Middleton Park Cafe opened in 1920 and dates from the time Leeds City Council acquired the parkland from the Maude family. The cafe was housed in an old row of six cottages known locally as Top of the Wood. It still retained its original range and fireplace when it finally closed in November 1997 despite a 500-strong petition to save it. These photos are a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Hunslet, Belle Isle, Middleton and Stourton LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Middleton Park Cafe
Hazel Webster pictured outside the cafe in October 1997, a month before it closed down. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme
8. Middleton Park Cafe
The derelict 'Top of the Wood' cottages in Middleton Park pictured in 2005. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Middleton Park Cafe
The dilapidated building which housed the cafe pictured in 2005. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Middleton Park Cafe
Inside the cafe from 2005. The original range and fireplace, still intact when iut closed in November 1997, appear to have been pulled out. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your memories of Middleton Park Cafe with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme