Breakfast in Leeds

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

Whether you’re battling off an almighty hangover, or want a gluten-free sugar-free vegan option as part of that new newfangled homeopathic diet you’re working on, Leeds has the breakfast for you.

These days breakfast has a particular place in the young professional lifestyle: it’s where you go to cure a hangover after a busy night of networking, or, perhaps, the indulgence you’re allowed in your jogging and gym routine. That being the case, specialised breakfast establishments have sprung up to cater to the up and coming creatives of this world, employing a generous definition of ‘breakfast’ that flows into the midday and early afternoon and covers a wide culinary ground. Leeds, being amongst other things a university town, has a bountiful harvest of such places.

Nor do you especially need the hangover to enjoy the breakfast: early morning meetups are a great way to fit your social life in around your work life, or even slip in a quick Tinder date. Meanwhile, if you’re in Leeds on business or a city break and want to expand your horizons beyond the breakfast at your hotel, why not drop into one of these joints and see what the score is?

The Greasy Pig does exactly what it says on the tin, serving up colossal Full English breakfasts complete with all the fried eggs, hash browns, and black puddings you could ask for. (Feeling hungry yet?) If you’re after something more relaxing, Riveresque affords a peaceable view over the River Aire while you get to work on your Full English or a cajun chicken wrap fresh from the griddle. Just make sure you keep the ducks and geese at a distance. Meanwhile, Fettle offers quality vegetarian options for those looking for something a little bit lighter, with generous portions of spinach, tomato, and halloumi.

Here are our top picks.

Our top picks

LS6

LS6, 16 Headingley Ln, Leeds, LS6 2AS - Visit now

This independent café doesn’t just have mind-boggling decor – expect flamingo wallpaper and mannequin parts – it also boasts the best breakfasts in town. It’s been a locally-loved fixture for decades, with the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, Mighty Boosh creator Julian Barratt and Corrine Bailey-Rae all passing through, or in Corrine’s case, even working front of house.

CT

Riveresque

Riveresque, 15 Bridge End, Leeds, LS1 7HG - Visit now

Unassuming cafe Riveresque is a breath of fresh air amongst all the other bolshy headline-grabbing breakfast cafes in Leeds. Come here for their ridiculously big full breakfast, stay for the glorious riverside view.

Riveresque Cafe Leeds
CT

Greasy Pig

Greasy Pig, 74 Victoria Rd, Leeds, LS6 1DL - Visit now

Breakfasts don’t get much bigger than those on offer at the aptly-named Greasy Pig. Whether it’s pancakes you’re after, or a mighty full English, it’s all here and it’s all delicious.

CT

Fettle Cafe

Fettle Cafe, 73 Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3BR - Visit now

Fancy some clean-eating? Fettle Cafe, near Leeds General Infirmary is the one for you. You’ll find the standard full english, along with sausage and bacon rolls, but the vegetarian breakfast is where it shines – expect wilted spinach, confit tomato, eggs and tofu (or halloumi, if you’re feeling decadent).

Fettle Cafe Leeds
Image courtesy of Fettle Cafe

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