There’s a corner of Smithdown Road where bars and restaurants just seem to take off in popularity.
First of all there’s the Tavern and its legendary breakfast queues, then Spitroast, with its ‘better than Nando’s' chicken and of course Maggie Fu, which during lockdown became notoriously hard to get through on the phone for a takeaway order, such was the demand for its salt and pepper delights.
Taking up a chunky corner space directly opposite The Tavern is Leaf, which opened back in 2019 as a sister venue to the much loved Bold Street café. I’ve visited Leaf several times and it’s nearly always packed - even if you visit mid morning on a Monday.
