30+ OF THE BEST INDEPENDENT COFFEE SHOPS IN LE1 LEICESTER CITY CENTRE (2024 Edition)

Last Updated on 4th November 2024 by Bejal

Over the past couple of years, I’m sure the folk of Leicester City will agree, there’s been a spike in independent coffee outlets taking prime location in LE1. Being the hugest coffee lover that ever existed and having a secret desire to be a Barista, we could not be more ecstatic! Leicester really does have the one of the best selection of independent coffee shops in LE1, (Leicester city centre) out of many UK cities we’ve visited.

Read on to find out all about the best independent coffee shops in LE1, Leicester including everything you’d expect from a cafe in terms of tea, coffee, cakes, snack and even some great brunch options.

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We have a real penchant for the word independent, be it boutique hotels, travel providers, eateries or in this case, coffee shops. We love their individuality and ability to provide something a little different to an existing market (before anyone pipes up, there’s nothing wrong with chain coffee shops, but this post is about Independent venues!) and offer an authentic experience, which adds that little bit of fairy dust sprinkling of luxury! Luxury means different things to each and every single one of us but for us it is very much being part of the independent coffee culture scene that has swept LE1.

Map of Independent Coffee Shops In Leicester City Centre

How to use the map: Click the map menu on the left hand side to reveal the legend containing all the coffee shops and cafes listed in this guide.

Independent Coffee Shops in LE1, Leicester

Saints of Mokha

Established in 2016; Saints of Mokha is a young, independent coffee roaster in Leicester, who offer fine roasted coffee, These guys do coffee properly for the connoisseurs! Carefully weighed out, at the perfect temperature and served to perfection. If you know a thing or two about coffee this is the place for you. Decor is minimal and cool but the coffee is incredible. They also do a great selection of sweet and savoury treats as well as brunch and lunch items.

Location: 51 Belvoir Street, Leicester LE1 6SL I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Simple black filter coffee

Køben Espresso Bar

For those who take their coffee more seriously and love Danish inspired decor, Køben Espresso Bar is for you! The builidng is beautiful, simple interiors inside and out, the barista is friendly and the coffee is top notch. Easily one of our favourites in Leicester and their Brazili and and Guatemalan blend is great! Køben will soon also be selling coffee acquired from Central House Coffee Roasters in Nottingham.

This coffee shop is als a great quiet plac eto work, the first floor is ideal, just ask for the wifi password at the front counter.

Location: 19 King Street, Leicester LE1 6RN I Map Location

Recommendations: Espresso, Mocha, Cappuccino, Cinnamon buns

Ninety Six Degrees

Located in the West End, just a stones throw from the DeMontfort University Campus. this cute independent coffee shop and roasters, is worth making the 10 minute walk to from the centre of the city. It has a prime location on the main Braunstone Gate road and serves cracking coffee, breakfast items such as smashed avocado toast, eggs Florentine, egg and bacon sarnies served on sourdough. They also do a great range of iced drinks, lunch time sandwiches, we love the sound of mozzarella, pepper and tomato served on sourdough toast, accompanied by a side salad, vegetable sticks and hummus

Ninety Six degrees has a chilled, calm vibe and we especially love the artwork on the back wall by local artist Nicole Storer. They also have complimentary WIFI, if you fancy taking your laptop along whilst enjoying some coffee.

Location: 42 Braunstone Gate, Leicester LE3 5LG I Tel. 0116 2555474 I Map Location

Recommendations: Cappuccino, American, Blueberry Bakewell, Flapjacks, Sandwiches

St Martin’s Coffee Shop

Based in the swankier end of LE1, St Martin’s square amidst the pop-up café scene, St. Martins Coffee Roasters has two floors of seating, a feature coffee counter and you can even buy your own beans or have them ground here. As the names suggests these guys are roasters and you can even book yourself in for a Barista masterclass should that take your fancy! You can enjoy your freshly roasted coffee with the most delicious cakes, in particular of the red velvet variety! This is most definitely a place where you go to meet with friends and chat over a coffee with those high ceilings!

