A favourite for office workers, Brod is perhaps too far away from the city’s central retail area to be a practical option for shoppers, but still seems to be able to pull a steady stream of customers throughout the day thanks to reputation and habit.
It would be impossible to miss the sandwich bar’s bright yellow and royal blue exterior, and in the mornings the smell of sizzling bacon fills the nearby streets. Sausage, bacon or egg (or all three if you’re really Hank Marvin) sandwiches cost between two to three pounds, with the option to upgrade to a floury ciabatta for a few pence extra.
Lunchtime options are equally cheap, with healthy avocado salads, or sandwiches crammed with falafel, minted lamb or the excitingly named and spicy ‘fire-dragon chicken’ all made fresh for no more than £4. All sandwiches can be made larger for an extra quid, and the bread can be substituted for pasta or noodles for just another 20p. It is Brod’s brownies that have created the biggest buzz even in the tray bake-obsessed Leeds, with marbled, chocolate orange or even Oreo versions alongside the squidgy, classic favourite.
Staggering queues snake out of the door at lunchtime (visiting before noon is highly advised) and it’s a shame there isn’t the option to sit in to eat. Nevertheless, Brod have got the formula just about perfect with great food, friendly staff and prices to rave about.