Afterz (Hyde Park Tea Room), Queen’s Road

Situated near Woodhouse Moor, Afterz is the perfect place to pick up an indulgent treat for your picnic in the park. This laid back dessert parlour sells fresh fruit juices, smoothies, candy shakes and hot puddings, as well as lots of different flavours of ice cream. These include luxurious red velvet, curly wurly, toffee fudge, bubblegum and triple chocolate. Many of the dishes on the menu here have a Middle-Eastern influence and those who are feeling health-conscious can enjoy specialities like Majoon – a nutritious (and delicious!) chilled drink made with fresh milk, pistachio, walnuts, banana, dates, coconut, sesame seeds and honey. A Google review says: ‘[Afterz has a] cosy atmosphere and is run by a very friendly man. [There’s a] nice selection of milkshakes, ice creams and smoothies available, as well as waffles. [It’s] very well priced, and the milkshakes (Afterz’ premier export) are thick, and surely the best around. I would highly recommend Afterz in terms of quality as well as service.’

Roberto Gelato, Kirkgate Market

Founded in York in 2015, this authentic Italian gelateria opened its first stall in Leeds two years ago. Roberto is named after its owner, Tuscan-born Roberto Culivicchi, who uses locally-sourced ingredients and a traditional recipe to craft his incredible gelato. At his stall on Kirkgate Market the flavours on offer are constantly changing and there are around twelve different options to try each day. These have previously included such delights as blueberry, lemon and basil, stracciatella, white coffee, lavender and even a Guinness sorbet. A Google review describes Roberto’s ice cream as ‘probably the best in Leeds’, saying: ‘We had vegan mango and fig and walnut [and] there were two other vegan flavours available. [It was] absolutely delicious [with an] authentic light gelato texture.’

KULT, New Market Street

Located on New Market Street, KULT specialises in yummy puddings such as thiccshakes, homemade doughnuts and bubble teas. This popular dessert shop also produces its own ice cream in unique flavours like charcoal-activated vanilla, fine chocolate or ube (purple yam), which combines traditional Italian-style gelato and Filipino flavours with delicious results. KULT even sells a PRIME ice cream, made with the hit energy drink. The ice creams here can all be served in a cone, or as a ‘dough-lato’ – a gelato-stuffed toasted brioche bun that’s finished with a sprinkling of icing sugar. A Google review says: ‘[KULT’s] gelato is impeccable, [I] can honestly say I’ve been trying to find authentic tasting gelato since I visited Italy and I’ve finally found it here. [The] staff are very helpful and informative. I can’t wait to go again.’

Tsujiri, Kirkgate Market

Born in Kyoto in 1860, this Japanese-style tea house opened its seventh UK store last year on Leeds’ Kirkgate Market. Matcha (powdered green tea) is the key ingredient here, and it is included in desserts like tapioca bubble sundaes, matcha jelly and mochi. Tsujiri offers soft serve ice cream in two great flavours – matcha or kinako (roasted soybean flour). This can be eaten from a cup or cone, and can be topped with optional extras such as genmai (roasted rice) or sesame seeds. If you’d like to try something even more exciting, you can also add a dollop of ice cream to one of the cafe’s fresh strawberry slushes or matcha lattes for an ice cream float with a difference. A Google review describes Tsujiri as a ‘hidden gem in Leeds’, saying: ‘Imagine a dessert that satisfies your every craving but with a refreshing taste that is hard to forget. Tsujiri is a famous Japanese chain [that’s good for] matcha floats. Try their kinako soft serve ice cream for a nutty, roasted malt flavour, a quiet treat on a summer day.’

Images- @https://www.facebook.com/AfterzDessertParlour/?locale=en_GB, @lovethekulture, @cuppluslid