Leeds best cafes to socialise with other students

Nothing quite picks you up in the morning or during that mid-afternoon lull than a fresh brew and a tasty snack. Thankfully, Leeds has a wealth of independent coffee shops that mean you can give the likes of Costa and Starbucks a wide-berth in favour of a more unique experience. Here’s a selection of some of our favourites you’ll find dotted about this wonderful city. 

Sociable Folk, Wellington Street 

As the name suggests, Sociable Folk is just the place to go if you like to mingle with other like-minded folk over a fresh pot. Their ‘Hot List’ features some excellent roasts, with prices never tipping over the £2.20 mark. Their food menu is equally as desirable, with a mix of breakfast favourites, bagels, flatbreads, ciabattas and pastries. 

 
The Greedy Pig, North Street 

Boasting ‘Good quality food, cooked to order’, foodie couple Jo and Stu took over The Greedy Pig and turned the place from being a something of a filthy swine into one of the city’s best-loved cafes. Not only do they have a cracking (or should that be crackling?) selection of fresh coffee beans, but Stu’s culinary skills mean you’ll also find food far more inventive than in your average greasy spoon. 

Dare Café, Hyde Park 

Dare Café in Hyde Park is one of those rare establishments that has managed to be incredibly successful morning, noon and night. By day they toast only the best Arabica beans for their army of loyal customers, and by night they whip up a Mexican storm in the kitchen. This is why they’ve managed to stay on top since 1993, when a substantial number of their clientele weren’t even born. Drop in on a Monday for 241 on mains. 

Roots & Fruit, Grand Arcade 

With 20 years plus successful business under their belt, Roots & Fruits is a café that pushes the envelope as far as vegetarian food goes. In fact, the food is so good that they even have a huge following from meat eaters, who can’t get enough of the Jerks Jackfruit and tasty Welsh rarebit. All of the tea and coffee offered is the finest Fairtrade you could want and they also do a mean smoothie. 

Laynes Espresso, Sheaf Street 

Brought to you by the good people behind Laynes Espresso , this so hip it hurts coffee and food joint is tucked away just in between Brewery Wharf and Clarence Dock. Like Laynes, the coffee is supreme and the food is to die for. Try the Shakshuka, which involves ragout, baked egg, pistachio, sourdough toast and Merguez sausage, and you’ll be beck for more in no time.