Leeds cafe named one of the UK’s best independent coffee shops for 2026
A Leeds brunch spot has been named one of the UK's best independent coffee shops for 2026
A new analysis of more than 100 independent coffee shops across the country has revealed the ten most popular cafes – and none of them is in London.
Laynes, in Leeds city centre, made the top ten, ranking alongside venues such as Kaf Coffee in Glasgow, Rough Handmade in Liverpool and Indle Hands Coffee in Manchester.
The list, compiled by Capital on Tap, analysed coffee shops up and down the country, looking at Google review ratings and volumes, monthly searches and social media success.
Neighbourhood Cafe in Belfast was crowned the UK’s best indie, with around 27,100 monthly Google searches, a strong online following and a 4.6-star rating.
It was closely followed by Colonna & Small in Bath, which has amassed 38,100 followers on Instagram and 12,100 average monthly Google searches.
Leeds city centre favourite Laynes, on New Station Street, was named the eighth-best independent coffee shop in the UK.
While the YEP would have placed it higher, the popular brunch spot boasts a 4.5-star rating, 2,041 reviews and 19,500 followers on Instagram.
The cafe, which celebrates 15 years this summer, was founded by Dave Olejnik as a small quick-stop espresso bar in a former hairdresser’s.
Over the years, it has expanded into a breakfast hotspot with a dedicated kitchen, a bakery and wholesale arm, and two floors of seating.