Whether you’re rising early ahead of a journey or simply fancy a pre-work treat, there’s no better way to start your day than with a invigorating cup of coffee – especially if it can be savoured in relaxed surroundings and accompanied by breakfast. If you want to beat the crowds in Leeds, these coffee shops are all open by 7:30am.
La Bottega Milanese
When La Bottega Milanese was founded 16 years ago, it was well ahead of the curve as one of Leeds’ first speciality coffee shops. It even served espresso as late as 11pm – then a rare find outside of London. The now-iconic espresso bar set out to bring the best aspects of Milanese café culture to Yorkshire – from the city’s enviable style to its residents’ coffee-centric routines. La Bottega Milanese’s team are serious about coffee and the shop has its own house blend, La Classica – an ethically sourced, 100% speciality grade Arabica that’s roasted locally. This can be served in all of your favourite styles, including as a v60 pour over, and can be enjoyed with pastries, sweet Italian treats or a filling sandwich. Alternatively, you can beat the heat with refreshing summer specials like an iced cherry matcha or orange foam cold brew. La Bottega Milanese’s shop in Bond Court opens at 7:30am on weekdays, while Park House opens at 8am.
Miles & Co.
This barista-run coffee shop started life as a kiosk in Kirkgate Market but has recently moved into a larger, light and airy space on Kirkgate that’s part of the Koncept creative hub. Open from 07:30am, its knowledgeable staff will happily whip you up a long black or cortado, or something a little different such as a Vietnamese iced latte – a sweet and creamy blend of espresso and condensed milk with a hint of cardamom. Other current specials here include vibrant green matcha flavoured with pistachio, strawberry or iced vanilla. The cafe also offers a range of hearty sandwiches, along with cakes, pastries and chunky vegan cookies.
Laynes
Open from 7:30am on weekdays, popular brunch spot Laynes is located on New Station Street, a convenient 5-minute walk from the city’s railway station. This independent espresso bar was created for people who are just as passionate about coffee as its owners. In its cheerful interior, you can get cosy with a cup of its house blend – Red Brick by Square Mile. There’s also a batch brew of the day and caffeine-free options like a masala chai latte. To eat, you can choose from a range of indulgent breakfasts that will really set you up for the day. These include savoury French toast with bacon, egg and chilli, smoked mackerel croquettes or sweetcorn fritters with feta. The cafe even has its own bakery in Armley, which provides its cakes and sweet and savoury pastries.
North Star Coffee
Leeds-based speciality roasters North Star now have sites across the city, including a kiosk on Sovereign Street, a roastery on Tong Road and a large coffee shop and hub on The Boulevard at Leeds Dock, which is open from 7:30am on weekdays. Whether you prefer a long black or flat white, you can wake yourself up here with a cup of hand-brewed filter coffee or espresso, or specials such as berry and hibiscus iced tea or even an affogato. North Star’s tempting food offering also makes it a winning destination for breakfast and you can tuck into delicious dishes like Huevos Divorciados (fried eggs with salsa, tortilla chips, refried beans and cheese) or a plate of house pancakes topped with apricot and almond or bacon and homemade panela syrup.
92 Degrees
Taking its name from the perfect temperature at which to brew coffee, 92 Degrees founded its Liverpool roastery back in 2014 and its coffee is now sold and drunk all around the world. In Leeds, you’ll find shops on Boar Lane, Claypit Lane and Mustard Wharf. These all open between 7-7:30am and boast a minimal, often slightly industrial feel. Coffee aficionados can kick off their morning here with a cup of coffee made using one of 92 Degrees’ own ethical blends. There are also chilled summer drinks to try, including a cookie dough latte and a ‘pistacha’ (pistachio matcha). If you’re also feeling peckish, the cafes serve a great selection toasties with plenty of plant-based options, or tempting pastries for those who’d prefer something lighter.
Coffee Boy
New to Leeds, Coffee Boy opened its doors in The Light in early April. Describing itself as the ‘new urban coffee kid on the block’, its cafe has a cool, modern feel with a rustic edge and its drinks menu is creative, featuring smoothies packed with nutritious fruit and veg, along with thirst quenching summer coolers and all of the coffees you’d expect. A highlight is their own ‘The Coffee Boy’, which combines espresso with steamed milk, caramel and vanilla syrup and brown sugar. Their cafe opens at 7am on weekdays and, if you’re seeking breakfast, you can tuck into a muffin, toasted fruit bread or scrambled eggs on toast while getting a pre-work caffeine boost.