Location: 2-6 Saint Martins Walk. Leicester LE1 5DG I Tel: 0116 251 2879 I Map Location I Website

Recommendations: Cappuccino with real fairtrade chocolate shavings

Kings Coffee House

Situated on Upper King Street and part of the HTL (Holy Trinity Leicester) Church, this is no ordinary coffee house. As well as making great coffee (coffee is sourced locally from St Martin’s Coffee House in Leicester), the cafe as a ’Food For Change, project thats been running since November 2023 with the cafe intercepting surplus food that usually ends up in landfill, and transforming it into tasty meals every Friday & Saturday for breakfast and lunch.

There is also a community kitchen, where donated food is free for all to access. To learn more about donation, click on their website below. The cafe itself is really peaceful and a regular menu also operates daily, which includes, breakfast, lunches and delicious sweet treats in the form cakes.

Location: 2 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XE I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Americano, Cappuccino, Bakewell slice, vegan sausage bagel. banana porridge with poached mango and coconut.

Way Coffee

Located a 5 minutes walk from the Highcross Shopping Centre, Way Coffee in Frog island at the One Church is this community cafe. It’s a lovely friendly atmosphere and the decor is very Scandinavian with splashes of green in the form of succulents and bright yellow cups and saucers. They do a fantastic range of cakes, savouries, breakfast as well as hot and cold drinks including smoothies.

Way coffee also has plans for weekday mummy and baby sessions as well as crafts, knitting and crochets groups in theri cafe space. They also have outdoor seating for when the weather is playing ball.

Location: One Centre, 10 Frog Island, Leicester LE3 5AG I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Cappuccino are great as are the lemon drizzle cake and flapjacks..

Audrey By Day

By night we know Audrey to be a bar serving great cocktails and the best in small plates but between Wednesday and Sunday from 09:00 until later afternoon, they serve a great range of coffees and brunch items. Its bright pink decor and green foliage with neon signs make sthis the perfect insta snap spot too!

Think truffle and cheese sandwiches, croissants fill ed with cream and marshmallows and then there’s the drinks. Great coffees, milkshakes, pink lattes and a white chocolate hot chocolate served with a party ring. You know where to come for your sweet fix!

Location: 19-21 St.Nicholas Place, Leicester LE1 4LD I Tel 07966215759 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: The pink latte with a cheese and truffle toasted sandwich.

Piero’s Snack Bar

Located in the historical but cute little LE1 lanes lies this very popular café. As well as a variety of hot and cold beverages, Piero’s serve an array of food. One thing to note is that by far these guys had the most tastiest gluten free cakes I’ve ever had in Leicester. No soggy bottoms but fluffy sponges all the way. The atmosphere is laid back and the service is fast and furious. It’s a hit with the international folk of Leicester and it’s no wonder with dishes like Marrakech breakfast on the menu and a variety of Turkish teapots on display.

Location: Piero’s Snack Bar. 8 Loseby Lane. Leicester LE1 5D I Tel. 0116 251 5322 I Facebook I Map Location

Recommendations: They do a great cappuccino

5 Coats Coffee Shop & Sandwich Bar

Located in a beautiful building on High Street, right in he heart of Leicester City Centre, is 5 Coats. The vibe is old-world in terms of furniture and antique pieces, armchairs and dark wood tables. Seating is over 2 floors. 5 Coast serves a great range of homemade cakes including Ukranian specialities as the owner is from the Ukraine. they also do fresh sandwiches made in house.

Additionally there are a great range of hot and cold drinks including speciality coffees and teas as well as an afternoon option.

Service is very friendly and welcoming, with 5 coats being a great relaxing spot to take a break right in the middle of town.

Location: 19 High Street, Leicester LE1 4FP I Facebook I Map Location

Recommendations: Cappuccino made from their Italian coffee and the Honey cake with sour cream.

Mrs Bridges Tearooms

Mrs Bridges Tea Rooms gives Cuteness overload in this quaint, traditional  establishment. For starters, the pink exterior will draw you in and when you enter the old world décor will remind you of having proper homemade hot drinks and cake all in the company of your lovely nana and her cutesy ornaments. Cakes, snacks, lunches, afternoon teas and breakfasts are served and you can grab a table downstairs, upstairs or in the small courtyard at the rear. It’s just so darn charming! The food is unfussy and it’s perfect for a catch-up with the girls!

