Opposite Cafe

The rather unimaginatively named Opposite Cafe sits under a bank across the road from Leeds uni’s Parkinson steps. Ideally located for lunches and lecture breaks, the Blenheim Terrace eatery is extremely popular for meet-ups and munchies throughout the day, and is famed for its unpretentious atmosphere and velvety flat white.

A fridge full of fancy, freshly pressed fruit juices, cold sandwiches and pots of irresistibly sweet and nutty granola with yoghurt is the first sight as you walk into the funky yet sophisticated space. The decor is clean and trendy, with urban art on the walls and leather chairs to sink into when hiding from the elements with a cup of hazelnut hot chocolate on a wintery day. Orange juice and a large range of speciality teas are refreshing and fun to try, but it would feel like a missed opportunity to not see the fancy barista machine in action and sample a lovingly made cappuccino for a quick pick-me-up.

The outdoor seating area is lower than the road, and is therefore a delightful place to sit with friends to sip and munch as the world goes by without having to breathe in too many car fumes. Opposite proves equally popular for breakfast or brunch at the weekend, with porridge, scrambled eggs on toast, pancakes, cookies, cakes and brownies sold to a steady stream of students putting in the weekend hours at the library, as well as park joggers or old friends meeting up for a natter and a warming cup of homemade soup. Prices are higher than the average student loan will allow for daily visits, but the café is a welcome treat during stressful exam periods.

Those familiar with the city will note the café’s slightly swankier sister venue with the same name in the upmarket shopping arcade Victoria Quarter. Nevertheless, both share the same ethos: healthy, Fairtrade, cheery staff, affordable food, and coffee that strives to be unbeatable.