Leeds does Coffee

Following on from the new indie opening of North Star Kiosk on Sovereign Street to the high-tech Black Sheep Coffee on Briggate, Leeds coffee scene is flourishing. We invited Coffee In Leeds to give us a good overarching view of Leeds’ coffee scene in 2023.

Here in Leeds, we’re incredibly lucky to have an amazing indie coffee scene, not only do we have some of the best speciality coffee roasters in the country (shout-out Chipp, Shiloh, Echelon, North Star Coffee Roasters) on our doorstep, but we also have some of the best cafes that span across the city centre and beyond. With so many choices it’s hard to narrow the list down but I’ll do my best!

If you’re wanting brunch with your brew then Mrs Athas, Laynes and If… are well worth a visit. They’ve all built solid reputations amongst locals and visitors by delivering consistently good quality with the classic brunch items from full English to pancakes as well as something interesting and seasonal to try too.

For all your home brewing needs, Kapow is the place to go. As well as being top baristas, they always have an impressive selection of the best coffees in the country for you to make at home and all the equipment to do it with.

If you’re a grab a coffee and pastry to go kind of person like me then Miles & Co in Kirkgate Market and Stage espresso and brew bar on Great George Street are for you. Both do amazing filter coffee and almond croissants and I challenge you to find a better combo.

After a morning of shopping or post-lunch treat then I suggest hopping into Rabbit Hole at Harvey Nichols, La Bottega Milanese or 200° for your hot beverage of choice and some tasty cakes.

One of my favourite things to do as the weather gets a bit warmer (and drier!) is taking a walk along the Leeds/Liverpool Canal or the River Aire. Starting at Out of the Woods or catching the water taxi over to North Star and Coffee Synthesis (winner of the Leeds Filter Championships) to grab a drink on the way.

Now all this coffee goodness isn’t just limited to the city centre either! If you want to do your own coffee version of the Otley Run then you can start at Fika North and end at Coffee On The Crescent, popping into Bowery and Cafe 164 on the way. At opposite ends of the city, Pudsey is well served by Bean and Gone Espresso and Garforth has CLO, coffee roaster and cafe all in one. Tucked away from the busier bits of Meanwood is Humbl Coffee. Just on Monk Bridge Road, it’s the perfect spot to have a break and read a book (and maybe join their book club!). Over in Oakwood you’re spoilt for choice with Pizzo Loco x Rabbit Hole, House Of Koko, Grön, and The Pantry which all offer a great selection sure to suit all tastes!

So, where are you heading to first? Remember life is too short to drink bad coffee.