Leonard’s is a wonderful coffee shop tucked away behind and beneath Durham’s cobbled streets. Head for Silver Street and look for the sign to Rumbletums.
You’ll soon emerge into Fowler’s Yard, an unexpected and welcome little cubby hole full of “creative workspaces” on the banks of the Wear. The other way to find this secret garden is to head down from Millburngate Bridge, towards the back end of the indoor market.
Leonard’s is a boring name (no offence Leonard) for an interesting coffee shop. But I’m thankfull the eponymous person wasn’t tempted by an ”o” suffix to make it sound that little bit more italian… it’s much more down to earth this way (just how I like things).
Leonard’s was too busy for us at lunch time (on a Sunday); it’s obviously a popular place, overcoming the fact that there seems to be very little passing trade. We came back at about 4pm when there were tables free.
It’s fairly small (cosy, certainly) with tables spilling out onto the quiet street . Sugar cubes are lumpy (a good thing) and the white mugs have an Escher-like windy style. The paper menus are wound up in mugs and there are other little details to spot as your eyes wander. There are even “pretty fairy lights that look like berries”, as one of my companions commented.
There is the usual coffee selection and the coffee is good. There is an array of delicious cakes, biscuits, muffins etc, and of course lunchtime food. And everything is good value.
The food is tempting, but if you just want to sit with a coffee this would be perfectly acceptable. Inside or out, it’s equally nice.
Leonard’s oozes pride and detail. It’s the nicest coffee shop I’ve found in the region so far.
1 Back Silver Street
Fowlers Yard
Durham City
DH1 3RA.
Telephone: 0191 384 0647
Hi, I work just across the road from Leonard’s and i suppose that makes me biased, but i agree that this is the best coffee shop in the area.
I can also let you know that they do offer fair trade coffee and other items:-)
Leonard’s is the best coffee shop in the area. The food is delicious, as is the coffee, and the staff are very friendly.
A large reason as to Leonard’s having become my local coffee shop is that the cater for people who are gluton in tolerant, such as myself, and will volunteer information on what they can provide for you.
In addition, they offer fair trade items.
They also do the worlds best jacket potato’s. Ever!
Just don’t tell your gran that
Lovely hot chocolate and cookies. Only down side is the tiny size of the cafe! Would be great in the summer when they open up the doors and you can sit outside. Highly recommended – if you can get a seat!
I think the name Leonards is great, but then I am a big Leonard Cohen fan!
This is easily the best coffee shop in Durham. I’ve just spent a week in the City and, although there are other places with a better view, Leonards is friendly, does a great mocha and an absolutely fantastic scrambled egg.
The small size adds to the cosiness of the place – a real hidden treasure.
Leonard’s is the best coffee house in the region by far! And as for the name – only a select few will ever know the reason behind Leonard’s – it is far from a boring name
The big fat bacon roll is the best breakfast ever!
We’ve used Leonards for breakfast when staying in Durham (not wanting to pay hotel breakfast prices). Very good food, great ambiance and charming service. Highly recommended.
Leonard’s is my favourite coffee shop by far. I am something of a coffee enthusiast. Durham has a very good selection of coffee houses for a relatively small city. Leonard’s is the best. I don’t know if they do something different with their coffee but it is definitely the best I have tasted. The cafe itself is beautifully decorated and styled to a high standard. It’s a real treat to go there.