Bloomfield Square Review
By Alex Thompson
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to coffee in Leeds. Layne’s, Atha’s & La Bottega are probably the top three spots when discussing where to get a good cup of Joe in our fair city. Whilst I enjoy all of the above my favourite coffee spot isn’t actually in Leeds at all, it’s in Otley. As a cyclist breaking up a ride with coffee and cake isn’t just a perk of the hobby it’s sometimes a life or death situation. Otley is a perfect cycle destination with its stunning views of the Yorkshire countryside and its quaint small town eccentricities and Bloomfield square is, in my opinion, the perfect coffee shop.
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Bloomfield Square is the brainchild of Tony Wright (of Terrorvision fame) and his partner Emma Thorpe. It’s fast become one of the busiest and best coffee spots in Otley since opening late last year, and for good reason. The shop is dressed to the nines; open fires, vintage tables and beautiful art and prints on every wall from local artists. The place is also EXTREMELY dog friendly, I don’t think I’ve ever been and not seen a friendly little pooch curled up under a table. They even serve teeny dog biscuits with every drink. Pure heaven.
Their coffee is supplied by local coffee roasters North Star and is always a good indicator of what to expect from the coffee in your cup, which is always fantastic. My coffee tipple of choice is always a long black, although lesser coffee haunts mistake this for an Americano at Bloomfield it’s always short, strong and the perfect temperature.
The café also serves a selection cakes (with one always being vegan), sandwiches and soup. I’ve yet to sample the food extensively (trying one sandwich in my pre vegan days) but it always looks rustic and home-made and with the amount that comes out of the kitchen it’s got to be fantastic.
Although outside of Leeds, Bloomfield Square is well worth the visit. Otley is a beautiful town with tonnes of awesome pubs and some absolutely mind blowing walks. It’s good to get out of the city from time to time and if you’re planning a trip as the weather (apparently) gets better, I can’t think of better place to grab a coffee than Bloomfield.