A Whole Latte Fun With North Star Coffee Shop & General Store
Welcome to our chat with North Star Coffee Shop! We had the opportunity to speak with General Manager Chris to gain insight into what makes this place so special. During our conversation, we explored their top menu recommendations, such as their renowned ‘Panela Latte’, and discussed their commitment to fair trade and sustainability. Read on to discover what sets North Star apart as a standout coffee spot in Leeds Dock.
What’s the story behind North Star Coffee Shop and what inspired its creation?
When North Star first opened, we planned to have a roastery next door. The space was intended to be rented to another tenant at the time, but those plans fell through. This led us to take on the space ourselves, and that’s how North Star came to be. This space has now become a go-to coffee spot in Leeds Dock that embodies a great community spirit.
Is this the only North Star coffee shop you have?
Yes, this is our only North Star location, but we also have a kiosk on Sovereign Street in Leeds.
Could you recommend any hidden gems or unique products that customers tend to overlook at North Star?
Our General Store inside the coffee shop is a true hidden gem where you can explore our full range of coffees and find various brewing equipment. Among our menu items, I highly recommend our refreshing iced drinks – they’re all delicious. One standout is our iced Panela latte, made with organic sugar from Colombia that we craft into a delightful caramel-like syrup.
Another personal favourite of mine is our North Star Brunch seasoning, a house-made spice mix that perfectly complements your breakfast.”
COULD YOU RECOMMEND A SPECIAL MENU ITEM THAT YOU RECOMMEND EVERYONE TRY, AND WHY?
Our General Store inside the coffee shop is a true hidden gem where you can explore our full range of coffees and find various brewing equipment. Among our menu items, I highly recommend is our iced Panela Latte that’s made with organic sugar from Colombia that we craft into a delightful caramel-like syrup.. It’s a delicious drink that stands out because it’s not overly sweet and doesn’t have an excess of milk like you often find at standard coffee chains. You still get a great coffee kick, enhanced by our high-quality organic Acorn Dairy milk. The Panela syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect balance of flavours.
Does North Star partake in any sustainable initiatives?
Our approach to buying coffee is aiming to see this more than just a commodity; we don’t just purchase it at the base price. We collaborate with farmers and coffee roasters to ensure they receive fair wages for their work. Maintaining our status as a certified B Corp is really important to us, ensuring our commitment to prioritising people over profit. We carefully consider many factors to uphold our fair standards, including the partners we choose to work with.
As a coffee enthusiast yourself, what’s your go-to coffee of choice?
My favourite coffee from North Star is the Ethiopian Goro. It has a delightful hint of funkiness that makes it truly amazing. Another favourite of mine is the Rywana Cyato Tropical Punch, a unique coffee fermented with pineapple.
With so many delicious options on the North Star menu, we’re dying to know: What’s the one dish everyone can’t get enough of?
Our top-selling item is the brunch plate, a Scandinavian twist on breakfast. It includes a bit of granola with yoghurt, a couple of boiled eggs, toast, tomatoes, and organic cheddar. For those seeking something more indulgent, we offer the pork belly breakfast butty, featuring two pork belly patties, melted cheese, and a fried egg. Additionally, our signature dish is the ham hock: spiced ham hock served with a homemade hash brown, a touch of feta cheese, and green jalapeno salsa.
What’s the plan for the brewing and tasting workshop opening soon next door to North Star?
We’re so excited about this addition to North Star! We’ll be opening a brand-new brewing and tasting experience which is currently under construction and is expected to be completed sometime this month. This space will offer training on brewing various types of coffee and using home brewing equipment, as well as crafting the perfect coffee at home, including techniques like how to use an AeroPress. Additionally, we’ll be hosting events and workshops here, such as team building exercises, weddings, and after parties.
