Across Bradford, there’s an exceptionally eclectic array of eateries, coffee shops and restaurants. We’ve made it our mission to create a series of round-ups, taking a look at the best that Bradford has on offer, and helping you make the most of the what’s on offer.
In putting together an article on the Best Cafes in Bradford, we consulted Catherine Simes, the coffee enthusiast and writer behind the fantastic blog You Can Take The Girl Out Of Bradford, where she often combines her passion for writing with her love of coffee (we highly recommend you follow it.)
She frequents Bradford’s coffee shops and has a keen eye for what makes a good cafe, having developed a passion for
5 Of The Best Cafes In Bradford
By Catherine Simes
Tiffin Coffee
22 Bank Street, Wool Exchange
Monday 9am-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday 9am-7pm
I loved Tiffin Coffee before it even opened, peering through the door as the renovations were taking place. I love the decor, the coffee and the huge windows make it a great place to watch the world go by. It’s a gem. This independent coffee shop has a range of fairtrade and organic coffee and uses local Yorkshire roasters. Tiffin is a cosy, friendly place to stop, relax, work, use the Wi-Fi. It offers a range of breakfast and lunchtime options, hot and cold sandwiches, toasties, panini and of course amazing cakes to go with all that coffee. One to support. Use it or lose it.
Bread and Roses
14 North Parade
Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturdays 9am-9.30pm, Sundays 10am-3pm
Opened just a few months ago, this vegetarian cafe has been a welcome addition to the city’s bustling North Parade. It’s a light, bright, friendly space with large tables for groups or mingling. The coffee is great, cakes are freshly made, there’s lunchtime sandwiches, soup and a regularly updated menu. Although a veggie cafe, Bread + Roses supports other local caterers and The Quality Yorkshire Pie Company now operates a pie and pea stall outside the cafe for every Bradford City home game (the pork pies are amazing and I’m not usually a fan). Bread + Roses also hosts regular events, including author nights, poetry, print making and more.
Fountains Coffee House
17 John Street, Oastler Market
Monday-Sunday 8am-4.30pm
When sometimes only a fry up will do, head to Fountains Coffee House in Bradford’s Oastler Market. A Bradford institution, Fountains has been serving up breakfasts for over 50 years. Think sausage, egg, chips and beans with a mug of tea on the side. Get your fancy flavoured coffees elsewhere. One of the few places in town still serving this traditional fare – make the most of it while you and your arteries still can. Once you’ve had your fill of greasy (delicious) food and strong tea, make sure you visit the market to stock up on a few greens to make you feel more virtuous.
Café W in the Waterstones Book Shop
Market Street, Wool Exchange
Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm, Sundays 10.30am-4pm
Located in (probably) the most beautiful bookshop in the world, Cafe W’s mezzanine level overlooks Bradford’s beautiful former Wool Exchange and now the Waterstones book shop. Serving tea and coffee, cakes and a range of sandwiches, you can also benefit from their book of the month offer – buy the non-fiction book of the month and get a free hot drink – which was a lovely little surprise the last time I visited. Settle yourself down with a good book and spend a few quiet moments in one of Bradford’s most impressive spaces.
The Rooftop Cafe
Top Floor, Kala Sangam, 1 Forster Square
Monday – Friday 8am-4pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm
The Rooftop Cafe has great views overlooking Bradford’s Cathedral and benefits from some lovely outdoor space. Located in between the new Broadway shopping centre and the cathedral and above the Kala Sangam Arts
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