They’re the number one choice for coffee in Leeds, but there’s so much more to North Star Coffee than meets the eye.
If you’re a coffee-lover in Leeds, you’re bound to have sipped a North Star brew – after all, their beans are stocked in the majority of coffee shops in Leeds. But it’s not just about great-tasting coffee – North Star’s dedication to improving the industry for everyone involved is nothing short of incredible. We caught up with co-founders Holly and Alex to uncover their fascinating story.
It took a trip of a lifetime to realise their vision
Credit: North Star
Holly and Alex met in 2009 while studying at Newcastle University. When Holly convinced Alex to join her on a three-month trip to Nyeri, Kenya, to research coffee production, it sparked their vision. Nyeri is one of the top regions for coffee production and its final product is exceptional, but it shocked the pair to learn how complicated the supply chain was, and its negative impact on rural communities.
They were the first coffee roastery in Leeds
Credit: North Star Coffee
Back in Leeds, there was a huge gap for quality, locally-roasted coffee, so Holly and Alex set out to make their own. They drove all the way to Wales to buy an old roastery machine, then brought it home to a unit in Meanwood. Alex locked himself away for three months to develop their first batches of coffee, with Holly returning from work every night to taste. And so, The Docks – their House Blend – was born!
10 years later, they’re going from strength to strength
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Credit: North Star
Credit: North Star
The North Star continues to shine bright. In 2019 they moved their roastery to a larger unit in Armley, and they have two coffee shops on Leeds Dock and Sovereign Street where you can sample their finest wares. And that’s not all – the pair have huge plans to create their very own coffee universe in the heart of Leeds, bringing together every part of North Star in one location. Watch this space…
They’re committed to building a coffee industry that works for everyone
Credit: North Star
Credit: North Star
Credit: North Star
Over the past decade they’ve had time to reflect on their role in the supply chain and drill down into why the coffee industry doesn’t work for everyone. They pivoted to their own in-house business model, and began working directly with producers in El Salvador and Rwanda. Since then, they’ve helped out with infrastructure, planted trees and provided young people with jobs, making a huge impact.
They’re the only coffee shop with B Corp status in Yorkshire
Credit: North Star
Their dedication to the cause has been duly noted – North Star received B Corp status in 2022. B Corp certification measures a company’s entire social and environmental impact, assessing them across five key areas. Certified businesses become part of a movement focused on constant improvement, sharing practices and ideas to challenge the ‘normal’ way of doing business.
They love championing other indies
Credit: North Star
North Star are always spreading the love around the city, partnering with other local indies to collaborate and bring something special to the people of Leeds. Alongside supper clubs with the likes of Dijon Boys, they’ve worked with Stuzzi since 2017. Stuzzi’s incredible tiramisu is made with North Star coffee, and they even serve a beetroot pasta dish that’s made with their coffee too!
You’ll find them in around 150 venues across Yorkshire
Credit: North Star
Credit: North Star
Credit: North Star
As well as serving their beans in their own two venues, you’ll also find North Star stocked in around 150 venues across Yorkshire – you might not have even known you’ve tried them! In the suburbs? Grab a cup of the good stuff at Zero Muda, Hyde Park Picture House and Pudding Lab, or find them in the city centre at the likes of Livett’s, Doh’hut and Galleria at Project House.
There’s always at least 7 coffees on the menu to choose from
Credit: North Star
Credit: North Star
Credit: North Star
When you visit one of North Star’s own shops, you’ll always have at least seven coffees to choose from – but don’t be overwhelmed! There’ll always be a friendly member of staff on hand to help guide you on your coffee journey. Will you go for their original house blend, or mix things up with a single origin coffee like the sweet Rwanda Honey? With so much on offer, you’re bound to find your perfect brew.
Their brunch offering is seriously good
Credit: North Star
It’s not just coffee they’ve mastered, oh no. Their brunch game is immaculate, and you can dig into all manner of delicious goodness at their Leeds Docks venue. Loaded pancake stacks, Peruvian ham hock and hash browns, kimchi grilled cheese – every way you turn you’ll find a unique twist on a breakfast classic. Wash it down with an absolutely sublime Bloody Maria and you’re onto a winner.
…But you’ll never find an avocado on their menu
Credit: North Star
Not only does North Star’s food taste incredible, it’s also planet-friendly – and that’s why they’re boycotting avocado. Due to land destruction and excessive water usage, avocado production simply isn’t sustainable, so North Star serve ‘Smashed NO-vacado’ – a mix of petit pois and cashew butter to create the creamy brunch favourite with none of the avo. It’s a must-try, believe us.
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