The Best Cafes in Leeds – Our Guide

If you think Leeds is just about nightlife and shopping, think again. The city centre cafes are now redefining the daytime scene one cappuccino at a time. Whether you're a caffeine connoisseur and a community hub lover or just hunting down the perfect brunch venue for a bit of afternoon work, these cafes are the ultimate places to eat, drink, and unwind.

In this guide, we'll present a curated list of the city's best cafes, perfect for residents of UNCLE’s properties in Leeds.

The Best Places for a Brew in Leeds

Best for Remote Work/Study

When deciding to leave home to work or study at your local cafe, having wifi access is the number one priority. Second on the agenda is a friendly atmosphere and environment. We recommend Left Bank Leeds and 200 Degrees Coffee Shop.

Left Bank Leeds, located in a stunning Grade II-listed building. It is a vibrant space of creativity, culture and community. Open from 10:00 to 4:00 pm on weekdays, it is known for its laptop-friendly spaces, full-day stays, and a variety of snacks and drinks, including vegan options, cakes, and other delicious treats to help you while away the hours.

200 Degrees Coffee Shop, located on Bond Street in Leeds, opens from 7 am to 8:30 pm, ideal for working clientele. Their dedicated barista and private meeting room, which accommodates up to 16 people, are perfect for extended work meetings, alongside larger desks for laptop use. Food-wise, enjoy doughnuts, cruffins, muffins, sandwiches and vegan treats.

Best For Brunch

If having a hearty all-day breakfast or plant-based delights is your thing, Leeds has an abundance of cafes that tick these boxes. Laynes Espresso, conveniently situated near Leeds station, offers locals, commuters and residents the best breakfasts and brunch in the city. From Layne's breakfast specials to traditional egg and toast, desserts, and brownies, it's no wonder that this venue has been keeping visitors happy since 2011.

Another culinary delight serving up delicious food is Olive & Rye. This iconic, independent cafe in Queens Arcade offers a stylish, food-forward menu. Expect anything from Avocado toast, Reuben Benedict, and Chorizo Hash to French toast. With its ever-changing lunch menu and quick bite-on-the-go choices, Olive & Rye remains a popular eating venue for locals alike.

Best for Independent Vibes

Are you the type of person who's really into their surroundings and loves that independent, art deco vibe? Then these two cafes offer everything you want and more. The Union Coffee House offers customers a cosy, kitschy-cool, book-filled, and quirky decor that dazzles and delights in equal measure. This hidden gem, located at Great George Street, Leeds, is warm, friendly and nostalgic. It even has a piano for customers to have a little tinkle on; how great is that?

Moving on to Kapow Coffee, and like its namesake, "Kapow", it provides coffee connoisseurs with a "big punch" of taste. Residing at 15 Thornton's Arcade. Spread over three floors inside the Victorian Arcade, renowned for its vibrant spaces and top-notch brews. Delight in quaint, cosy nooks and crannies, natural light from the glass roof, orange walls, wooden furniture and local art displayed on the walls.

Best of Coffee Aficionados

For those coffee aficionados amongst us who know their brewing techniques from their bean selection, these two examples will have you captivated. North Star Coffee Roasters is leading the way in roasting all its beans in-house and brewing all its drinks on-site, offering a wide selection of speciality coffee that ranges from single-origin espressos, filter coffees, and seasonal blends. In addition, their own coffee hub hosts hands-on workshops, exciting events, and everything related to coffee. It’s a real  Aladdin's cave for true brew lovers.

Fika North - a Swedish word for "taking a break to enjoy coffee with a sweet treat”. If you're after a cherished moment to actually slow down, relax and chill with friends, then Fika North is the place for you.

Filka North serves high-quality, single-origin coffee beans or guest roasters to bring diversity and depth to their brews. Trained baristas craft a variety of espresso-based drinks, ensuring each cup is expertly prepared and served.

Connecting  to the Leeds Lifestyle

Cafe culture connects to the Leeds lifestyle by providing community hubs, a safe place for people to meet up and put money back into the area. Most cafes now offer more than just coffee and food. They host open mic sessions, pop-up markets, and local art exhibitions that celebrate creativity and diversity, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of their community.

We wanted to bring some of the Leeds lifestyle into UNCLE, so we’ve created coffee nooks in our apartment buildings to bring the Leeds vibes inside. These are perfect places to relax and unwind or for working remotely.

Not an UNCLE resident yet? Discover your ideal home at UNCLE’s modern build-to-rent properties in Leeds.