and special events.
What is the new concept introduced by Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant at their new venue on The Calls?
Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant’s new concept combines retail with an on-site drinking experience. Patrons can enjoy a curated selection of 20 wines by the glass, artisanal beers, and classic cocktails, along with a menu featuring local charcuterie and cheeses. The venue also plans to host in-house wine tastings and special events.
A New Home with an Innovative Twist
Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant, a renowned name for any enthusiast residing in or visiting Leeds, has embarked on an exciting new journey. After nearly 16 years tucked under the city’s railway arches, Latitude has moved. But this relocation is not merely a change of scenery; it introduces a novel concept to its longstanding customers. The establishment, previously operating with an off-premise license since 2008, has embraced an evolution, now welcoming patrons to linger and enjoy a drink on-site at their new venue.
This transformative step is articulated by Director Chris Hill, who shared insights into the strategic decision. “I’ve gone for an on-premise licence with the new venue, partially because it’s three times the size of our old railway arch venue,” he explained. This shift is not only about growth in size; it’s a leap towards enhancing the customer experience. Hill reveals a blend of anticipation and strategy when he adds, “It’s a really good opportunity to build on that nice little corner of the city… I’m really excited just to do this well.”
The Calls, a vibrant artery in the heart of Leeds, is now the backdrop for Latitude’s new chapter. Here, amid a carefully curated ambiance that features black and steel shelving, over 2,000 bottles and cans are elegantly displayed. These form a visual and practical partition between the newly introduced bar area and the retail space. It’s in this rustic setting, complete with dark burgundy walls and wooden floors, where old barrels have found a new purpose as tables, that customers will discover an enhanced shopping and tasting experience.
A Curated Drinking Experience
Delving into the heart of Latitude’s new offering, one finds a wine by the glass list that boasts approximately 20 different varieties. Latitude’s reputation for presenting an array of unique wines, often absent from typical bars or restaurants, remains unchallenged, yet they’ve managed to maintain approachable pricing. But the new venue is more than just a wine lover’s haven; it also caters to those with a penchant for artisanal beers and classic cocktails.
A selection of local brews in cans is readily available for beer aficionados. Meanwhile, cocktail enthusiasts are in for a treat with a menu that celebrates timeless classics. Patrons can expect to sip on favorites like the Negroni or the Old Fashioned, crafted by a team with roots in some of Leeds’ most esteemed bars, including Roland’s, Shear’s Yard, and Jake’s Bar.
For Chris Hill, the excitement extends to showcasing lesser-known gems such as the Saperavi, a Georgian red wine, alongside customer favorites like the Portuguese Albariño. Describing the latter, Hill notes its fresh, salty taste and brimming mineral flavors, reflecting its coastal roots and his personal fondness for the selection.
Gastronomy Meets Viniculture
No tasting experience is complete without the accompaniment of fine foods, and Latitude’s new venue rises to the occasion with a menu centered around charcuterie and cheese. Initially, the focus is on local produce, with charcuterie sourced from Lishman’s of Ilkley and a spotlight on Yorkshire cheeses. This commitment to regional flavors lays the groundwork for a simple yet refined culinary offering, with plans to develop the menu further as the venue finds its stride.
Latitude’s history has been marked by external collaborations for wine tastings, but with the space now available at The Calls, they can finally host these events in-house. They are eager to utilize the space for wine tastings, collaborations with winemakers, and special events that showcase the depth of their collection and expertise.
At the core of Latitude’s ethos is a dedication to hospitality that transcends mere retail. Chris Hill articulates this vision when he says, “We’ve all come from a hospitality background – we don’t just do selling wine and putting wine on shelves. We want to take our service to the next level by serving by the glass and serving cocktails, and I know the potential that we’ve got and what we’re capable of.” This philosophy underpins the new direction that Latitude is steering towards, promising an immersive and elevated experience for all who walk through its doors.
Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant is now located at Unit 31, 46 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7EY. The shop welcomes visitors from 10am to 5pm on Monday and from 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday. The bar opens its doors from 5pm to 11pm Wednesday to Saturday, and from 12pm to 8pm on Sunday. Visit their website for more details or to explore their selection online.
The transformation of Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant is more than a mere relocation – it is a clear signal of the evolving landscape of Leeds’ hospitality scene. With a unique combination of retail and bar experience, they are poised to offer Leeds’ denizens and visitors an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in the world of fine wines, spirits, and gourmet food. As Latitude turns a new leaf on The Calls, it welcomes one and all to be part of its expanded vision, where each visit promises a voyage of taste and a toast to the future.
- Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant’s new venue on The Calls introduces a concept that merges retail with an on-site drinking experience.
- The new venue features a curated selection of 20 wines by the glass, artisanal beers, classic cocktails, and local charcuterie and cheeses.
- Director Chris Hill explains that the move to a larger venue with an on-premise license aims to enhance the customer experience.
- The new venue on The Calls boasts a rustic setting with over 2,000 bottles and cans elegantly displayed, providing an enhanced shopping and tasting experience.
- In addition to the diverse selection of wines, the venue offers local brews, classic cocktails, and a menu centered around charcuterie and cheese, creating a gastronomic experience.