Location: 17 Loseby Lane. Leicester LE1 5DR I Tel :0116 262 3131 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Their cream tea is fab for one and includes a pot of tea with a scone, cream and jam, plus a couple of strawberries. the y also do a great vegetarian full English breakfast.

King’s Lock Tea rooms

Located around a 30 minute walk along the canal from DeMonfort University is a cute cottage on King’s Lock with a canal;-side location. The King’s Lock Tea Rooms serves up cream teas, afternoon teas, sandwiches, baked potatoes, milkshakes, delicious cakes, a selection of teas and coffee and lots more. There Lock keeper’s breakfast is very popular. tae a seat at the front of the cottage, inside or on their pretty garden to the rear, which has the most beautiful country views. You just grab a table, order at the hatch at the back and sit back and enjoy!

Location: Kings Lock Cottage, Marsden Lane, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8LT I Tel. 0116 4828572 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Cream teas are a winner for a mid-afternoon treat. Especially if you have walked along the canal from the city centre.

Hygge Lounge

Located in the centre of Market Street, Hygge Lounge is a chilled spot to escape to for a delicious hot or cold drink with a wonderful range of cakes and desserts. Searing is over a couple of levels with the top floor window seating being perfect for people watching!

The decor is quite artistic with fresh flowers, and dark hues. The staff are very friendly and happy to explain the delicious offerings. As well as great hot and cold drinks, lattes, juices, teas and coffees Hygge Lounge specialises in homemade Moldovan cakes and desserts.. The pistacchio cheesecake is a must. the also have regular cakes such as carrot cakes, chocolate cakes and also do freshly squeezed juices. They will soon be adding more savouries to their menu too so keep an eye out!

Location: 21 Market Street, Leicester LE1 6DN I Tel :0116 507 5146 I Map Location

Recommendations: The Moldovan pistachio cheesecake, Mocha and iced latte with hazelnut syrup are a great light choice.

Bru Coffee & Gelato

 Again this place has three shops but I still wanted to include them as being pretty independent to Leicester. Brü has quite a large premises on Granby Street and it’s popularity is testament to the fact that on most occasions I  have struggled to find seating here. You have options to sit on the ground floor where the service counter is, the first floor or outside. There is a fine variety of coffees, teas and hot chocolates on offer, which can be accompanied by a variety of gelatos, cakes or even savoury snacks. The festive hot drinks are amazing each year, with my favourite being the chocolate orange hot chocolate with cream and a slice of real Terrys chocolate orange! 

The atmosphere is always buzzing at Brü and has a very European cafe culture feel to it with the sound of laughter and chatting resonating all around.

Location: LE1:Independent Coffee & Cake Locales I Tel 0116 251 9667 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Try and indulgent hot chocolate topped with cream and syrup.

Kai Kitchen

Kai Kitchen is situated at No.4 St Martin’s Square and provides quite a laid back but sophisticated independent hangout for a coffee, brunch, or even dinner! Quite a new establishment and owned by two chefs, Kiran and Aidan, who rustle up some fantastic coffees and food. The café itself doesn’t have a huge number of tables but the fact that it is packed is a testament to its fine fare and drink. The décor is rustic with natural hued scatter cushions and wooden tables and benches. The ceilings are high and I love how the room echoes with voices when the place is filled with diners.

I tried a Turmeric Latte, which incidentally was delicious and bought back memories of a childhood sore throat remedy and Dr C had his special, the black coffee. We accompanied our hot beverages with a brunch of Shakshuka. Absolutely delicious and my tip would be to make an advance reservation.

Location: 4 St Martin’s Square. Leicester. LE1 5DF I Tel. 0116 262140 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Turmeric latte and a shakshuka or pancake stack

Gelato Village

Now, Gelato village is not just Gelato you know! They do a number of non-gelato items too, and my absolute favourite is their Espresso. These guys brew one of the best and most authentic Espresso’s in town! It also goes very well with a Sicilian Cannoli! Yes seriously otherwise I wouldn’t rave about it and you know how often I visit Italy!

