12 of the best independent coffee shops in Leeds

There's nothing like a hearty cup of joe to kick start your day and luckily Leeds isn't short of a cafe or two to ensure you don't go thirsty.

So if you're struggling to choose, or are looking for somewhere new to try, here are just 12 of the city's best independent coffee shops.

SingleShot

Part coffee shop and part record store, SingleShot is a unique hangout where visitors can enjoy an array of fine coffee (sourced by The Caffe Society), discover a host of new music and catch regular live music events.

Visit: 30 Central Road, LS1 6DE - facebook.com/singleshotleeds

Laynes Espresso

Boasting a varied coffee menu, which includes Americano, mocha and a rotating range of espressos, Laynes' close proximity to the train station makes it a great spot for grabbing drinks on the go, and they also serve a tempting range of bakess from Porterhouse Cake Co if you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Visit: 16 New Station, LS1 5DL – facebook.com/laynesespresso

Woodlawn Coffee Co

Tucked away in the peaceful surroundings of Horsforth, this stylish coffee shop offers a delicious breakfast and brunch menu, fresh sandwiches and homemade cakes, alongside great tasting coffee supplied by Leeds-based North Star Coffee Roasters.

Visit: 60A Town Street, Horsforth, LS18 4AP - woodlawncoffeeco.com

La Bottega Milanese

Occupying two sites in the city centre, with one in The Light and the other on Bond Court, this popular espresso bar prides itself on its high quality brews, which include its custom La Classica house blend and regularly featured guest coffees from roasteries around the UK.

Visit: 2 Bond Court, LS1 2JZ / The Light, The Headrow, LS1 8TL - labottegamilanese.co.uk

Mrs Atha's

Hidden away behind House of Fraser, this family-run coffee shop is well-loved for its cosy interior, great variety of cakes and tasty coffee, which is provided by their sister roastery, Maude Coffee.

Visit: Central Road, LS1 6DE - mrsathasleeds.com

North Star Coffee Roasters

As well as their own micro-roastery, North Star boasts its own coffee shop just next door where visitors can sample their signature blends and pick up a treat or two to enjoy at home.

Visit: 33 Boulevard Rise, LS10 1PZ - northstarroast.com

(There's a fine selection of coffee blends for city goers to try, from a host of local and independent suppliers (Photo: Shutterstock)

Opposite Cafe

Home to two locations in the city, with one across from the University of Leeds and the other in the sophisticated setting of the Victoria Quarter, this much-loved haunt is renowned for its seasonal espresso and single origin filter coffees, and homemade chocolate brownies.

Visit: 26 Blenheim Terrace, LS2 9HD / Victoria Quarter, Queen Victoria Street, LS1 6AZ - oppositecafe.co.uk

San Co. co

Serving an array of tasty brews, from cappacinos and lattes, to espressos and fresh filter coffee, San Co. Co has something to suit every taste and craving, and they also offer a great breakfast and lunch menu if you're feeling peckish.

Visit: 12 New Briggate, LS1 6NU - facebook.com/cafesancoco

Out of the Woods

With a venue on Water Lane and a second at Granary Wharf, Out of the Woods offer the choice of two cosy hangouts to relax in. They pride themselves on their high quality coffees and with a range of sandwiches, soups and salads on offer too, it's a great place to pick up something for on the go.

Visit: 113 Water Lane, LS11 5WD / Waterman's Place, Granary Wharf, LS1 4Gl - outofthewoods.me.uk

Sociable Folk

Nestled in the heart of the Wellington Place development, Sociable Folk serves a great selection of quality, barista made coffees, alongside a tasty menu of sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads.

Visit: 10 Wellington Place, LS1 4JP - sociablefolk.co.uk

Cafe 164

Serving speciality espresso based coffees from a range of local and independent suppliers, Cafe 164 provides a great array of choice, including rotations from North Star Coffee, Bruce and Luke's, Casa Espresso and Maude Coffee.

Visit: Munro House, Duke Street, LS9 8AG - cafe164.com

Pump and Grind

This micro coffee roasters on Brudenell Road uses ethically sourced, speciality raw coffee for a deliciously strong tasting brew, with 20 per cent of the profits being donated to St George's Crypt, so you can drink to the knowledge you've helped a worthy cause.

Visit: 52 Brudenell Road, LS6 1BD - pumpngrind.co.uk