Best Places to get a Coffee in Leeds

Author profile image of Robert Marshall
Author: Robert Marshall
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Coffee shops in Leeds

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It’s no secret that you are spoilt for choice around where to get coffee in Leeds. For coffee aficionados it can be hard to choose because there’s so many to pick from. From over 100-different independent coffee shops across Leeds; we’ve saved you some time by picking 9 of our favourite caffeine-fuelled cafes. We think these are the key to sampling the best coffee in Leeds.

Laynes Espresso copy-link-to-section

Laynes Espresso coffee

16 New Station St, Leeds LS1 5DL

Located in the heart of the financial district, Laynes Espresso is the perfect place to get a coffee by the train station in Leeds. Laynes was born out of the intention of doing two things really well – serving quality coffee (and milk!) in a really relaxed environment! Being a genuinely independent Barista owned coffee joint has helped achieve these two things in the past decade. If you haven’t you need to test this out yourself. Alongside one of the specialty coffees why not grab a bite to eat from one of the best breakfast and brunch offerings – including sweet & savoury pastries – in the city!

Find out more about Laynes Espresso

Humbl copy-link-to-section

Best Coffee Leeds - Humbl

38 Monk Bridge Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4ER

From humble origins in an upcycled horse trailer to a new quirky indoor venue (with outdoor seating!) all in the heart of Meanwood. You and your pooch are invited to settle in with a book from the Humbl library while you enjoy your coffee in this dog friendly coffee shop.

At the heart of Humbl is an ethos that puts an eco-friendly focus on drinking coffee. A big part of promoting this sustainable habit is the use of compostable plant-based cups and lids. There’s also a selection of sweet treats to go with it.

Find out more about Humbl Coffee

Poco copy-link-to-section

Best Coffee Leeds - Poco Kirkstall

360 Kirkstall Rd, Burley, Leeds LS4 2HQ

Poco is an Italian Sicilian street food shop that also brews coffee. Don’t be fooled by the tiny store front; throughout the day it gives ways to a steady stream of people wanting drink and food. All the bites are made with fresh Italian ingredients from the hands of Sicilian chefs. We recommend one of the Arancini balls! 

The food goes really well in the company of a Poco coffee. One to check out is the famous Sicilian Cremino Coffee (aka Crema di Caffe) – straight from the streets of Palermo this number is a creamy iced coffee dessert, with an intense coffee aroma, served a little like gelato!

Find out more about Poco

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Best Coffee Leeds - Fika North

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

In the quaint suburb of Far Headingley there’a a coffee shop called Fika that are doing things a little differently. If you appreciate the little things in life then Fika is your café’. Fika in Swedish actually means slowing down to acknowledge the things you really value in life, like great coffee! Fika is one of the most friendly coffee shops in Leeds.

In the rustic surroundings of Fika you can relax into your own ritual of really enjoying every sip of your coffee in the company of friends, family and the dog. It’s a really inclusive and relaxing environment. Fika’s passion is to brew the finest specialty coffee from independent roasters in the UK and beyond. If you get peckish you can tuck into the vegan friendly menu that’s packed with patisseries and cakes. Apparently the ‘sunshine bagels’ are as big as a human head!

Find out more about Fika

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Coffee on the Crescent

2 The Crescent, Woodhouse, Leeds LS6 2NW

Continuing the Scandi-inspired theme is Coffee on the Crescent. The café served its first coffee in early 2017 thanks to the brainchild of owner Tim Linley. Aesthetically the curvatures of the iconic Hyde Park Corner, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, are bright and welcoming. Coffee on the Crescent fits well into the community of Hyde Park; part of its ethos is to artistically showcase the area, with regular mini-exhibitions. 

When it comes to the important stuff COTC’s specialty coffee includes their very own twists and blends alongside Leeds coffee heavyweights North Star. Jungle Kitchen brings the fresh vegan savouries; Tarte and Berry assemble the cakes; and Le Croissant D’or bake the pastries. For the remote worker needing a coffee shop in Leeds you can take advantage of click and collect on a Friday.

