Roots and Fruits

The North may have a reputed affection for everything meat and pastry, but Leeds is lucky enough to boast some of the very finest vegetarian eateries in the country. Roots and Fruits in the city’s Grand Arcade proudly takes its place on this list, providing one of the most memorable dining experiences the city can offer. With its limited opening hours and shopping arcade location, Roots and Fruits is best suited to a weekend lunch, and is a welcome change from greasy burgers and chips, sad sandwiches and the overcrowded chain coffee shops found in more central locations. Bright decor, fairy lights and a funky mosaic bar are the first things you’ll encounter as you enter, before being greeted by the friendly and conscientious staff.

The menu has a loose Mexican theme, with beans, vegetables and cheese creatively transformed into some of the most homely plates around. The small kitchen plays it safe with a solid selection of favourites, such as burritos, falafel, jacket potatoes and lasagne, with prices starting from just under £4. The halloumi salad is the star of the menu, featuring pulses, olives and a big, bouncy bed of leaves that slays hunger for a lot longer than the more substantial-sounding mains.

It should be forbidden to leave without having tried one of the many desserts on offer; alongside superb vegan cakes sourced from a local bakery, there are the likes of sticky toffee pudding, chocolate cheesecake and rice pudding. It’s the crumble that could make grown men cry tears of joy, though, with a crunchy, nutty, buttery topping covering a base of sweet, sugary stewed seasonal fruits.

You won’t find alcohol on the drinks menu (they don’t have a licence yet, apparently), but diners are welcome to bring their own bottles and pay a corkage fee, or choose from an array of thirst-quenching fruit juices, branded retro fizzy drinks and Fairtrade tea and coffee.