Gelato village are the only establishment in Leicester to serve the traditional Piemontese ‘Bicerin’ originating from Turin. If you’re not familiar this is Espresso, thick hot chocolate and milk foam, layered in a glass as per the original recipe from the 17th century.

Additionally they also do a Affogato as pictured above, gelato with an Espresso poured over the top! Don’t miss their bicerin which is a mix of coffee and chocolate

Location: 2 St. Martins Square. Leicester. LE1 5DF I Tel: 0116 319 2252 I Website i Map Location

Recommendations: A Turin-style bicerin is a must.

Gray’s Coffee Shop & Kitchen

Based in the super trendy and hip arty LCB Depot, Grays is a  small but perfectly formed café serving up some of the best coffee, cakes, brekkies, and mains, you’ll feast your eyes on in LE1. Make a selection, grab a table or a comfy sofa and await your Barista bearing edible delights on white and blue patterned plates. There’s always something art based going on and always a small exhibition to go and feast your eyes on once you’re done. Additionally if you’re based in the city, why not hold one of your meetings at the LCB Depot, that way you’ll get great coffee and cake or even lunch and a perfect light and airy space to discuss business!

Location: 31 Rutland Street. Leicester LE1 1RE I Tel. 0116 261 6827 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Delicious cappuccino and great soups for lunch

Cafe Dido – Independent Coffee Shops in LE1 Leicester

Just across the way from Mrs Bridges, is one of my old favourites, Café Dido. Serving old favourites like hot drinks, milkshakes, cake, jacket potatoes and my absolute downfall, toasties, in a variety of mouth-watering fillings has me going back time and time again. I mean who doesn’t like a cheddar cheese and red onion toastie? My favourite place is to grab the table next to the heater as you walk in on the left and people watch whilst slurping on a perfectly chocolate sprinkled cappuccino! Oh yes it’s all in the sprinkling action as well as the coffee shot. Dr C enjoys his favourite caramel and chocolate shortbread slice with an Americano as he studies the Sunday papers. Great homely, fuss free food, fab coffee and a lovely atmosphere coupled with huge friendly smiles from the staff.

Location: 12 Loseby Lane Leicester LE1 5DR I Tel 0116 225 0446 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: toasted sandwiches, coffees and caramel slices

Holly’s Coffee Shop & Sandwich Bar

Holly’s Coffee Shop and Sandwich Bar is a family run independent establishment in cute and cosy surroundings! It has a lovely location on the outskirts of St Martin’s Square and The Lanes and is a lovely relaxed spot to enjoy a quiet drink and a read of the paper. The cakes are the real deal and taste like proper homemade fodder and the cappuccinos are just on point. Over the door, there is the slogan, ‘Food fit for a king’ and in my opinion, it really is. There’s also a fantastic variety of brunch and sandwich options on offer.

Location: 13-15 St Martins, Leicester LE1 5DE I Tel:  07772 729673 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Excellent coffee

Cafe Roma

So most things with an Italian name or the inkling of Italian cuisine draws my attention pronto! It’s one of my favourite foods on this globe! I’d noticed that Café Roma  was always heaving and frequented by many of my Italian friends. They’d always told me that the coffee is supreme and the food is pretty authentic. After visiting and sampling, I would have to agree that it does bring back memories of numerous trips I have made to Italy! Café Roma is reminiscent of the rustic Italian cafes  I have dined in and also stocks a variety of Italian fondant pastries and biscotti, which go well dipped into our coffee!

Location: 11 Halford Street. Leicester LE1 1JA I Tel. 0116 251 5959 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Espresso with Sicilian lemon cannoli

Madison’s

Madison’r Cafe is ideally located on London Road and has been around for a good number of years. It is popular for gelatos, coffees and a great space to work from. There is first floor seating as well as a snug and basement sofas. The coffee is fab as is the selection of cakes. Service is always friendly with a smile. The crowd is quieter and most people are here for a take-out gelato, a coffee and a chat or will be settling into work. The vibe is pretty calm. Also if you love a spot of artsy detail, you can’t miss the handing coffee cups are tea pots!