Find out more about Coffee on the Crescent

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La Bottega Milanese kitchen

2, Bond Court, Leeds LS1 2JZ

La Bottega Milanese is the epitome of Milanese café culture providing coffee at the heart of Leeds city centre. The café boasts plenty of room indoors and outdoors making it a versatile place to network or relax. This is reflected in the juxtaposition of a simultaneously stylish and stripped back aesthetic. The coffee bean is 100% speciality grade Arabica from single origin via Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia and India.

La Bottega Milanese isn’t just about drinking. They also serve Italian style sandwiches, meats and cakes, or pasta heavy hot dishes if you’re feeling hungry.

Find out more about La Bottega Milanese

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Best Coffee Leeds - Rabbit Hole

Chophaus, Princes Ave, Oakwood, Leeds LS8 2FA

Rabbit Hole Coffee has gone from a pop up to bricks and mortar venue in Oakwood. This bright and breezy coffee house is the work of two friends who started a travelling coffee shop and espresso martini bar!

When it comes to the coffee Rabbit Hole are serving up Caravan Coffee, a roster from London that specialises in single origin and blends that showcase genuine character in each cup. All combined with organic milk and a whole lotta love. Snacks include bakes and pastries come via Black Day Bakes, Baltzersens Bakeri & My Mum’s Kitchen. There’s no shortcuts taken at Rabbit Hole Coffee!

Find out more about Rabbit Hole Coffee

Sociable Folk copy-link-to-section

Two cups of latte with artistic foam designs on a white table at Sociable Folk.

10 Wellington Pl, Leeds LS1 4JP

Nestled in the heart of Wellington Place, Sociable Folk lives up to its name as one of Leeds’ most welcoming coffee destinations.

The space perfectly balances industrial chic with comfort – think concrete walls, metal tables, and rustic chairs, all brought together by exposed low-hanging lightbulbs that create an inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that works just as well for catching up with friends as it does for getting some work done.

Coffee takes centre stage here, with their experienced baristas crafting exceptional drinks using beans from local roaster North Star. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore their impressive range of brewing methods – from perfectly pulled espresso shots to carefully crafted pour-overs and refreshing cold brew options.

Not in a coffee mood? Their menu extends to loose leaf teas, fresh smoothies, Italian sodas, and milkshakes that are equally worthy of attention. The versatile space, combined with their comprehensive drink selection, makes Sociable Folk a standout addition to Leeds’ thriving coffee scene.

Find out more about Sociable Folk

Wolfox copy-link-to-section

A brown dachshund sitting on a patterned cushion at Wolfox Coffee at ZAVIYA COFFEE Bar & Restaurant, with a decorative metal tree and potted plants in the background.

2 – 4 Britannia Street, Leeds LS1 2DZ

Just a stone’s throw from Leeds train station, Wolfox has been making waves in the city’s coffee scene since 2017.

This organic coffee roaster takes their craft seriously, following each bean’s journey from seed to sip with meticulous attention to detail. Their master roasters carefully oversee the precision roasting process, ensuring every cup delivers an exceptional flavour that keeps coffee enthusiasts coming back for more.

The menu here goes beyond just great coffee, with a tempting selection of brunch and lunch options, including vibrant smoothie bowls and plenty of vegan choices.

What really sets Wolfox apart is their extensive range of distinct coffee blends and creations – whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just beginning to explore specialty coffee, you’ll find something to excite your taste buds.

The friendly staff create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every visit feel special, making it easy to see why this spot has become such a beloved part of Leeds’ coffee community.

Find out more about Wolfox

Out of the Woods copy-link-to-section

Waterman’s Place, Granary Wharf, LS1 4GL

Tucked away in the picturesque Granary Wharf, Out of the Woods offers one of Leeds’ most charming coffee experiences.

