Leeds, the London of the North, is a city that almost has it all. Beautiful historical buildings, enchanting parks and countryside and a mass of places to eat and drink. With the buzzing student community, and an increase in tourists, the brunch scene is more than catered for, so read on to discover 10 of the best brunch spots in this fantastic city.
Located at Leeds City College’s new Printworks Campus, The Food Academy has only been open to the public since 2013. A working piece of culinary art, the food academy doubles as a training ground for students wishing to enter the culinary profession, and was even inaugurated by the famous chef, Rosemary Shrager. With a philosophy of learning and creating, they specialise in good quality food and theatrical kitchen demos. Brunch is served 8:30am-11:30am and includes a range of benedicts, a classic and vegetarian Full English and baked goods created on site.
This charming and characterful restaurant is located in the landmark Old Post Office building in the heart of the city, making for a grand setting to enjoy food and drink at any time of the day. The evening menu pairs best with their creative cocktails, whilst brunch is a more laid back affair. The menu includes a range of healthier options, including granola with berry compote, fresh seasonal fruits and greek yoghurt and a full choice of smoothies and teas.
Located on North Street, The Greedy Pig is a welcoming, rustic little café with huge amounts of charm. It opened back in 2011 and quickly made a name for itself as one of the best brunches in the city, with a menu that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The food is all exceptionally high quality, with English classics as well as more unique offerings. Brunch runs until 3pm on weekdays and 1pm on Saturday, so it’s well suited to anyone planning a lazy day.
One of the city’s unappreciated offerings, Riveresque is a simple but extremely charming little riverside café with fabulous views. Forget greasy fry-ups, and opt for Riveresque’s freshly prepared sandwiches or cooked breakfasts. The Full English is even offered in a choice of sizes to suit every visitor. This little haven away from the bustling shopping streets is a tranquil choice for a brunch stop.
A cool and trendy café not far from the University, LS6 is a stylishly decorated and well priced, attracting masses of students for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. The building is deceptively far bigger on the inside than it appears from the outside, with the ability to seat 120 people. It retains its small and unique charm, though, with several little nooks and crannies providing little seating areas. Enjoy a popular brunch menu consisting of cheese wraps, fresh salads and even nachos.
Opposite Café name comes from its location, right opposite the University’s Parkinson Steps. With the same ethos as its sister café in the elegant Victoria Quarter, but with much more of a simple and homely air, they serve healthy and Fairtrade food at an affordable price and unbeatable quality. Choose from a fridge full of delicious fresh fruit juices, tempting cold sandwiches, and healthy granola topped with yoghurt. For those guests who want to eat brunch al-fresco, Opposite Café has its own outdoor seating area a little further down the road.
A sign of life in Call Lane, which is a bustling and lively street by night, but relatively quiet by day, Graze is a homely and welcoming little café. The popular breakfasts include everything from the traditional full English to granola, and is served until 11:30am. The relaxed ambience includes comfortable and inviting cushions, a rustic wooden counter and pictures adorning the walls, making it an ideal place to relax before a day in the centre.
This home-like restaurant prides itself on serving a healthy and 100% gluten free menu, so it’s perfect for those with specific dietary requirements. The menu features dishes to please almost anyone, ranging from slow-cooked aubergine curry to traditional bangers and mash. It’s open from 11:30am on weekdays or 11:30am on Saturdays, making it a delightful place to grab a late brunch or an afternoon cake.
True to the name, coffee is very much the focus at Laynes Espresso. All the coffee is freshly ground and brewed, with options to suit every taste. The café also serves a variety of cakes, sandwiches and breakfast items throughout the day, ideal for those looking for an accompaniment to their caffeine.
A popular, family-run café, Mrs Atha’s specialises in a friendly and comfortable environment with excellent food. A genuine local favourite, if you ask a resident of Leeds for their brunch recommendation, Mrs Atha’s will likely be top of their list. Breakfast is served all day and features tempting bacon sandwiches, muesli and freshly brewed coffee.
