Ten of the best independent coffee shops in and around Leeds
Leeds is fuelled by caffeine, so we’ve rounded up ten of our favourite spots to get a great cup of coffee.
There are 110 different coffee shops and counting located in Leeds city centre and plenty more on the outskirts.
It’s easy to pop into the big-brand chains and grab the same order you’ve had for the past five years, but there are limitless independent caffeine stations to try and we bet that you’ll have a more enjoyable experience too.
Investing even a cup of coffee into a small business can help them to continue running – so with that in mind, here are ten of our top picks for coffee in Leeds.
Laynes Espresso
16 New Station Street
Having opened way back in 2011, one of Leeds longest standing coffee shops Laynes has built a great reputation over the last ten years.
Located just moments from Leeds Train Station, Laynes Espresso is the perfect spot to grab a coffee on your morning commute. But if you’ve got time to stick around, then we recommend taking a seat and tucking into their brilliant brunch too.
RAW
10 Mill Hill
A relatively new addition to Leeds, RAW has made a reputation for itself for serving up some of the best and most unique coffee in the city. These guys really, and we mean really, know their stuff.
They’re roasting their own beans in the back and stock a rotating selection of roasts that no visit is the same.
Miles & Co Coffee
94 Kirkgate
Miles and Co is an independent, barista owned and run coffee shop in the heart of Leeds city centre. Ran by husband and wife duo, this charming spot serve up drinks made from rotating speciality coffee beans, artisan teas and seasonal sweet treats.
North Star
The Docks and Sovereign Street
We all know North Star Coffee Roasters make supreme speciality coffee and you can find it in Leeds in abundance, served by the loveliest staff in a beautiful, pastel rainbow-coloured setting.
Swing by their kiosk on Sovereign Street for a takeaway cup or sit back and relax at their beautiful sun-drenched spot at The Docks. Either way, if the coffee doesn’t perk you up, the decor most definitely will.
Coffee on the Crescent
2 The Crescent, Woodhouse
Over in Headingley you will find this absolute gem of a coffee shop. A neighbourhood staple for students and locals alike, Coffee on the Crescent is a place for people to meet, relax, unwind and fuel up.
They have a rotating selection of coffee on offer, that is all tried and tested by owner Tim and his wonderful team regularly to make sure you’re supping the very best of the best.
The Union Coffee House
51 Great George Street
This wonderful oasis at the top of town is a perfect space to enjoy a coffee with friends and fuel up with some banging breakfast. It’s a wonderful relaxing space to take a few moments out of your busy day and unwind with a cup of Joe.
Kapow Coffee
Thornton’s Arcade and The Calls
Since 2013, Kapow coffee has been providing the people of Leeds with really excellent coffee. They offer a wide variety of drinks and whether you’re shopping in town or strolling along The Calls, they’ve got the perfect pick me up to keep you going.
Stage Espresso
41 Great George Street
If you’re really into your coffee and you’re looking to sip one in a cool, chilled-out place then Stage Espresso is the one for you. The staff are super knowledgable and are always on hand to help find the perfect blend for your taste.
Fika North
94 Otley Road, Headingley
Another gem over in Headingley is Fika North, a wonderful speciality coffee shop which is a firm neighbourhood favourite.
Stop by for a coffee in the sunshine and make sure you order one of their banging bagels or sweet treats, you won’t be disappointed.
Bruschetta
The Corn Exchange
This gorgeous independent really do serve up the best coffee imaginable, the beans are sourced and roasted from a local company in Sheffield and are then left to breathe for 14 days before grinding.
The magic formula for the perfect cup of joe is then decided on each morning, depending on the specific conditions and climate on that day. Whether you’re swinging by for a takeaway cup or taking a seat to enjoy the magnificent gothic interior of the corn exchange, you’ll struggle to find a better coffee in Leeds.
Read more: All the places in and around Leeds for a Sunday roast dinner
Featured images – The Hoot Leeds