Coffee Mafia

Everyone raves about this place.

I’ve spent a few nights in here before, guzzling down the wine and watching the nights flit away. True enough, it is a nice place to sit and for some reason the conversation you find yourself having in this place are a bit weird, obscure discussions on the pro’s art and just how talented was Mark Rothko… etc.

Dock Street Market is famous for it’s teapot cocktails, trendy hipsters (or the few that are in Leeds) sit and sip rum delights from the china cups. Today however is quiet, it’s 2pm, i’ve just passed Howard Marks in the street and enjoyed a brief chat about our Dance Awards rendezvous in 2010 and am now settling down for a cappuccino. Hmmm, maybe i should have invited Howard…

I ordered a cappuccino and am told by the barista what kind of beans they use. Good start. La Bottega Milanese - it’s served promptly, brought to my table, money exchanged and change brought back to me, boy! what service. I feel the need to tip.

The cappuccino was not as good as expected, it was weak, and served in a tiny cup which was borderline espresso. But i ordered a cappuccino. It really was awful, then just as i was thinking it would be tolerable, a passer-by knocked it over and and it soaked the table. I was saved form bad coffee.

Different note, the design of Dock Street Market and the art work which adorns the the walls are amazing. It’s a feast on the eye, you’re left stunned and inspired by the artwork around, but it the coffee left not just a sour taste in my mouth, but a large stain and mess on my jeans and the table.

Maybe it’s best i visit on a different occasion.

Two and a half Beans!!! 

It’s like coffee heaven in here, great atmosphere and proof that Leeds is becoming a force in UK coffee culture - this is definitely a good thing. I opted for something different this time; a split shot. An espresso shot and a side was a ‘milky’ drink - piccolo. Excellently presented, the espresso was no nonsense, like a debauched gig in my mouth and the piccolo was the after show party, no one wanted to go home and we wanted to party all night. A great coffee. The atmosphere reminds me of my old bedroom (a good thing) the layout of artwork is a common theme in many coffee shops these days, but is always eye catching. God knows I’d prefer to stare at some artwork instead of the miserable frowns of fellow coffee punters - cheer up people. Stop drinking that green tea and get yourself a coffee. Perfectly situated by the galleries, Brew Bar is a thriving hub of creative types. Another jewel in the Leeds coffee crown.

Four bean mash up! Short and sweet review, just like my visit and drink.

Hey, did you hear the one about the best coffee shop in Yorkshire….

Laynes Espresso is situated on New Station Street in Leeds, seconds from one of the most well known live music venues in the country and in the centre of one of the UK’s fastest growing cities.

When i arrived in Leeds recently, i was in such a rush to get a connecting train i had to walk past Laynes without going in, it was the hardest challenge of my life, but i promised myself the biggest cappuccino possible on the way back.

The walls are adorned with art - amazing photos of all things uniquely Leeds. It is a  relatively small coffee shop and has no way of setting up a terrace to while away the days on, but it makes up for this in charisma. I instantly felt at home here and you will too. The set up i understand is quite small, a dedicated team run by a driven businessman.

Laynes presents some of the best coffee roasts in the UK at the moment, it has an extensive tea menu too. This place has won awards. If Laynes was a celebrity, it would be ‘The Boss’ - highly respected, creative, you’d always want to be in its company and you can’t believe your luck when you are. 

During my visit i went for a large cappuccino to take out, it came with a beautifully presented design in the foam and i had an amazing chat with one of the baristas about Steve ESPO Powers’ art in Shoreditch, London. It was an education. Not only do they know their coffee, they know their art too.

Laynes is a new addition to Leeds’ and my own coffee taste buds, it may also be a new addiction.

Pop in for that quick shot of espresso for the train journey, or pick up a cappuccino and meander around the city.

Five beans!!!! Best coffee bar in Leeds, i can’t wait to come back.

Normally I’m knocking back a few whiskey and cokes in this place and watching a decent band. However, recently I’ve taken to spending my afternoons in here and sipping an Americano. Not primarily a coffee shop or cafe, but a great atmosphere, loads of space and always a spare copy of Vice on a table somewhere.

A large projection screen beams short art films on a far wall, and the walls are littered with vintage looking frames full of amazing local artwork.

Bargain coffee and fucking nice coffee, served by a barmaid/barman and not a barista but still a great time spent with a plenty of black coffee.

Try it!

Three beans!!!!