My favourite places to eat and drink in Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant and exciting city. There are so many places to visit for a coffee, cocktail, and tasty bite to eat. As an international student I decided to stay in Leeds over the summer so I could experience more of everything this city has to offer. During my summer break, I’ve been exploring and catching up with friends, I’ve also discovered lots of new places and spent a lot more time enjoying some of my favourite places, too. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite in between lectures or you are staying in Leeds outside of term-time and looking to relax with a coffee, this blog is for you. I hope you find reading my top suggestions of where to go helpful!

Mr. Tea

I love going to Mr. Tea, a bubble tea cafe that’s in the heart of the city centre. The first thing you’ll notice is it’s always busy and there’s a good reason for that. The tea here tastes amazing, and the staff are so friendly! I like sitting in the comfy seating upstairs, in front of the large arch windows as I find it a really nice spot. For me, Mr. Tea’s relaxed vibe and refreshing drinks makes this a great place to hang with friends. Especially as it’s student budget friendly - a massive bonus. I often come here during summer, but I also like visiting anytime of the year. I usually get one of their iced drinks, often enjoying it with a side of yummy fried chicken and sweet potato balls. They also have a wide variety of items on their menu, including milk teas, iced teas, and smoothies. So, there’s plenty to choose from, and there’s optional toppings too! One thing I’ll admit is I love the cups so much that instead of throwing away the plastic cups that drinks are served in, I actually take them home to wash and re-use.

The Dry Dock Leeds

Across the road from LBU’s City Campus, you may be surprised to see a boat sitting on a patch of grass. Well, this stranded boat isn’t just an eye-catching novelty, it’s actually a bar and restaurant, comically called the Dry Dock, as there's no water in sight. 

It’s also perfectly located for those students who live in the city centre as it’s only a few minutes away from Broadcasting Tower and some other private accommodations too. Dry Dock doesn’t just serve delicious food – think nachos, tasty tacos, mouth-watering burgers and much, much more – they also offer meal deals. With every burger order you can add a soft drink on for just 50 pence, or if you fancy a glass of wine or beer it’s only £1 to add on. How great is that? In addition to the food, what I love about Dry Dock is their comfortable environment. Inside you can grab a couch and unwind with some friends, play pool, or watch sports on the HD screens. They also have student friendly events, like drag shows and quiz nights which I love going to.  

Döner Summer

I know many students who are vegan or vegetarian may be wondering where the best place is to go for food in Leeds. Well, if you’re looking for some great vegan comfort food then, in my opinion, Döner Summer is the spot for you. As not only is the entire menu vegan, but it all tastes so good.  From kebabs to burgers and fried ‘chicken,’ this is vegan comfort food that is fun and delicious. The menu is based entirely on Berlin street food and the restaurant’s trendy aesthetic matches this vibe too. I like coming here with my friends as I know everyone in my group can eat something delicious and, unlike in some other eateries, vegan or vegetarians are fully catered for.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DÖNER SUMMER™️ (@donersummer)

P A S T E L

P A S T E L is a newly opened independent business which has grabbed my attention with its very pleasing pastel aesthetics and great drinks. I enjoy supporting the local businesses that make Leeds unique, especially as an international student. As I find independent cafes and eateries really add to your UK student experience. If you want to get that summer feeling all year round this is the place to visit. With rattan chairs, pineapple tables and a light pink, mint and cream colour scheme, this cocktail bar will transport you straight to a tropical-feeling pastel paradise. You can find this stylish spot tucked away on a side street in Kirkgate. I find this to be a perfect place to visit during both the daytime and night-time as it offers coffee during the day and cocktail drinks at night. The best of both worlds! I appreciate good coffee and the coffee here is well balanced and delicious.

Whether you’re coming here for a cup of coffee or one of their creatively named and fresh cocktails (anyone for a Spice Spice Baby?) trust me, you’re going to be in for a treat.

Coffee Synthesis down by Leeds Dock

You might be surprised to discover that next to Leeds Train Station you can hop on a water taxi and travel down the canal to Leeds Dock. This is an amazing experience - and it’s only £1! When you’ve arrived down at Leeds Dock you can find several cafes and restaurants, as well as some superb takeaway outlets. Coffee Synthesis is one of these takeaway outlets which, as the name suggests, sells takeaway coffee. Put your judgements of takeaway coffee to one side because at Coffee Synthesis they take their coffee seriously. I’m a big coffee fan and enjoy brewing my own at home. If you’re a coffee fan like me who also loves supporting local businesses, I suggest grabbing a brew from here as they serve speciality coffee with their main supplier, Chipp Coffee Co, based right here in Leeds. With your coffee in hand, you can take a scenic wander along the canal or visit the fascinating Royal Armouries Museum where admission is free.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CoffeeSynthesis (@coffee_synthesis)

Honestly my best piece of advice for new students is to walk around the city and look out for all the amazing cafes, restaurants, and takeaway outlets. Make a note of the ones that you think look interesting and then make a plan to visit them with your new friends.