Best Coffee Shops in Leeds

Leeds is one of the most underrated cities on the CrossCountry network, and, with so much to explore, a caffeine kick can help you seize the day. Surrounded by nature and brimming with history, this bustling city should be right at the top of your list for a day out. Join us as we delve into our favourite coffee shops in Leeds.

Coffee on The Crescent

There’s a lot of love for Coffee on The Crescent. It’s an independent coffee shop in Leeds where you can expect a friendly face to greet you and an inclusive space to feel safe in. The interior is eclectic and homely, with a jumble of comfy chairs and happy houseplants climbing up the walls.

Opened by a retired professional cricketer, Coffee on The Crescent has been a real force for good in the community. They sell the creations of local artists, authors, and craftspeople, they raise money for good causes around the area, and they’re proudly a real living wage employer.

You’re sure to enjoy a cup of coffee at this delightful café, whether you’re an espresso purist or a latte art lover. And, the best part, you can take all of it home because the café sells its own speciality coffee, hot chocolate, chai, and loose-leaf tea.

To reach them from Leeds station, catch a bus to Hyde Park Corner, and it’s a two-minute walk from there.

Sonder

Sonder, located in the Grand Arcade, is more than just a cute coffee shop in Leeds. This concept store allows you to enjoy a delicious beverage while browsing their stylish range of ‘Japantro’ (Japanese Retro) homeware.

The specials menu is particularly enticing with its range of seasonal hot drinks. Visiting in the colder months? Try a black forest hot chocolate, featuring a truly indulgent fusion of cherry gateau sauce, dark Belgian chocolate curls, whipped cream, and black forest syrup.

To reach this classy café from Leeds station, you can walk for fourteen minutes or catch a bus to Victoria Lane; it is a three-minute walk from there.

Craftea Café

Craftea Café, set in a converted chapel, is soon to be your kids’ favourite place. Built on love, creativity, and community, Craftea is Leeds’s solution to noisy indoor play centres – where adults can enjoy themselves just as much as children.

Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake in a safe and inclusive environment. The coffee shop is a safe space for breastfeeding, anyone feeling lonely can come for a chat, and there is a range of events and support groups happening throughout the year that focus on mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The atmosphere inside is welcoming and homely, with mismatched furniture and bright touches that make you feel completely relaxed. To reach Craftea Café from Leeds station, catch a bus to Sheepscar Street North and it’s a ten-minute walk.

The Barn Coffee Shop

You’ll find The Barn Coffee Shop at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, and it really is a little pocket of paradise. The farm is home to friendly animals, vegetable plots, wildlife habitats, and educational projects that bring a love of nature to Leeds. It’s a place where kids can learn about the world around them and experience the simple loveliness of meeting chickens, goats, pigs, and cows.

The Barn is the farm’s perfect pitstop, a social enterprise café ideal for a calming coffee among friends or a delicious meal with family. All profits go to local community projects.

As for the menu, there is something for everyone. Enjoy a toasted teacake, a big brunch, or a seasonal soup with sourdough. Everything is delicious, and the kids will love it.

To reach The Barn from Leeds station by public transport, you can catch a bus from Primley Park to Potternewton View, and it’s a fifteen-minute walk from there.

Fika North

You’ve likely seen the Fika craze sweep UK coffee shops. The Swedish tradition serves as a lovely reminder to slow down and enjoy a break with friends. This is exactly what Fika North is promoting, and their delicious coffee makes it that much more enticing. Head to Far Headingley, grab a coffee and a fresh flaky pastry and sit outside with your mates watching the world go by.

This wonderful coffee shop is well-loved in the local area, so be prepared to queue. We promise it’s worth it, especially the bagels! To reach Fika from Leeds station, hop on a bus heading towards Far Headingley; it’s a short walk from the stop.

Hyde Park Book Club

Hyde Park Book Club is a real Leeds institution, built inside a converted petrol station near Hyde Park. The venue has thrived on students' love of music, literature, the environment, and, of course, coffee. By day, you can enjoy premium coffee and a varied veggie lunch menu. They’re particularly loved for their impressive selection of fake meat options, such as the Big Book Club Breakfast with vegan bacon and sausages.

By night, the unique venue regularly hosts live music, comedy shows, art exhibitions, and literature events. To reach this gem from Leeds station, catch a bus to Cumberland Road, and it’s a two-minute walk.

If you’re planning to try some good coffee in Leeds, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.

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At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.