From swoon-worthy interiors to the winning cup of coffee, a new study has revealed the top 10 most popular indie cafes outside of London.
And yes, one of our favourites is included in the list.
North Star, we have to say, is somewhat of a Leeds institution. A fair-trade coffee company at its core, these guys are serious about sourcing the very best coffee and protecting the supply chain that it embarks upon.
You've most likely sipped a delicious cup of their coffee or bought a bag of their ground beans from an independent stockist, but it's their flagship cafe on Leeds Dock that we are shouting about here.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Come here for a menu inspired by local grown produce, the freshest cup of Joe you can get your hands on and impeccable, friendly service.
Not to mention the fresh bakes they source from Nova Bakehouse just a few doors away, if you haven't tried their cinnamon rolls then you are seriously missing out.
So we aren't surprise they've made it onto this list, although we'd argue they deserve a higher place than number ten.
Images: North Star
But how did this data come about? Well, the team at Betway measured the online popularity of over 300 independent cafes around the world and in the UK, comparing the number of TikTok views, Instagram hashtags and Google-search volume to determine which cafes are the most popular.Â
Taking the top spot is Federal in Manchester, an Aussie-inspired cafe with numerous locations around the city that's data actually beat any over in the capital.
The full list of most popular indie cafes is as follows:
Federal, Manchester
Society Cafe, Oxford
Ezra and Gill, Manchester
Bold Street Coffee, Liverpool and Manchester
Trove, Manchester
Strangers Coffee, Norwich
Marmadukes, Sheffield
Another Heart to Feed, Manchester
Beacon Coffee, Falmouth
North Star, Leeds
So if you haven't popped over to North Star yet, then make sure to swing by for an unreal stack of pancakes, a hot cup of coffee or a freshly ground back of beans, we promise you won't leave disappointed.
A much-loved independent restaurant in Leeds has announced it will be closing its doors.
Kuala Lumpur Cafe opened its doors in Headingley in 2019 by Bart and Hirman, who wanted to bring authentic Malaysian cooking to the city of Leeds.
Throughout the years, they'd built up a reputation for their beautiful curries and vibrant street food dishes, all of which were made using Hirman's family recipes.
So much so, that in 2024 they opened a kitchen inside White Cloth Hall in the city centre when the Grade II listed food hall first opened.
Their kitchen sadly closed a year later, but their Headingley restaurant remained open serving the students and locals with their famous beef rendang, nasi lemak and more.
Sadly, Kuala Lumpur Cafe have taken to social media to announce that they will be closing their doors for good as of this Saturday 17 October.
Their statement reads: "Thank you to all our customers and team that made Kuala Lumpur Cafe possible across the last few years. After a long consideration, we have decided that our last trading day will be Saturday 17 October.
"If you have a booking after this date, we'll be calling you over the next few days to try to move it to an earlier date before we close.
"It's been our pleasure to serve Malaysian food to the community. Best regards, KL Cafe."
Of course, in true Leeds fashion, local businesses and customers flocked to the comments to express their sadness and show their support.
One comment reads: "Such a shame. This was genuinely the best Malay food I had outside of Malaysia. Will be missed greatly", whilst another thanks the cafe for "all the delicious food over the years".
If you want to visit Kuala Lumpur Cafe one last time, then you have until this Saturday to do so. Go and wish them a proper farewell.
A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
Clementine Hall -
14th February 2024 
