Albion Place, Leeds, a hidden treasure in the heart of the city
Once an overlooked ‘back-street’ in Leeds, Albion Place is now buzzing with life.
Outdoor seating in fab cafes and restaurants, bottomless brunches and even chocolate sampling sessions are bringing people to Albion Place in their droves.
So, whether you’d noticed the ‘hidden’ treasure that is Albion Place or you’ve just whizzed past on the way when from Briggate to Albion Street or Trinity and you want to know more, read on!
The Leeds Club, Lost & Found
There are two Lost & Founds in Leeds! Who knew?
You might be familiar with the one on the ever popular Greek Street, but this one, nestling in Albion Place is extra special. In my opinion anyway!
With a very instagrammable interior and a hint of the South American jungle, this eaterie has an amazing repertoire of cocktails and a dazzling array of gins. It’s absolutely perfect for a few lunchtime drinkies with the girls, or a sophisticated dinner date.
Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-free – Yes, plenty of options, plus a very detailed allergens list available from the website
Kids menu – Starter, Main, Juice £6.45
Bottomless Brunch – Saturdays, 11am to 3pm, £29.95
Cocktail offers – Monday – Friday, 3pm to 8pm
Open Monday to Sunday 12pm to 11pm
Image copyright ‘Lost & Found’
Bills
On the corner of Albion Place, and so incredibly bright and cheerful is Bills. It’s easily identified with plenty of outdoor seating under the signature bright orange ‘Bills’ parasols. Great to watch the world go by if the weather allows, but there’s lots of room to be cosy inside if not.
Bills was a first for me, alongside their impressive drinks range they offer ‘Mindful Drinking’! They use CBD, the non-psychoactive extract from the cannabis plant, to create the Elderflower and Mint TRIP and the Peach and Ginger TRIP.
CBD is said to be great for reducing stress, and relieving pain and inflammation, now, I have no actual evidence of this, but try the Peach and Ginger, it’s AMAZING!
Breakfast – served until 11.30
Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-free – Yes and other dishes can be amended to suit
Kids menu – Two courses for £5.95
Open Monday – Tuesday 8am-9:30pm
Wednesday – Friday 8am-10pm
Saturday 8:30am-10pm
Sunday (& Bank Holidays) 9am-10pm
Image copyright ‘Bills’
The New Conservatory
Back in the 80’s The Conservatory was a stalwart of the Leeds night scene, built on the site of the old YMCA! Fast-forward to 2005 and The New Conservatory becomes an independent, and it has gone from strength to strength ever since!
Serving fantastic food (try the dark chocolate brownie!) and a wide range of drinks, it’s a great place to call in for a good size snack after a hard day hitting the shops. If you’re out later, on Friday evenings there’s a DJ with an 80’s disco vibe.
Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-free – Options on request
Drink offers – 2 for 1 Monday to Friday 4pm to 10pm
Sunday Roast – 12pm to 6pm every Sunday
Open Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 11pm
Basco's
Basco’s opened in 2020, so they are relatively new to Albion Place. It’s a super cute coffee shop, and great to stop off for a cuppa mid-shop, to give your feet a rest!
If you’re looking for a lazy breakfast while you read the papers they have such an extensive breakfast menu it will blow your mind!
Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-free – plenty of options and dishes can be adapted
Kids menu – They don’t have a specific children’s menu, but the toasties and breakfast bowls are perfect for hungry tummies.
Open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Pizza Express
I know, I know!! At Girl About HQ we usually steer clear of huge chains, we prefer instead to introduce you to smaller more local treasures. I’m going to go against that just for now as I really want to give Pizza Express some love for their vegan menu!
The classic Melanzane is absolutely to die for, I love the Giardinera Romana, and I can’t wait to try a Nourish bowl next time.
Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-free – Plenty of amazing options
Kids menu – There’s a tasty range on the Piccolo!
Open Monday to Sunday, 11.30am to 10pm
Hotel Chocolat
Strictly speaking this doesn’t come under the heading of cafe/restaurant BUT this lovely, dinky little Hotel Chocolat holds the most amazing chocolate sampling evenings, they are pre-bookable & really worth trying if you get the chance. You learn a lot, enjoy a glass of fizz & of course, get to sample SO MUCH chocolate!!
The sampling evenings took a break over lockdown, but I have it on good authority that they will be starting up again shortly!
Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-free – IMHO they do the best nut milk chocolate around. Gluten free clearly marked
Cocktail offers – No, but they do sell chocolate gin!
Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 6pm
Sunday 11am to 5pm
Handy links list
Read more of my blogs and articles
CLICK HERE
