Blogger Brunch at North Star Coffee Shop

by BeckyBecky
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Leeds Dock is pretty damn cool, tbh. I was thrilled to move in over the river from it.

When megagames used to be held at the Royal Armouries, there was very little to do for drinks and dinner – just Holiday Inn then Pizza Express, every time. But with the opening of Dock 29, the area started to get a bit more character. And as for the latest permanent addition… it’s spot on.

North Star Coffee Shop

Exterior of North Star Coffee Show at Leeds Dock - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

This new coffee shop is a collaboration between North Star Coffee Roasters and Noisette Bakehouse. North Star bring along their coffee expertise, while Noisette bring along freshly baked treats as well as a short hot menu. They have a proper bakery onsite, as well as the coffee roastery and coffee academy next door.

Unfortunately I’d broken my foot earlier that week, so I was on crutches when I headed to the brunch. I even had to get an Uber, despite literally living a 5 minute walk away… though it was raining, so I was a little grateful for the excuse.

The decor is bright and airy, with wood making up the majority of the surfaces. There’s lots of random symbols scattered about, and the decor makes me think of Scandinavia, in a really rustic but modern way.

Interior of North Star Coffee Show at Leeds Dock - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Interior of North Star Coffee Show at Leeds Dock - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Decor on the ceiling - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

I limped into the cafe and was greeted by Simon, our brunch host. I was pleased to see several familiar faces – it’s finally starting to feel like I’m a proper Leeds local blogger!

Brunch O’Clock

I ordered a cappuccino to start me off. I’m not really a coffee snob in terms of differentiating between different blends, but I always drink cappuccino at breakfast time, like they do in Italy.

Cappuccino - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Our first tasters were simple granola and yoghurt, and a cheese scone. Neither are items I’d order of my own volition, though both were very yummy. In particular, the cheese scone was so moist and tasty, I didn’t even feel the need to put butter on it.

Granola and yoghurt - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

A pile of cheese scones - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Cheese scone - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Cheese scone and granola pot - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Next up, I tried my first ever avo toast! Tbh, I wasn’t sure I could call myself a millenial without having tried it! It was beautiful, thinly sliced in a way I know I’d never be able to slice avocado. The pickled red onion on top added a sharpness to the dish that was really tasty.

Avocado on toast - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Avocado on toast - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Avocado on toast - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

We were served another coffee, and had fun trying to pour milk in successfully (not me though, black coffee all the way).

Drinking coffee - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Our next plate was a buttermilk biscuit (similar to a scone) with fried egg, crispy bacon and sauteed kale. It was served with a dollop of homemade ketchup on top. The egg was cooked perfectly, in that it oozed out yellow creaminess when you cut into it. I got a real taste for American style biscuits when I was in New York, so this really appealed to me.

Egg and bacon on buttermilk biscuit - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Egg and bacon on buttermilk biscuit - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

But my favourite dish was the last one. It was beautiful, and I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. A thick slice of brioche bread, slathered with ricotta cheese with lots of saucy vanilla-tinged cherries scattered over the top. It was perfection, and I want one. Now.

Vanilla cherries and ricotta on brioche - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Vanilla cherries and ricotta on brioche - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Vanilla cherries and ricotta on brioche - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

All of the dishes were served to the middle of the table, and we enjoyed digging into them together – after waiting for everyone to take their photos of course! The entire event was one of the most sociable blogger events I’ve been to. I really enjoyed getting to know the people sat around me.

Going back for seconds - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Coffee Roastery and Coffee Academy

After we’d eaten the last crumbs from our plates, we got the opportunity to walk around their coffee roastery, located conveniently next door. North Star started life as a coffee brand, supplying many of the independent coffee shops around the city and beyond.

Decor on the wall of North Star Coffee Roastery - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Coffee roasting equipment - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Designs on the wall of North Star Coffee Roastery - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Bags of coffee beans - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

North Star fully believe that the more freshly roasted the coffee, the better the cup. This is why they started in the first place. They also sell bags of their different varieties in-store. I’ll report back on Instagram when I’ve had the chance to try a few different blends.

Meanwhile, out the other side of the roastery is their coffee academy. Stuffed full of different types of coffee machines, they run regular classes their on all aspects of coffee brewing. The majority are aimed at proper baristas and centred around espresso. But they also run homebrew classes that focus on the cafetiere.

Entrance to North Star Coffee Academy - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Coffee machines in the Coffee Academy - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Decor on the wall of the Coffee Academy - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

From my time working in a hotel bar, I know the difference between a cappuccino and a latte, and I know how to get the milk all lovely and foamy. But I’m far from an expert – consider a coffee class added to my wish list!

Takeaway Cakes

Towards the end of my visit, I ended up in the General Store section. Here they sell their freshly ground coffee, a range of coffee accoutrements, and various other goodies including freshly baked Noisette bread.

Sign and coffee prices - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Freshly ground coffee at North Star General Store - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Freshly baked Noisette bread at North Star General Store - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

The cakes on the counter started staring at me. Intently. I knew they wouldn’t let me leave without at least one of them joining me.

Fresh Noisette cakes - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

Luckily I’d made up my mind to buy a couple of the Pasteis de Nata for TC and myself to have that evening. I fell in love with the custard pastry on my recent trip to Portugal.

Unluckily… they’d just sold the last three of them by the time I reached the front of the queue. I made a mental note to head back across the river some time soon. Instead I purchased a salted caramel brownie and one of their famous Morning Cakes – a soft chocolatey creamy delight. Unfortunately TC cut them up to share before I could take a proper photo, so I know I’ll need to head back for some Insta-ready pics.

Morning cake and salted caramel brownie - Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

North Star Coffee Shop is such an asset to Leeds Dock. Once I’m back on my feet, I know it will become my regular “coffice” and I’m looking forward to finally tasting their Pasteis de Nata!

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Review of North Star Coffee Shop by BeckyBecky Blogs

I was invited for brunch free of charge, but all opinions on baked goods and cups of coffee are my own. Here’s my full disclaimer.

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