The Smoothie Company

If you’re looking for a spot that’s slightly off the beaten track, and away from the hoards of student lunchers, this place has got your name on it. Don’t expect miracles, these hidden gems don’t stay secret for long, so come 1pm the queue will still be out the door — just not nearly as push-​and-​shove-​ly as the spots nearby. The added bonuses of extra staff, to take off the pressure, and a cute little side window to collect your order from at such busy times, is a boon indeed.
They’ve a small array of outdoor seating for those intermittent sunny afternoons, and a decent amount of space inside, including a most exciting faux-​grass carpet made of plastic. I know it’s terribly kitsch, but I’m somewhat of a fan, as it makes the space feel fresh and light. The staff are as cheery as the space, which is lovely, and will help guide you to one of the offerings if you need help — which you might — as there are many options.
The whole gamut of the smoothie world is covered, from the naughty-​but-​tasty, to the milk-​based, right through to the purest juices. I had something raspberry and mint based, and it was refreshing and delicious. I came here for a catch up with the lovely Gabrielle, and I wish I could remember which she had, as it also looked marvellous… On this occasion I didn’t take a bite, but there’s a decent selection of sarnies on offer should you come looking for lunch.
All in all, it’s a super solid spot for smoothies, and you might even find just that bit extra. Check ‘em out!

Situated slightly awkwardly in a back alley, it turns out that the location is the only inauspicious thing about this place. I’d never really thought to go in until my friend, a confirmed smoothie addict/​connoisseur, suggested we visit her ‘new favourite smoothie place’.
Once inside, I was pleasantly surprised. The interior is really nice — bright and pleasant, small but with plenty of seating, and with free newspapers and magazines on offer. The hot chocolate I had on that occasion was so very very delicious that I was back a week later for another one. Then back again the week after that for a very reasonably priced and tasty halloumi sandwich and a coffee. And I’ll probably go back this week for one of their rather nice-​looking cakes… safe to say this place has firmly established itself on my list of preferred office-​escapes! The people who work there are really friendly, the food’s good, it’s reasonably priced, and they do some really good lunch/​coffee-​and-​cake deals. Being just off the main road it’s also not as prone to being rammed as some of the other places near the universities/​art college.
I’ve not actually had a smoothie here as I’m not a masssive smoothie fan. However, the aforementioned smoothie-​loving friend comes here all the time, so consider that a ringing endorsement!

This is a great little café and it’d right across from Leeds College of Art where I study which is very handy, especially because it is not only cheaper than our canteen, but miles better; tastier and more imaginative.
I recently got a salmon and cream cheese bagel which was good, I have also had a falafel and roast veg sandwich with a spicy chutney which is also good. They also do great soups. I really like this café and normally buy to take-​out back to college, all I can say is I would prefer a wider selection of breads, though the pumpkin seed one they tend to use the most is good!
It’s also great for vegetarians and they are all clearly labelled v for veggie m for meat and f for fish which is good when you’re in a rush which is often the case.
This place gets very busy over lunch, but the staff are wonderful and manage this very well; they remain friendly and helpful throughout and they’re all smiley. The staff at the college canteen at LCA could learn a lot from these guys!

A bit out of the way if you don’t know where it is the first time, but worth going to if you fancy a smoothie and some lunch. I always go for the Breakfast Boost (strawberries, yoghurt, honey, milk, oats– £2.50). They have loyalty cards too! Pretty decent amount of seating and it’s quite chilled if you go there when it’s not lunch time and crammed with students! Their food is nice, nothing very special but it’s not bad! They can grill any of the sandwiches/​bagels too which is nice on a cold day.

This is one hidden gem, its really not easy to see, however if you’re a student the flock of people walking here will give you some guidance.
This extremely popular smoothie bar is one of the best I’ve ever been too. It’s a tiny little room with adequate seating and a small sandwich area. Their menu is extensive however I don’t even need to look at it anymore. I stick with my guns and get a chocolate milkshake every time. I can’t tell you enough how much I crave these bad boys, they are so damn good. Only problem is, I can’t stop drinking and feel sick after having it all in 2 seconds flat. Hmm I really want one now. Maybe when I can learn to drink them normally.
Also what’s great about this place is that after 4.30 — 5 the sandwiches and Panini’s are buy one get one free. I recommend the chicken Caesar Panini warmed up, its so delicious with a good handful of chicken and Parmesan, you cant get much better.
The staff are also really friendly and the atmosphere is just great. Really perfect for a drink in-​between lectures!

Super cute and super casual. The waiter was awesome and he kept chatting it up with me and my friend and made sure that EVERYTHING we got was to our liking… he even made me taste the soup i bought in front of him… given at the time it was a bit weird… but I knew his intentions were in the right place HAHA
and was that soup good? YES-​SIR-​EEE!!! GOOD, WARM, and for £1.50 pretty exotic-​ish… carrot, sweet potato, and coconut milk… throw anything cocomilk with anything and I’m hooked. I also got a greek granola yogurt parfait. I admit that there could be a BIT more granola and WHOLE lot more fruit, but overall it was legit.
Now down to what makes «The Smoothie Company» a SMOOTHIE company… get the hint? THE SMOOTHIE! I got the dairy passion fruit… thingy (can’t remember the name off the top of my head, but it was in the dairy section and it had passion fruit). It was BOMB and they made it RIGHT in front of me with FRESH ingredients and fruit… like I saw them cut open the passion fruit and pit the whole thing in there with some mangoes, a squirt of honey, and some good ol’ yogurt. the end result… pretty damn good if I may say so myself… and I will!
PRETTY DAMN GOOD!

A perfect place to get a big sandwich, freshly made smoothie or quality herbal tea on a study-​break, The Smoothie Company is located behind the row of shops opposite Leeds University’s Parkinson Court and opposite Leeds College of Art and Design. This may account for the impeccable and tasteful décor, which I value just as highly as the food in a café — if I want to sit and eat my lunch somewhere it has to be a nice environment. There are a few small, quality pieces of art on display and for sale as well as larger, more generic yet coordinated prints.
Interior design aside, the smoothies here are great, as you would hope from a place called The Smoothie Company! Each one is made to order with fresh fruit and there are dairy and non-​dairy options. The sandwiches are a good size, leaving you feel full and healthy after a sandwich/​smoothie lunch. You get the quality you pay for with both of these. I was pleased to find out they recycle their glass bottles but wasn’t surprised as the atmosphere suggests positive ethos. The pot plants on the tables and little washing line on the wall to leave notes or flyers on are features that add to this good feeling.

I love it! Hidden down a backstreet with a tiny interior but lots of seating outside, you can get all manner of sandwiches and smoothies here. The prices can be a little high, but you’re paying for quality. The staff are all very friendly and down-​to-​earth, and it’s a good place to come and hang out which isn’t usually too packed!

This is a gem of a sarnie shop. Absolutely delish. They do smoothies too, as you’ll prolly have guessed. There’s a very green wheatgrass one that I’ve yet to try (I can’t imagine it’s that delectatble), but there’s one with bananas and honey in that will have you ‘mmmmm’ing all the way to the bottom of the cup.
They’ll heat up your ciabatta too if you like, which I like because then they write your name on a little sticker. Small things, eh?
I’d highly recommend the bacon, brie and cranberry. Especially now it’s nearly Christmas.