Middleton Park Cafe opened in 1920 and dates from the time Leeds City Council acquired the parkland from the Maude family. The cafe was housed in an old row of six cottages known locally as Top of the Wood. It still retained its original range and fireplace when it finally closed in November 1997 despite a 500-strong petition to save it. These photos are a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks.READ MORE: 15 photo memories of Middleton in 1997 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Middleton Park Cafe
A view through the trees of Middleton Park Cafe, part of a row of cottages known as Top of the Wood Cottages thought to date from the early 1700s. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Middleton Park Cafe
Customers are seated at tables for four laid with white cloths. Arrangements of spring flowers decorate each table. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Middleton Park Cafe
It was located in old cottages formerly known as 'Top of the Woods' It is believed they were built to house employees of the Brandling family, owners of the local mines. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Middleton Park Cafe
The cafe is visible in this undated photo. Children are playing in a paddling pool, a shallow area of the lake which has been fenced off for safety. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Middleton Park Cafe
An undated view of the cafe. Many years ago this building had housed a schoolroom. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Middleton Park Cafe
Hazel Webster pictured outside the cafe in October 1997, a month before it closed down. Photo: Mel Hulme