If there is one thing you can’t deny about Leeds, it’s that we are spoilt rotten for independent cafes for that morning caffeine fix.
Whether you fancy a frothy cappuccino, a milky latte or a punchy espresso, there's an independent coffee shop in Leeds to suit every need.
Every street you walk down you're met with the comforting waft of freshly ground beans, tempting you in to quickly grab a cup of Joe on the go or to cradle your hands around a warm mug and sink into a comfy seat.
And it's not just us who think so, because Leeds has officially just been crowned the best city in the UK for independent coffee shops by Reviva Coffee.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Thank you very much, we will take that.
With a whopping total of independent 584 coffee shops in Leeds to choose from, there's no way you could try every single one of them (although we are trying our best).
The study showed Leeds to be a real gem of the UK’s thriving coffee culture, with 86.3% of coffee shops being independent, with just under 14% being chains.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Placing second is Edinburgh with 560 indies, Bristol claiming bronze with 347, Brighton and Hove in fourth with 329 and our northern neighbour Sheffield taking fifth place with 314 independent coffee shops.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just needing  a cosy pit stop, Leeds has absolutely got you covered.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the iconic Laynes Espresso in all its glory to Miles & Co in Kirkgate Market and Coffee on the Crescent over in Headingley, we really have got some incredible coffee shops that are keeping us caffeinated and we are forever grateful.
Which is your favourite indie coffee shop in town?
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Clementine Hall -
8th August 2024 
