The old Sandinista kitchen is changing hands again
City centre bar & kitchen Chida Cantina is set to change hands for the second time in less than a year, as part of a subtle rebrand from Chida Cantina to Chida Bar & Cantina.
The tequila & taco venture launched earlier this year when Sandinista’s sudden closure in January left the Cross Belgrave Street venue vacant. Despite glowing reviews from fans of the bar on Facebook (but a fairly lukewarm reception from our reviewer Rosie here) the “Cantina” part of Chida is being handed over to a new operator this week.
From Tuesday 26 September the food will be provided by The Holy Mountain, a roving Mexican kitchen who have spent the past month popping up at Hyde Park’s East Village cocktail bar, hosting their Taco Tuesday parties.
The new menu is taco-focused, sold in threes, with fillings inspired by Mexican street food staples like al pastor pork and baja fish, with nods to seasonal produce and flavours. Sides lean towards the “dirty food” side of the bar snack spectrum: “Mexican poutine” of sweet potato fries with spiced gravy and queso, spicy fried potato “Dune balls”, and two feet (!!) of nachos served on a platter, to avoid any ones at the bottom of the bowl missing out on the toppings. Genius
Vegetarian and vegan options include beer-battered avocado tacos, and ones with pulled jackfruit, pear, and cinnamon, and Holy Mountain chef Harry Johns has promised adventurous daily specials - think octopus and less well-known cuts of meat.
"We're just going for that neighbourhood spot vibe: cheap, good eats. Good music. Loads of Coronas and tacos"
The Holy Mountain launches at Chida Bar & Cantina Tuesday 26 September. 5 Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP
