A student guide to the best cafes in Headingley

Picture the scene: you’re trying to get your work done but noisy housemates are proving too much of a distraction. Finding a café for a coffee where you can concentrate, or a quiet place to eat in Leeds sounds like a good idea, but where to go? Luckily for you, Headingley has plenty of small independent cafes within walking distance of your home. Here are our top five picks: 

Sebby’s Café Deli 

Sebby’s is a quaint little café situated on Otley Road and is well-known for its award-winning coffee and homemade cakes. The owners, Helen and Robert, have a passion for food, music and travelling and tried to incorporate these three elements into their menu and décor. They are truly dedicated to their business; welcoming new food ideas and providing efficient and friendly service to customers. The menu consists of freshly made sandwiches (try the Jerk chicken), a deli selection, tasty piegatas (pitta bread style pockets) and of course their delicious cakes; all very reasonably priced. 

LS6 Café 

The LS6 Café, also known as the Clock Café, is an eccentric place based on Hyde Park Corner, filled with retro furniture and tasty food. The décor is possibly the café’s most unique quality; consisting of numerous mirrors, clocks and unusual ornaments. The place is well-known for its extensive breakfast menu (served until 4pm), their large portion sizes and wide range of drinks – from smoothies and milkshakes to beers and fine wines. As runners up in the Observer Food Monthly Awards, the Clock maintains a good reputation within Leeds and provide cheap food offers such as a coffee and croissant for £2.00. 

Café Lento 

Café Lento is located in the centre of Headingley and prides itself on its high quality coffee and freshly made food that is made with seasonal and Fairtrade ingredients. The name, ‘Lento’, which means slow in Italian, refers to the atmosphere within the café. The owners invite customers to sit back and relax; to enjoy their time at Lento. The café caters to everyone’s needs, offering non-gluten, vegetarian and vegan produce, with the friendly staff always willing to help. The menu consists of sandwiches, breakfast options and lighter dishes such as omelettes and salads. If this doesn’t excite you, Lento also have local bands performing weekly and are always promoting new events that take place within the café. 

Dare Café 

Dare Café, based in the heart of Headingley, has been around for years and is well-loved by young and old. The most appealing characteristic is its versatility; serving as a café, restaurant and bar. Typically, food is served with a Mexican and Italian focus, however, options such as jacket potatoes and sandwiches are also available. There’s also plenty of meal deal and happy hour offers each day. 

Love Rouge 

Love Rouge isn’t your typical café – specialising in a wide range of cupcakes, it is the perfect place for a sweet tooth.  The café is situated on the Otley Road and was established in 2011, when owners Lydia and Becky quit their day jobs to focus on their passion for baking. Their selection varies from cupcakes, brownies and traditional cakes and they even offer outside catering for special events. The café itself has vintage décor and is the perfect place to unwind with a hot drink and a sweet treat.