26 Of The Best Independent Coffee Shops In Leeds

One of the best things about Leeds is its independent coffee shop scene. From Leeds City Centre through to the suburbs, you’re never far away from an independent coffee shop where you can get a great latte, flat white, cappuccino, or even a hot chocolate. 

Leeds folk take great pride in their coffee so if you’re in the mood for a caffeinated beverage, stop off at one of these great places. An added bonus is that many of these places do great cakes baked by other local independents and others do a great brunch too!

Read More: Here’s Your Ultimate Guide For A 3 Day Weekend In Leeds

Independent Coffee Shops In Leeds City Centre

North Star Coffee Shop

Created with a true love for coffee, and protecting everything surrounding the coffee industry, North Star is one of the best places in Leeds for coffee. Not only do North Star roast their own coffee right next to North Star Coffee Shop, but they also supply many vendors around Leeds with their delicious blends.

The coffees here are created with the farmers in mind and you’ll often find The Docks House Blend served alongside their specialty brews.

Based at Leeds Dock, North Star Coffee Shop is around 15 minute walk from Leeds City Centre. On a nice day though, it’s a lovely stroll down by the river, or you can get the water taxi from Leeds Train Station for a more tourist-friendly journey.

North Star Coffee Shop is also a great pit-stop if you’ve spent a few hours at The Royal Armouries. Stop in for a coffee but stay for breakfast, lunch, or brunch – I can highly recommend the porridge they serve. Alternatively, if you can’t stop in, takeaway your coffee with a pastry or cake supplied by Nova Bakehouse. The fluffins are out of this world.

If you sit in, you’ll see the decor is relatively minimal. Light wood furniture among concrete floors and exposed industrial ceilings create an airy feel. The ideal place to wile away an hour or two reading a book or catching up with friends over a coffee.

Location
Unit 32 The Blvd, Leeds LS10 1PZ

Opening Times
Monday to Friday: 8am- 3pm (kitchen until 2.30pm)
Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 4pm (kitchen until 3pm)

Dogs allowed 
Yes

Archive

Slightly out of Leeds City Centre, Archive on Kirkstall Road is a wonderful huge coffee hall perfect for those late Sunday morning catch ups with friends or family.

Sit yourself down on one of the wooden tables and order a coffee roasted by Bradford based Casa Espresso and Leeds based Echelon Coffee. Then tuck into some of the delicious food they have on offer here.

Location
94 Kirkstall Road, LS3 1HD 

Opening Times
Monday: 8.30am – 3pm
Tuesday: 8.30am – 4pm / 6.30pm – 10pm
Wednesday: 8.30am – 9pm 
Thursday: 8.30am – 9pm
Friday: 8.30am – 4pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 4pm

Dogs allowed 
Yes

Laynes Espresso

Barista owned and run, Laynes Espresso started off as a convenient caffeine stop just 1 minute walk from Leeds Train Station. Over the years it has evolved into an independent coffee shop worthy of its top tier status among the Leeds Independent coffee scene. Laynes Espresso has also expanded to include a kitchen so not only will you find great coffee here, but you can sit in for brunch too. They do offer walk-ins for food but book ahead if you want to avoid disappointment. The sweetcorn fritters, pancakes and sausage hash are all personal favourites. 

You can’t miss this place with its bright yellow facade, so if you pass by, make sure to stop in for a coffee – or a hot chocolate if that takes your fancy. Laynes Espresso also makes delicious cakes and cookies too if you have a sweet tooth.

Location
16 New Station Street, Leeds, LS1 5DL

Opening Times
Monday to Friday: 7.30am – 3pm   
Saturday: 8am – 6pm
Sunday: 9am to 4pm

Kitchen closes at 4pm on a weekend

Dogs allowed
n/a

La Bottega Milanese

Tucked away off Park Row on Bond Court, and opposite the beautiful Dakota Hotel Leeds, La Bottega Milanese is Italian inspired through and through. As they say on their site, “If it’s not from Italy, it’s from Yorkshire” so be prepared for strong coffee, and a strong selection of food including tiramisu, padina, and lasagne.

