Tiled Hall Café - Why You Must Visit In Leeds Art Gallery (2026)!

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Leeds is a fabulous city with plenty of historic attractions, but one of the best places to visit is the stunning Tiled Hall Café.

It’s a breathtaking Victorian room between the Leeds Central Library and Art Gallery, decorated in vibrant tiles and reliefs of famous authors.

The best part is that it’s now a lively café and meeting place where you can stop for a hot drink and a spot of lunch.

It has to be on your UK bucket list. Here is why you must visit the Tiled Hall Café in Leeds.

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What is the history of the Tiled Hall Café in Leeds?

Can you believe that once upon a time in the 1960s, this incredible room was entirely covered up?!

When the Leeds Central Library first opened to the public in 1884, this was the main reading room. It then became a sculpture court until 1941.

The room was designed by George Corson and was decorated in gorgeous turquoise tiles made by Edward Smith & Co of Coalville.

Along with patterned ceramics, there are reliefs of famous authors such as Burns, Dante, Homer, Milton, Scott and Goethe.

By the 1950s, it became a newsroom. It was at this time that all the walls were boarded up, and it remained like that for almost fifty years.

In 1999, a huge renovation took place to bring the library back to its former glory. In 2007, it was finally fully restored and reopened to the public.

Today, it’s a stunning café and meeting space in Leeds that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. You must plan a visit.

Why you must visit the Tiled Hall Café in Leeds

As soon as I stepped inside this room, I gasped at the dazzling interiors. My jaw was on the floor.

Every part of this hall is impressive, from the patterned wooden floorboards, teal tiles, marble pillars with arches and medallion portraits.

Even the ceiling was covered in honeycombed ceramics that seemed to dazzle with the light.

The decor is worth a visit alone, but one of the best excuses to go is that it’s the perfect place for a much-needed caffeine fix.

That way, you can admire this incredible room whilst sipping on a hot brew!

What’s on the menu?

The Tiled Hall Café serves a wide range of hot drinks. You can pick from a long list of hot coffee or tea options.

It was a heatwave the day we visited, so I was very pleased to see that they served up iced coffees too.

Being completely honest, I’m a bit of an iced coffee addict, so I drink mine cold all year.

My friend Tilly and I popped in for brunch, but there wasn’t much in the way of breakfast.

From 11 am, there is a hot food menu where they sell light bites like wraps and soup.

Cold drinks, homemade cakes and sweet treats are also sold throughout the day, along with some healthier fruit options.

Is the Tiled Hall Café worth visiting?

Yes, I would go as far as to say that the Tiled Hall Café is a must-visit in Leeds.

Not only is it an integral part of this city’s history, but it’s also a fabulous place to work, grab a coffee, or catch up with friends or loved ones.

Whether you’re a book lover, art admirer, history addict or photography enthusiast, you will fall in love with this spectacular room!

Do you have to pay to go to the Leeds Art Gallery?

No, the Leeds Art Gallery is free to visit. So, you can pop into the Tiled Hall Café without buying any sort of ticket.

Saying that, it’s a ‘Give What You Can’ attraction, and donations are always appreciated. There are cash or card donation points spread throughout.

I would say it’s worth exploring the gallery before/after your caffeine fix.

They have interesting permanent and temporary exhibits to browse all year.

There really is something for everyone as they have a great mix of historic and modern British artworks.

How to visit the Tiled Hall Café in Leeds

The Leeds Tiled Hall Café is located between the Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds Central Library, which is in the heart of the city.

It’s next door to the Leeds City Hall on The Headrow, and very close to The Light Retail Centre, which has a Q-Park.

Thinking of a road trip? I recommend renting a car through RentalCars, where you can book with free cancellation. Click here to book.

It’s easiest to approach on foot, but there are plenty of local buses that stop right outside the building.

I always use Traveline for researching public transport routes in the UK.

The address is 16-18 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA. Click here for a Google Pin!

Opening hours

The Leeds Tiled Hall Café is open;

Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sundays: 11 am – 3 pm

It’s important to know that the café is closed every Monday, along with the Leeds Art Gallery.

Why not visit Leeds Central Library next?

The great thing about visiting the Tiled Hall Café is that you can access the incredible Leeds Central Library from here, as it’s in the same complex.

It’s a Victorian landmark housed in a Grade II, 19th-century building with several floors.

I highly recommend taking a look around, as it feels like exploring the castle in Beauty and the Beast.