No matter what time of day you’re planning going out, there’s something for you in the heart of Leeds. There are plenty of amazing suburban options, but for today, we’re sticking to the city centre. Here are 5 of our favourite places to take our mums, they’re tried and tested by us… repeatedly. There are classic options and new twists, and new places which do classic things exceptionally well. It’s time to go exploring with your mum!

For Breakfast

For breakfast we’re going with one of our favourite places in the city. Their two locations are cosy and warm, they’re great to sit and chat in, and when the sunlight hits them just right, they positively glow.

Out of the Woods

This waterside gem is home to some of the best coffee in Leeds, and honestly scrumptious breakfast choices. Their locally sourced ingredients come together to make the creamiest porridge and crunchiest toast, all at a more than reasonable price. The true joy of Out Of The Woods is the location. At both their Water Lane site, and their Granary Wharf site, you can sit and amiably chat from sunrise to sunset.

out of the woods

For Brunch

Brunch can happen at any time of the day. We will forever fight to have it counted as its own meal. Today, we’re just going with a couple of our favourite options, and if there isn’t a table immediately available, they’re definitely worth waiting for.

Hepworths

Hepworths is one of those places that once you’ve found it, you’ll always wonder how you missed it before. Tucked away in Thornton’s Arcade, Hepworths is filled with fresh bread, fresh cake, and (arguably) the best selection of eggs in the city centre.

hepworths deli

Eggs Benedict is an art form, and we defy anyone to make it at home and tell us otherwise. When the simple plates are set down in front of you, you’ll be in brunching nirvana, and the portions are more than plentiful. If you feel like something a little sweeter, then there are heavenly pancakes and waffles to be had. Whatever you go for, you’ll be sad when your plate is empty, and considering buying a box of French macarons as you pay your bill.

A word of advice? Buy the macarons.

Fettle

Our other pick for brunch is Fettle, a Scandinavian inspired café which perches itself on Great George Street and steals our heart every time we walk past the doors.

Fettle is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so you can go and explore any day of the week. With that said, their brunch menu will always take first place in our hearts.

If you don’t feel like the classic full English breakfast, there are smashed avocados on toast, and oh… the salt beef hash. This slow cooked beef falls apart in your mouth, and when it’s placed alongside the pan grilled peppers and mini paprika roast potatoes… We don’t have the words for it. It’s comfort and love all served on a plate.

Side note, their turmeric latte, the red velvet latte and the chai latte are sent straight from the heart. Surprise your mum with a vibrantly coloured coffee, and watch her light up at the surprising flavour profiles.

For Afternoon Tea

There’s something undeniably fancy about afternoon tea. The delicate sandwiches and miniature cakes just scream sophistication.  Harvey Nichols is one such place where we can go to enjoy such splendour. They offer two afternoon tea packages, one with champagne, one without. Respectively, these cost £28 and £20, and are served with many, many miniatures. You start with their savoury bites before being inundated with pastries and sweet treats.

afternoon tea

For Drinks – Vice and Virtue

If you’re looking to continue the celebration on into the evening, then there are a multitude of options. They can cater to every possible whim and desire, feel free to go wild. We’ve painstakingly tried a large number of them for you and all come to one conclusion for where to take your beloved mum. Vice and Virtue.

espresso martini - vice and virtue

After ascending the black and gold stairs, you’ll land in the warm and inviting bar which can meet your every wish. The team behind have all come from some of Leeds best loved venues: The Maven, Sky Lounge at the Double Tree Hilton, Gaucho… the list goes on. All this experience culminates in one of the most innovative cocktail lists in the city. Their ‘Yorkshire Lass’ is a great choice for an introductory drink. The fresh rhubarb dances along your palate and intertwines itself with the freshly shaved Belgian chocolate top. The presentation is completed with a fresh flower and then, bliss.

If this doesn’t sound like the drink for your mum there are plenty of other options on the menu, but don’t just feel constrained to that! The brilliance of having such an experienced team is that if you have a preferred flavour or alcohol in mind, they can custom build you a drink around this. So, do you feel like sake? Or sherry? What about something fruity? Just ask! You’ll never be disappointed, and on the slim chance you are, the team will happily replace your drink for you.

 

Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful Mother’s Day. Remember to spoil them on more than just one day each year, you only get one mum after all.

By Parker, Restaurants of Leeds Share this story