Location: 128 London Road, Leicester LE2 1EB I Tel. 01162551414 I Map Location

Recommendations: Spiced chai, caramel shortbreab, raspberry almond Bakewell tart.

Prana

Prana opened in Spring 2018, this beautiful once plant based café was just what the city needed Housed in the stunning former grand Barclays bank building, Prana serves up some delicious hot and cold food including the most delicious cakes, snacks, drinks and additionally the coffee is fabulous. They also do great breakfast options. To read more on Prana, click on the link below…

Please note Prana now serves food that is not soley plant-based.

Location: 10 Horsefair Street. Leicester LE1 5BN I Tel. 0116 254 7569 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Coffees, toasties and cup cakes.

Related Article: Leicester’s only Artisan Plant-Based Cafe in LE1

Leicester Coffee House Company

Leicester Coffee House Company is somewhere we purchase coffee beans from occasionally and they’re roasted on site by means of single origin coffee.

Our favourite is the Nicaraguan and Ethiopian. The coffee is good quality ethically sourced that ensures mutual profit and positive social impact for the coffee smallholders. The Coffee House also has decaf and other drinks including an Espresso Martini! Gail, one half of the owners, makes the most delicious cakes and recently I tried the gluten free rosemary and orange polenta cake, which was delicious. All coffees are weighed to a specific weight and made very precisely, so if like me you’re really into your coffee, this is where things get pretty technical!  I also love the community project that Leicester Coffee House are involved in with helping to develop the skills of young people through the coffee shop. You can read more on their website, which is linked above.

So we saved this part for the end deliberately, Tommo is the resident dog of The Coffee House Company. He’s also the mascot for the place! He’s cute, always up for lots of cuddles and what more, does one want when they’re sipping on a lovely cup of coffee? If this cutie doesn’t melt your heart, I’m not sure what will.

Location: 110 Granby St, Leicester LE1 1DL I Tel 07772 258728 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Excellent quality coffee and Bakewell tarts made in-house.

The Merchant Of Venice

One of the 2019, additions to the Leicester coffee shop scene has been The Merchant of Venice. Oh yes and just as it names suggests, it’s decor is in keeping with the Shakespearean play, with pictures of the William Shakespeare and the scenes of Venice adorning the walls! There are swings in the window and beautiful dark wood decor inside accompanying delicious coffee, brunches and some nice Italian Pistachio pastries as recommended by my Italian friends! Oh and the staff are pretty friendly too and always on hand to provide a plethora of recommendations.

Location: 110 Granby Street. Leicester. LE1 1DL I Tel. 07772 258728 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Italian pastries and cappuccinos.

Bread & Honey

So just as with Almeida, I usually don’t post about Bread & Honey, but I love it. This very small but perfectly formed café is a great coffee spot, serving Monmoth coffee and has a selection of fantastic homemade cakes! Additionally, I thoroughly recommend the soups, which are served with bread. My favourite? The red pepper and sweet chilli, followed up with a Bakewell slice, washed down with a cappuccino of course! All that’s then left to do is grab a seat in the window on the counter top and watch the world go by!

Location: 15 King Street. Leicester LE1 6RN I Tel. 0116 254 3779 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Great coffee, soups and home-made cakes.

Almeida – Independent Coffee Shops in LE1, Leicester

OK so I recently revealed on my Instagram stories that Almeidia on Guildhall Lane, is one of my secret gems! I’ve never previously posted about it nor have I mentioned it but this is my secret place I like to hibernate in upstairs and scroll through all your lovely comments. They make their own blend of coffee and boy is it good. There’s always some good chatter with the staff and Miguel, the owner is very inspirational. Almeida has been open 15 years and was the first juice bar in Leicester and I can vouch they do great juices.

My usual is a decaf cappuccino here but I recently tried the banana, Nutella and peanut butter toastie dusted in cinnamon for breakfast! Almost everything is homemade locally and there’s an array of savouries and sweets to chose from!

Location: 5 Guildhall Lane. Leicester LE1 5FQ I Tel. 0116 261 9086 I Map Location

Recommendations: Really good coffee and carrot cake

Orso – Independent Coffee Shops in LEI, Leicester

Opening on Market Street back in March 2019, was Orso. A quirky coffee shop serving cakes, brunches and my favourite the dirty chai latte! I totally fell in love with it when they served my cappuccino with my favourite biscuit, a custard cream accompaniment because we all know hot drinks are lonely without a biscuit friend!

