A Gilmore Girls guide to Leeds: The best coffee spots around campus

Autumn has arrived and with it the annual return of everyone’s favourite comfort series; Gilmore Girls. Whether you’re a student at the University of Leeds or you fit the hungover fresher or sleep-deprived postgraduate category, I’m sure you can relate to the wise words of Lorelai Gilmore.

Caffeine addiction sure is real and there are plenty of coffee spots in and around campus to cure your cravings. From Hyde Park to the city, we’ll be revealing the very best locations around Leeds that serve caffeine Stars Hollow-style.

Hyde Park Book Club 

HPBC is the ideal spot along the way for any second or third year students walking to uni from Hyde Park.

Just 15 minutes away from campus, with books to borrow, board games to play and the occasional pop-up art show, Book Club is the perfect place for a catch-up coffee or to get some studying done.

Coffee on the Crescent

Calling all Instagram enthusiasts, look no further! The latte art at Coffee on the Crescent is definitely story-worthy and the drinks taste even better.

I’m told by fellow students that the almond croissants are out-of-this-world, pairing perfectly with a chai latte to embrace your inner Gilmore girl.

One thing I will say is that you cannot work on laptops or spend time studying here due to limited seating, so this spot is better suited to a quick catch-up session or debrief of the night out before.

Rand 

Right across from the Parkinson Building, Rand is a funky café with indoor and sheltered outdoor seating – a must for rainy days in Leeds.

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With rewards cards leading to free coffees and bags of Rand coffee beans, what’s not to like?

Get ready to try the best salmon and cream cheese bagel of your life!

The Edit Room

If Eddy B is your go-to library (potential red flag alert), this one’s for you.

Located next to the library entrance, The Edit is a super convenient spot for study breaks or wasting time between lectures. Plus, it’s great value for us broke students with its £3.95 Coffee & Cake deal. This bargain bundle is also available in the Esther Simpson café and is too good to resist.

Bakery 164

If you’ve been a student in Leeds for more than a year, I know you’ve been waiting for this one. Although expensive, it’s arguably the best lunch spot around campus. A coffee from Bakery 164 with your toasted ciabatta sandwich of choice is a student rite of passage.

Any fans of Gossip Girl reading? With seating provided by the iconic Parkinson steps across the road, you can channel your inner Blair Waldorf at this spot. After all, why be just a Gilmore Girl when you can be a Gossip Girl too?

The Union Co-op

Based on the dry yet extortionate meal deal selection, you might laugh at this last suggestion, but hear me out. For just £1-2, the takeaway coffees here are no joke.

As you enter the Union Co-op shop, you will notice two coffee machines and a selection of milk – yes, you can get your oat, almond, or coconut preferences, if you get there before they go.

As a fourth-year student, I can confirm that this one is a lifesaver for caffeine boosts on a budget.

So, which of these will be your Leeds Luke’s?

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• What your University of Leeds library choice says about you
• Our top five brunch spots in Leeds to cure your Freshers’ Week hangover
• Everything you’ll find in a Leeds F-Boy’s room, according to the type of lad they are