Laynes, New Station Street

This vibrant yellow espresso bar has been bringing cups of joy to Leeds’ coffee connoisseurs for more than ten years. Conveniently located close to the city’s railway station, Laynes serves sweet treats that are made in its very own bakery in nearby Armley, as well as some tempting savouries. The highlight here, however, is the coffee. Laynes’ house blend is Square Mile’s ‘Red Brick’, which boasts notes of cherry, chocolate, plum and almond. This can be brewed in all of your favourite styles or made caffeine or dairy free at your request. A Google review says: ‘If you’re in Leeds and looking for a cosy café for breakfast and coffee, you can’t go wrong with Laynes Espresso. Their coffee is excellent, and the baristas really know their stuff… The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff are friendly.’

Kapow, Thornton’s Arcade/The Calls

Now with two cafés in the city centre, Kapow is dedicated to offering the best coffees from small roasters in the UK and further afield. In fact, you might discover your new favourite at one of the cupping sessions held here. This friendly ‘laptop free zone’ is the perfect place to catch up with friends over a flat white or cold brew, perhaps accompanied by a tasty toastie. Along with its house blend, which has hints of hazelnuts, cocoa and dried fruit, Kapow stocks a huge range of beans, capsules and ground coffee from roasters like Curve, The Barn in Berlin, Scenery and Outpost. A Google review says: ‘What a find! A quirky but relaxed little place in a lovely arcade. We’re very hard to please when it comes to coffee, so it was a breath of fresh air to find somewhere doing it right. My decaf latte had an excellent taste, not too hot so the milk hadn’t lost its sweetness, perfect texture (not too frothy or too thin) and it was strong rather than weak and milky. [I would] totally recommend if you’re looking for a decent coffee.’

92 Degrees, Clay Pit Lane/Mustard Wharf/Boar Lane

Founded in 2015, this Liverpool-based coffee roastery now has more than 15 cafés and stalls across the UK, including three in Leeds. 92 Degrees’ mission is to provide ‘awesome coffee, for everyone, everywhere’. The coffee here is single origin and ethically grown in a way that supports community farming projects, bringing about positive change right from the start. 10% from the proceeds of their bagged coffee also goes to Project Waterfall, who bring clean water to coffee growing communities around the world. In 92 Degrees cafés, which have minimal, modern and sometimes industrial interiors, you can sip an invigorating macchiato, batch brew or a creamy iced mocha. A Tripadvisor review says: A barista who I know and respect recommended this place to me…The coffee was fantastic [and] there was enough space to get my laptop out without feeling guilty, and I just loved the ambience and lighting. Definitely my kind of place.’

Stage Espresso & Brew Bar, St. George Street

Celebrating great music and delicious coffee, Stage Espresso & Brew Bar regularly hosts live music events, including performances by its in-house jazz band Chan 4. In contrast to its cosy basement, where you can choose from a selection of modern and classic board games to play, Stage’s upstairs area is light and airy and offers a view of the city’s Grade I listed General Infirmary to take in as you enjoy a drink and sweet treat. The café frequently changes the single origin coffees on its menu and these are available on espresso or filter. You can also pick up a bag of whole bean or ground coffee from roasters like Maude, Round Hill Roastery and Hundred House Coffee to take away. Don’t forget to treat yourself to one of their sweet treats on the counter!

Out of the Woods, Water Lane/Granary Wharf

This woodland-themed coffee shop can be found in two locations in Leeds, including on the canalside in Granary Wharf. Out of the Woods serves coffee from West Yorkshire roasters Dark Woods, which can be brewed however you choose. This summer, there are some iced seasonal specials to try, as well as a yummy black forest mocha. Out of the Woods’ rustic interiors help to create a relaxing atmosphere with bare wood and lots of earthy tones. Along with their wide choice of coffees, they also offer cakes from local makers including White Rose Bakes, Brown & Blond and Gilchrist’s. A Tripadvisor review says: ‘I visit Out of the Woods most weeks for a coffee and sometimes a quick lunch. They do a great flat white and their daily filter brew is always delicious. They also have a creative rotation on their ‘toastie of the week’ [and have] really, really friendly staff and owners that take the effort to get to know their customers.’

RAW Coffee, Mill Hill

New to Leeds this year, RAW is run by couple James and Anya Adams. This speciality coffee shop boasts a chic minimalist interior inspired by the architecture of Japan and Anya’s native Poland, and you’ll find something a bit different on the menu here. Not only are RAW’s beans roasted in house but they’re used to craft unique coffees that you’ll likely never have seen before. These include an Insta-worthy nitro brew that floats on botanical lemonade – choose from original, elderflower or raspberry. These look as amazing as they taste and are finished with a garnish of edible flowers or fruit. If you’re feeling peckish, RAW’s signature food offering is its bagels, which comes with a variety of different fillings like the Syrian with falafel, cheese, spinach and sweet chilli sauce, or the New Yorker with pastrami, emmental, gherkins and mustard mayo. A Google review says: ‘I don’t gush over coffee places. But this place earned it. Very, very good coffee, service and atmosphere. I find coffee often over-hyped. Too bitter, or too sour. Here it was a perfect balance, for me.’

Sonder, Grand Arcade

Part café, part homeware shop, Sonder which is run by husband and wife duo, Olivia and Dave, has been described as ‘the most aesthetic coffee spot in Leeds’. Settle into one of its retro sofas and you can spend a morning getting some decor ideas for your own home while sipping a cortado. With bare plaster walls and a Japanese vibe, Sonder looks super stylish and it’s perhaps no surprise that coffee here is presented in the cutest of cups. All of the drinks on the menu can be made iced or vegan and there are some new options that have been introduced for the summer, including Pink Guava, Watermelon & Lime Cooler or Mint Choc Chip Iced Chocolate. Sonder’s pastry selection doesn’t disappoint and you’ll find some inventive offerings to try here, from matcha croissants to raspberry charcoal and rose cruffins. A review on Sonder’s website says: ‘Absolutely delighted with my experience at Sonder. The homewares are exquisite, and the café in general radiates a cosy ambiance. The attention to aesthetic detail is commendable, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate both style and substance…’

Images- @labottegamilanese, @sonderleeds