I used to live in the LS6 area and on my weekend morning walks, I’d always pass the old petrol station turned in to a fancy dress shop. I always had the intention of coming back during opening hours to have a mooch around, but I never did. Since moving away, the fancy dress shop has gotten smaller and smaller and in conjunction, the Hyde Park Book Club has opened up. A cafe and events space all in one. Think Brudenell Social Club but more a day time venue.
A couple of weekends ago, I was invited to come down and try their breakfast menu. If you don’t mind me saying, I’m glad the fancy dress shop has given room for a food place. The vegetarian menu is class and I didn’t my regret my choice of a breakfast bagel one bit. Vegetarian sausage, fried egg and sliced fresh avocado squished in between a bagel, on top of a bed of spinach. To me all cooked to perfection, look at that egg!!!, but the spinach could do with a little dressing.
There are of course other breakfast options, like the standard English breakfast (veggie of course) and a sweeter option in chocolate waffles topped with fresh berries.
My favourite part of the venue is the cafe itself, so cosy and homely. The rest is a little bit rough around the edges but in the end, that’s what makes this place so charming and one where events you might not normally attend is perfectly normal. Jack Simpson, the owner and founder of Hyde Park Book Club told us interesting tales of what type of events they’ve hosted.
Like the name suggest, they do also have books here. It began as a type of library where you could lend books (that seldom were returned) so now all the books you see, are only to be taken home for a small fee. Being a local and independent cafe/venue they take pride in supporting local writers, and have an extended Yorkshire writers collection.
Although I don’t walk past here often (read never) I will make an effort in coming back. If you’re looking for a quiet and less known breakfast place, this is where you want to go.
Have you been to Hyde Park Book Club yet? What’s your favourite on a breakfast menu?
Jennie xx
*I was invited to celebrate Hyde Park Book Club’s 2nd birthday and as a treat I got to enjoy breakfast on the house,in return for this honest review.
This place sounds amazing. I love books and I’m vegetarian. Thanks for sharing.
Perfect place for you! They have so many different events on, I’m keen to go back x
This place sounds like the perfect place for me! Food and books combined? It’s a dream come true! If I ever visit Leeds, it’s definitely a place I would like to try 🙂
Heather Xx
100waysto30.co.uk
You should so come to Leeds, we can go together 🙂 x
Oh this is a sweet looking place! I used to go to Hyde Park a bit as I LOVE the cinema there, but you’ve reminded me that it’s been a while!
I love that cinema too and the Cottage one further up. I never go to those anymore though, such a shame!