Since then we’ve made this one of my go to meeting spots and the friendly chilled environment and is great for a spot of work! I recommend the Dirty Chai of course, which has a chocolate dusting of the Orso bear and a shot of coffee, the brunch Gaanola bowl, the avocado bagel with chilli flakes and a passion fruit smoothie. Maybe not all together though! Also I love how the owners, Josh and his partner have tried to add elements of their travels into the interiors!

Location: 4 Market Place Leicester LE1 5GF I Facebook I Map Location

Recommendations: the best coconut milk mochas

James Cafe Bistro

I recently discovered James Cafe Bistro on Bond Street, adjacent to The Highcross Shopping Centre. Its kitch and cute and  I love the chilled out vibes and board games and books dotted around the cafe! I love the cappuccinos in here and the homely feel of the place. It’s a quite oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds of the city centre shopping scene and the variety of food here is fantastic with homemade dishes and a great veggie and vegan range as most things can be tailored to suit all dietary requirements. 

Location: 5 East Bond Street. Leicester LE1 4SX I Tel 0116 253323 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Great value all day brunch items and coffees

Bryter Moon Deli – Independent Coffee Shops in LE1, Leicester

This cute deli is located in the revamped Silver Arcade in The Lanes and as well as serving local produce is a quite haven to escape the crowds in Leicester City Centre. A tranquil hangout in chilled out surroundings with checked table tops, games and a fun atmosphere, the food is top notch. Great coffee, fantastic brunch options, great range of allergen free foods and obviously the cakes are a complete treat!

Location: Unit 1 Silver Arcade. Silver Street. Leicester LE1 5FA I Tel. 0116 251 7786 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Lattes, Cappuccinos and delicious porridge

Chloe Gourmet

Chloe Gourmet is a fantastic Parisian addition to the Leicester Coffee and Patisserie scene. Think exquisite tarts with fruit, beautifully glazed, chouettes, croissants aux almonds and my personal favourites, The Paris Brest. Chloe explained to me, she’s spent very many years perfecting the Paris Brest and boy is it superb. They also do breakfast, savoury lunches and general anytime snacks!! A firm favourite on my cake and coffee list!

Location: 10-12 Cank St, Leicester LE1 5GW I Tel: 0116 319 6477 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: French-style pastries such as Paris Brest accompanied by coffee

Five Fox Lane – Independent Coffee Shops in LE1, Leicester

Five Fox Lane is located in the original Bruccianni’s location on Fox Lane in Leicester city centre. and have even kept a couple of the Brucciani favorites including soda floats & iced buns.

Tucked away in the centre of town, Five Fox Lane serves delicious cakes, sandwiches, pastries, a variety of hot and cold beverages as well as ice-cream. Every coffee before 11am is accompanied by a croissant too.

I love the ode to railway with some of the signage, the fresh decor with comfy seating and bar tables with quirky art work on the walls from posters to plates and also some replica paintings framed in ornate gold surroundings. The service is friendly and the atmosphere nice and relaxed.

We would recommend a mocha and lemon cake for an anytime snack!

Location: 5 Fox Lane. Leicester LE1 1WT. I Facebook I Map Location

Recommendations: Great iced buns and simple teas and coffee

Heritage Cafe (Previously Cafe Mbriki)

Located along the small Lanes in Leicester city centre is Heritage Cafe, who specialise in cakes, milkshakes, frappes. hot and cold drinks, jacket potatoes, snack as well as toasties and light breakfasts. They have a pretty large range of food so there is something for everyone. The coffee is roasted by Leicester’s very own St. Martin’s Roasters too!

The cafe is housed in a Grade II listed building and they bake their very own bread and pastries throughout the day so you’re guaranteed the freshest ingredients. It’s a great place to unwind and relax in between your shopping trip or just pop in for a bite anytime.

