An autumn Leaf that ain't falling! Your Bar Nick Peet has a beer then brunch at Leaf.

THERE are few things in life that come close to a nice hot cuppa, a comfy sofa and good conversation on an Autumn evening.

But one of them has to be a nice ice cold beer.

Thankfully, the blissful Leaf Tea Shop & Bar and Parliament Street caters for both.

The warm and welcoming decor is a million miles away from the exterior of the old warehouse building, facing the smoke filled chimneys of the Cains brewery.

Squeezed in alongside a modern bike shop and other bric-a-brac stores, Leaf is the kind of bar that you're unlikely to ever stumble across.

However, it's certainly worth seeking out.

Inside the road-side pit-stop is modern, lavish and big open space. The main room is laid out on a beautiful wooden floor which bounces light around the room and gives the venue a real homely feel.

The furniture is a decadent mix of leather sofas, wooden tables and chairs and relaxing ar mchairs.

By day the tea shop is alive with students and professionals, pushing mugs of char around the tables and tearing through newspapers.

While at night the bar transforms into a brilliant live music venue with such a widespread collection of visiting PAs that it's got something for almost every palate.

Leaf also has the facility to host board meetings, private functions - it's a brilliant location for a family party - and also movie screenings and even as an art gallery.

Founder Natalie Haywood first launched the tea shop in gallery space in the city centre, but it's popularity forced the venue to move locations and the team, who are like a close-knit family, have not looked back since.

This month Leaf celebrates its first birthday and naturally there are tons of live PAs and special activities planned throughout the month.

For me the venue would be ideal for a quiet date or simply catching up with old friends, while the mix of musical styles make it a must for live music fans with their ear to the boards.

I also visited Leaf during the day, for brunch, and it's as comfortable during the afternoon as it is of an evening.

My only complaint, and I am splitting hairs here, is that it is a real shame that such a forward thinking venue hasn't struck a deal with near neighbours Cains to supply the beer.

Don't get me wrong, the imported bottles on offer at leaf are plentiful. But Cains lager is the best pint on the planet and it's being brewed less than 200 yards away.

But don't let that put you off, Leaf is a real treat; day and night.

CAPTION(S):

WELCOME: Natalie Haywood founder of the Leaf Tea Shop and Bar on Parliament Street