Looking for the perfect spot to snuggle up and enjoy a cup of coffee and slice of cake in Leeds? Then look no further. The Northern city is brimming with places to enjoy a cup o’ Joe, from traditional cafes to vintage tearooms and coffee-cum-record shops. So whether you’re a Leeds local or are simply planning a visit, here are our top picks of where to get your daily fix in the unofficial capital of Yorkshire.
Opposite Café
Image credit: Opposite Cafe/ via Facebook
So called as its situated directly opposite the University of Leeds Parkinson Building, Opposite Café is a cosy hub for those looking for homemade, fuss free food. Given its proximity to the university, its impressive range of Fairtrade coffee and a reasonable priced menu, it’s no surprise Opposite has become a favourite haunt for students looking for their caffeine fix. Of course, if you fancy venturing out of the student bubble, there’s also a branch in the Victoria Quarter where you can sample their delicious grub.
Opposite Café has branches at 26 Blenheim Terrace, LS2 9HD, and Victoria Quarter, Queen Victoria Street, LS1 6AZ.
The Greedy Pig
Image credit: The Greedy Pig/ via Facebook
Located just out of the city centre on North Street, The Greedy Pig is beloved for its hearty breakfasts and relaxed atmosphere. The menu changes subtly every couple of months to reflect seasonal flavours, making the most out of local ingredients, but staples include a classic Full English (veggie option available), breakfast burgers (yes, you read that right) and excellent, free flowing coffee. The perfect place to enjoy a lazy weekend morning catching up with pals.
The Greedy Pig is located at 58 North Street, LS2 7PN.
Café 164
Image credit: Café 164/ via Facebook
Established in 2011, Café 164 is the perfect spot for those looking to inject a little bit of culture into their morning latte. Sister shop to the beloved Bakery 164 (who serve some of the best focaccia in the city), this sandwich shop and espresso bar sits within Munro House in the heart of Leeds’ Arts Quarter. In addition to an impressive selection of food and drink, the Café also acts as a platform for artists, with rotating exhibits of art and photography lining the walls. All their coffee comes from local roasters and there’re plenty of vegan-friendly milk options.
Find Café 164 at Munro House, Duke Street, Leeds, LS9 8AG.
Just Grand! Vintage Tearoom
Image credit: Tony Morrison
If you’re a fan of hair rollers and the odd bit of kitsch, then Just Grand! is the perfect spot for you to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea. Embracing the retro theme, this quirky establishment is decked out with an eclectic range of old tables, chintzy table cloths and a mish-mash of vintage china, all accompanied to a varied (but nostalgic all the same) soundtrack. The tearoom offers a wide selection of loose-leaf teas and herbal blends (alongside the option of a classic pot of Yorkshire tea, of course), but it’s the afternoon tea with a glass of prosecco that we recommend, which is also available as a ‘Gentleman’s Tea’, where prosecco is replaced by a pint of bitter and pork pie.
Just Grand! Vintage Tearoom can be found at Grand Arcade, LS1 6PG.
Single Shot
Image credit: SingleShot Vinyl Records & Coffeehouse/ via Facebook
Coffee and vinyl - a match made in hipster heaven. Still a relative newbie to Leeds having only opened in 2016, this record store/cafe is the perfect place to seek out some rare vinyl before setting up in the back of the shop with a flat white and a buttery pastry. Don’t know where to begin? The staff are super helpful and really know their stuff, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to leave Single Shot with a caffeine buzz and your new favourite band.
Single Shot is located at 30 Central Road, LS1 6DE.