Thought and care has been put into this place to ensure it’s a true hub of Leeds, much like espresso bars would be in Milan. And this is evident by the buzz you experience when walking in the door. Friends catching up, young professionals tapping away at their work, couples on dates…

Location
2 Bond Court, LS1 2JZ

Opening Times
Monday to Friday: 7.30am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 10am – 4pm

Dogs allowed
Yes

Out Of The Woods

With 2 locations, one on Water Lane and the other in Granary Wharf, you’re spoilt for choice if you want a coffee from Out Of The Woods. Come for breakfast and tuck in to warm porridge with a topping of your choice, or start your day with yoghurt, muesli and fruit. Pick up a chunky sandwich or toastie at lunch – fillings include chicken and avocado, cheese and ham and so much more. For drinks, you can grab a coffee, hot chocolate or a smoothie and all are available to eat in or takeaway if you’re on the go.

Location
Waterman’s Place, Granary Wharf, Leeds, LS1 4GL

Opening Times
Monday to Friday: 7am – 4pm
Saturday: 9am – 4pm
Sunday: 9am – 2pm 

Dogs allowed
n/a

92 Degrees

A newly opened spot near Granary Wharf, 92 Degrees is an amazing place if you’re regularly around this area of Leeds. With a coffee membership at £20 a month, for 5 coffees a day, it’s an ideal spot if you work remotely. It’s not just filter coffee you can get either, there’s flat whites, mochas, lattes, and cappuccinos, and you can get them with different milks too.

Location
Mustard Wharf, Wharf Approach, Holbeck, Leeds LS1 4EY

Opening Times
Monday to Friday: 7.30am – 4pm
Saturday to Sunday: 9am – 4.30pm

Dogs allowed
Yes

Other Independent Coffee Shops In Leeds City Centre

200 Degrees | Mrs Athas | Stage Espresso and Brew Bar | Miles and Co Coffee | The Union Coffee House | If | Kapow Coffee | Wapentake | Wolfox | Sonder | Cup Of Kin

Independent Coffee Shops In Leeds’ Suburbs

Fika North

Fika North is a gorgeous little spot in North Headingley. Opened in 2019, Fika North is inspired by the Scandinavian way of slowing down and appreciating the good things in life. And you can definitely do that here. With coffee from independent roasters from around Leeds and the UK, and mouth-watering cakes and sweet treats from local guest bakers, you can easily wile away a couple of hours people watching from their window bar seat. If you do want something more filling for lunch though, pick up a bagel! Fillings include salmon and cream cheese, smashed avo, ham and pickle and more!

Read More: Coffee, Cake, and Cocktails At Fika North, Headingley’s Coolest Cafe

Location
94 Otley Rd, Headingley, Far, Leeds LS6 4BA

Opening Times
Monday to Friday: 8am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 5pm

Dogs allowed
Yes

Mill Kitchen

A lively and popular place in the suburbs of Leeds is Mill Kitchen in Farsley. Very much part of the central hub of the village, Mill Kitchen is the perfect place for a post-yoga coffee, a working-from-home lunch, a friday afternoon coffee and cake treat, or a weekend brunch. As well as coffee from North Star Roast, Mill Kitchen does a selection of salads, soups, and sandwiches as well as cakes and cookies! There’s also ice cream from Northern Bloc!

Location
Sunnybank Mills, 83-85 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5UJ

Opening Times
Monday to Thursday: 8am – 4pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm

Dogs allowed 
Yes

Other Independent Coffee Shops In Leeds’ Suburbs

Coffee On The Crescent | Gron Cafe | Opposite Cafe | Bare Coffee | Loaf | Kulture Coffee | Bowery

As I visit Leeds’ Independent Coffee shops, I’ll update this guide so you know just where to go for the best coffee in Leeds!