Leeds is a vibrant city with plenty to offer, especially when it comes to student-friendly cafes and cosy study spots. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee between lectures or settling in for a long study session, there are plenty of options to explore. Here are our top 10 picks for the best cafes in Leeds, perfect for students seeking the ideal balance of great coffee, good food, and a productive atmosphere.
1. Caffeine Addict
Location: 25-27 Otley Road, Headingley, LS6 3AA
An honourable mention is Caffeine Addict. Located on Headingley’s Otley Road and is a haven for caffeine fiends. They’re open everyday of the week and offer a unique coffee experience. Try an ol’ reliable flat white or blow your mind with their signature ‘black snow’. All of their coffees are made with locally roasted specialty beans.
2. The Bowery Headingley
Location: 54 Otley Road, Headingley, LS6 2AL
The Bowery Headingley is located along Otley Road in Headingley and offers a wide selection of gorgeous food and good coffee to power you through your studies. There is also an upstairs space in the gallery which is great for working with friends. They also host workshops regularly.
3. Hyde Park Book Club
Location: 27-29 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 1BL
Hyde Park Book Club is an ideal location which is within walking distance for most students living in Hyde Park. It’s a vegetarian cafe and deli offering an extensive and affordable menu. It also has a selection of books and board games to give you a break from studying.
4. Wolføx
Location: 66-68 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 SEE
Wolføx is located near to Leeds train station and has the most amazing açai bowls as well as a range of healthy and natural food sourced from local producers. With its early opening hours, this is one of the best places for a productive morning study session.
5. Mrs Atha’s
Location: 18 Central Road, Leeds, LS1 6DE
Mrs Atha’s is the most ideal central location, just a 2-minute walk from the Trinity Shopping Centre. They offer a range of hot drinks and they also serve up some tasty food such as pancake stacks and full english breakfasts. They’re open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm and 10am-5pm on Sunday.
6. Laynes Espresso
Location: 16 New Station Street, Leeds, LS1 5DL
Laynes Espresso is a popular coffee shop located on New Station Street right by Leeds train station. If you are looking for a place to grab a coffee or some nice breakfast whilst waiting for your lecture, this place is ideal.
7. IF… Up North
Location: 43 Call Lane, Leeds LS1 7BT
Up North has 3 locations on Call Lane, Vicar Lane and York Place. If you’re looking for somewhere to study and get some uni tasks done with modern décor then this place is a great location! They have an impressive coffee menu all sourced from North Star Coffee Roasters. We’d suggest you try their brunch burrito filled with bacon, spring onions, scrambled eggs, cheese, salsa, served with a side of 2 paprika hash browns. Sounds amazing doesn’t it?
8. Out of the Woods
Location: 113 Water Lane, Leeds LS11 5WD
If you’re wanting a cosy and cute coffee shop then Out of the Woods is the one for you! They offer a range of healthy but tasty food such as granola, spicy hummus wraps or fresh pastries. They serve great coffee from Dark Woods Roasters and the staff are super friendly!
9. 92 Degrees
Location: 100, Clay Pit Lane, Leeds LS2 8EU
92 Degrees is an independent coffee shop located in the city centre, just a few minutes away from Leeds Beckett University City Campus and The City Museum. The cafe has a raw industrial look with sofas, wooden benches and tables to sit yourself down with your laptop. They’re open from 8:30am-6:00pm which makes it a great selling point. They even sell their own coffee beans so you can make some of their great tasting drinks at home.
10. Kapow Coffee
Location: 46 The Calls, Leeds LS2 7EW + 15 Thorntons Arcade, Leeds LS1 6LQ
There are two cafes to choose from with one in Thorton’s Arcade and the other on The Calls, but the quality coffee and fantastic atmosphere is the same in both! You can choose a full range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes and other sweet treats. If you think you’ll be a regular there then why not make the most of their loyalty card? You’ll definitely save yourself some pennies. It is also dog friendly so what’s not to love?
These spots combine great coffee, a quiet ambiance, and a mix of casual and professional settings, making them excellent for both studying and relaxing in Leeds.