Location: 10 Carts Lane, Leicester LE1 5FL I Tel. 0116 2536213 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Latte and a black cherry and almond slice or a toastie

La Forêt Café

A French Moroccan Styled cafe located in King Street with beautiful traditional Moroccan decor. Freshly made food all made by the owner Rizwan. Beautiful Patisserie work, great hot and cold drinks as well as the most delicious salad bowls.

There is also a private room at the back should you wish to enjoy your treats in a quieter space.

We would recommend the Cappuccino with caramel chocolate sprinkles, the Moroccan salad and on the house-made Fruit de la Foret tart. For those who prefer sweeter drinks, they do a great red velvet latte as well as a lunar latte.

Location: 11 King St, Leicester LE1 6RH I Tel: 07898 007227 I Facebook I Map Location

Recommendations: Moroccan salads, booster juices, red velvet lattes, French-Morrocan pastries nade in-house.

&Kith – Independent Coffee Shops In LE1, Leicester

Kith meaning friend is a cafe, bake house and dry bar in Leicester serving mocktails, weekend brunches, evening meals, cakes and coffee galore!
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The decor is minimalist and inspired by stylish NYC cafes with blush pink and white hues and is the perfect spot to meet friends and guess what? No one needs to be the designated driver!

Location: 32 Granby St, Leicester LE1 1DE I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Cute pastries, Turkish eggs and lovely weekend brunch options

World Peace Cafe

This vegan and vegetarian cafe decorated with beautiful plants, fairy lights and run by a team of international volunteers is a complete gem right from it’s delicious offerings , friendly staff, to a very reasonable price point on food and drinks. It is the only cafe in Leicester that also offers meditation classes throughout the day. There are even free taster ones as well as regular paid sessions. Their food is homemade and it most certainly shows. It’s a great place to hang out with your lap top too as they have free wifi.

Location: 17 Guildhall Lane. Leicester LE1 5FQ I Tel. 0116 2620317 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Hot chocolate, cappuccino, lemon drizzle cake, gluten-free carrot cake

The Dessert Boutique

If you love a great coffee or maybe even an indulgent hot chocolate or milkshake, the Dessert Boutique is your stop. A 10 minute walk from the heart of the city centre this place deserves a mentions. They also do great brunch options as well as incredible cakes adn pastries all made by owner, Azamiena. The service is second to none and Azamiena’s passion through her fabulous creations.

Location: 97a London Road, Leicester LE2 0PF I Tel. 07920 094823 I Map Location

Recommendations: Indulgent coffees and the baklava is tip top ten.

Bitsy’s Emporium of Awesome

Another coffee stop worth the 5-10 minute walk from LE1, is Bitsy’s Emporium of Awesome. Located by the canal with some cool street art to walk by, this place. Located in the same building as Graffwerk, the industrial look plus splashes of fun pink and complementing artwork makes Bitsy’s Emporium one cool, fun spot to hangout! The cakes are indulgent but oh so delicious and fun combinations. The grilled cheese is the best this side of NYC and Char, the owner is one talented lady – her passion is insanely motivating! Oh and they run cookie decorating workshops = furure presents sorted!

Location: Unit 4, North Mills, Frog Island, Leicester LE3 5DL I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: A latte, Mocha, grilled cheese toastie and a jam tart cup cake!

The Greek Corner Bakery

This place is always really busy, especially at lunch times and some of their most popular sweet pastries do not hang around until after 11am! The Greek corner bakery is very authentic with so many choices. The savoury pastries and sandwiches to the classic greek pastries, cakes and biscuits. There is seating over two floors and the staff are very helpful and friendly and always on hand to help you decide what to pick if you’re unsure of the selection on offer.

Location: 19 Halford St, Leicester LE1 1JA I Tel. 0785 3547969 I Map Location

Recommendations: Freddo cappuccino with cinnamon and a traditional Greek cheese pastry.

The Exchange Bar – Independent Coffee Shops In LE1, Leicester

Located in the Cultural Quarter of Leicester city centre, this bar and coffee spot is best0known for it’s resemblance to New York City’s ‘Flatiron Building’. They serve a variety of lights snacks through out the day such as sweet treats, sandwiches, pizza, fries and burgers but also do great coffees, teas and other hot and cold drinks. It’s a great place to pop into for drinks as well pre and post theatre as it’s located opposite The Curve.