The café’s curved, glass-fronted space sits right by the canal basin, making it perfect for people-watching on sunny days. Inside, the warm and inviting interior features rustic wooden floorboards and a beautifully crafted wooden counter that adds to the cosy atmosphere.

When it comes to coffee, their experienced baristas take pride in crafting the perfect cup every time. From silky smooth lattes to robust espressos, each drink is prepared with careful attention to both taste and presentation.

If you’re in the mood for something different, their fresh fruit smoothies are a must-try, featuring exotic combinations with ingredients like passionfruit and coconut. Pair your drink with one of their famous toasties or freshly baked goods for the full experience. Can’t make it to Granary Wharf?

There’s a second location on Water Lane in Holbeck that serves up the same exceptional coffee and welcoming vibes. Whether you choose to cosy up inside or enjoy the canal-side seating, Out of the Woods delivers a coffee experience that’s worth seeking out.

Stage Espresso & Brew Bar copy-link-to-section

Cozy interior of Stage Espresso & Brewbar featuring a green wall with the word "STAGE" in bold letters. The space includes comfortable seating, wooden tables, and warm lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

41 Great George St, LS1 3BB

Perfectly positioned on the corner of Great George Street and Oxford Row, Stage Espresso & Brew Bar has been delighting Leeds’ coffee enthusiasts since 2017.

The café boasts stunning views of the Grade 1 listed Leeds General Infirmary buildings, making it a favourite spot for university staff, hospital workers, and council employees alike. What sets Stage apart is their commitment to exploring the world of coffee through a regularly rotating menu of single-origin beans from exceptional producers and roasters.

Whether you prefer your coffee as espresso or filter, you’ll always find something new and exciting to try. Their skilled baristas take pride in crafting each drink to perfection, and if you’re feeling peckish, don’t miss out on their legendary almond croissants.

The café has earned its reputation as the go-to coffee destination in the northern quarter of the city centre, creating a welcoming sanctuary for both coffee aficionados and casual drinkers.

With its combination of quality beverages, fantastic food, and an atmosphere filled with the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Stage Espresso & Brew Bar proves that great coffee is indeed a form of art.

Find out more about Stage Espresso

200 Degrees Coffee Shop copy-link-to-section

A cozy scene at 200 Degrees Coffee Shop featuring a small black coffee cup on a saucer, with the phrase "Enjoy your cup" printed inside. Nearby, a stack of colorful books rests on a sunlit windowsill, with potted plants in the background.

31 Bond St, Leeds, LS1 5BQ

In the heart of Leeds’ bustling shopping district, 200 Degrees has established itself as more than just another coffee shop.

This innovative space houses not only an exceptional café but also a dedicated barista school and private meeting room that can accommodate up to 16 people, making it a unique destination for both coffee lovers and aspiring coffee professionals.

Their reputation for serving some of the finest coffee in Leeds is well-deserved, with their mocha standing out as a particular highlight that keeps customers coming back. The menu gets a weekly refresh every Wednesday, offering a delightful selection of deli-style treats with a distinctive New York twist – all prepared fresh on-site.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee on your way to work or settling in with a pastry for a post-shopping break, the welcoming atmosphere and super friendly staff make every visit memorable.

The convenient location and versatile space make 200 Degrees perfect for everything from casual catch-ups to productive work sessions. Between their exceptional coffee selection and mouth-watering food offerings, it’s easy to see why this spot has become such an integral part of Leeds’ thriving food and drink scene.

Author profile image of Robert Marshall
Robert Marshall

Rob has been a resident of Leeds for over a decade, having moved here as a student and lived in various parts of the city. With a love for exploring Leeds’ parks, woods, and the local food and drink scene, he is always on the lookout for hidden spots. Spending time exploring the city has led to discovering places that offer a break from the busy urban life or a taste of Leeds’ diverse culinary offerings.

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