Location: 50 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RD I Tel. 01163323301 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: A simple coffeeflat white, hot chocolate or lattes with a shot of flavoured syrup.

Black Iron Social at The Gresham

Black Iron social locate don the ground floor of The Gresham Aparthotel building is a great place to pop in for a coffee. They do serve lunches and dinners and some fantastic drinks of course but if you’re looking to meet someone for a coffee this is a great spot. The decor is beautiful and they have great wifi if you’re in between meetings and just need to get some work done.

Related Articles: Great Contemporary British Dining in Leicester and The Gresham Serviced Apartments in Leicester

Location: 36 Market Street, Leicester LE1 6DP I Tel. 01162437660 I Website I Map location

Recommendations: Cappuccino or simple flat white

The Green Room Ar Curve Theatre

Located in Leicester’s world renowned theatre building, Curve, is the Green Room Cafe. Open daily from 10am, the cafe serves delicious shoot drinks as well as a great selection of cakes, sandwiches, pastries (sweet and savoury) jacket potatoes and more. Staff are very friendly and service is always with a smile, This is also a great place to work with a coffee as they have good guest wifi access.

Green room also serves light pre-theatre dinners and snacks as well as a small selection of alcoholic drinks if you don’t fancy waiting at the bar.

Location: 60 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1SB I Tel. 01162423560 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: Cappuccinos, lattes, great toasties.

The Phoenix Arts & Cinema Cafe

the Phoenix Arts Gallery & Cinema has a lovely cafe on the ground level as well as a rooftop bar called The Nest. The cafe serves a great range of hot and cold drinks, cakes as well as brunch, lunch and dinner items as well as all day snacks. It’s a fun, bright and quirky space to hang out too. It’s the perfect place to have a work meeting as they have great WIFI connection. The staff are always fun and helpful and service is with a smile.

Location: Phoenix Square, 4 Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TG I Tel I 0116 2422800 I Website I Map Location

Recommendations: latte, Hot chocolates, lemon drizzle cake.

Affogato

Located on one of the main shopping streets in Leicester, Gallowtree Gate, Affogato is a cafe serving Italian coffee, hand crafted gelato, cakes and pastries, as well as freshly made breakfast and lunch options.

The staff are friendly and the vibe is laid back and casual. It’s a great place to pop into shopping for a quick lunch or coffee and cake stop. The affogato is very good and is a must try in our opinion, as it’s the cafes namesake.

Location: 42-44 Gallowtree Gate, Leicester LE1 1DA I Map Location

Recommendations: An affogato, jacket potatoes, cakes, pastries, gelato

Independent Coffee Shops FAQ’s

Which Coffee Shops In LE1, Leicester Roast Their Own Coffee?

St Martin’s Coffee House

Saints of Mokha

Leicester Coffee House Company

Which Independent Coffee Shops Have The Best Wifi?

Bru Coffee

Orso

Grays Coffee Shop

Saints of Mokha

The Exchange

The Green Room, Curve

The World Peace Cafe

The Phoenix Arts Cafe

Black Iron Social at The Gresham

Køben Espresso Bar

Ninety Six Degrees

Which Cafes Serve Halal Food?

** Always check with management to be on the safe side.

Kith & Kin

Bru

The Desert Boutique

Madisons

La Foret

Prefer Your Coffee On The Go? Check Out These Eco-Friendly Options

Bru Reusable Coffee Cup – Great for travel and on the go with a non-slip grip and cute colours

Moon Travel Mugs – Leakproof reusable coffee cups which are Insulated thermal mugs for hot & cold drinks

Independent Coffee Shops In LE1, Leicester Round-Up

Leicester has a wonderful range of coffee shops perfect to grab a coffee or tea and great snacks. There is a coffee shop to suit all tastes and pockets, from the sweet treats at Audrey to the serious coffee connoisseurs at roasters like Saints of Mokha, Leicester Coffee House and St Martin’s Coffee. Next time you’re in the city centre, why not give one of these independent coffee shops in LE1, Leicester a try. You’re sure to get service with a smile but also a personal touch from their teams.

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