Business Focus – #9 – Olde Booths Tea Room

Every month we aim to put the spotlight on a business within the community, whether it’s a shop or a market trader. For our ninth entry in the series we popped in for a brew and a cake at Olde Booths Tea Room. Olde Booths is a stalwart of the Pudsey business community, the current owner Julie has been running the tea room since 1996. Sitting on the edge of Pudsey’s historic Booths Yard and occupying premises that form part of it, the tea room really does feel quintessentially British selling a wonderful variety of sandwiches, hot food, cakes and beverages to die for. Below Julie tells us more about her business.

Tell us about yourselves, where it all began and your ties to Pudsey?

I have been a Pudsey girl all my life, my parents grew up here also. Me and my mum used to visit the Tearooms weekly when the previous owners had it.

In 1996 we called in for a coffee and noticed it was for sale. I thought about it and went back and forth as to whether I should take on the challenge… 25 years later here I am.

I bought the original Tearooms on my own at first which catered for 6 tables before expanding into the shop below. I had to sweet talk my mum into helping me out which luckily she did.

We now have 12 tables and have won ‘Cafe of the Year Leeds’ twice.

How would you describe your business in one sentence?

A jewel in Pudseys’ crown.

What can customers expect from you?

I would like to think my customers feel welcomed when they visit.

We only use local produce from independent retailers for our homemade food.

We are very friendly and warm people with a passion for what we do and I believe that reflects in the Tearooms atmosphere.

Tell us about your most popular product(s)

We serve our well loved breakfasts until 11am. This is very popular as it includes a tea or coffee, Eshelbys’ sausage and bacon, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and a free range egg. This is accompanied by hot buttered toast, with only the best… Lurpak!

We have a selection of homemade cakes and often have guest appearances, our most recent being Brown & Blond brownies.

Our Olde Booths classics baked with love by mum Linda include: Victoria Sponge, Chocolate Cake, Lemon Drizzle & Butterfly Buns.

Our coffee is provided by Leodis Coffee, a Leeds based company, the freshly ground beans make a marvellous Mocha, Americano, Latte or Cappuccino or Flat White.

Previously quoted as “the best hot chocolate in Leeds”, our Deluxe Hot Chocs are well desired by adults and children. This is a big Cadburys hot chocolate, served on a slate, with lots of marshmallows and chocolate goodies.

We have lots of homemade meals and snacks, too many to mention, so why not visit and have a look for yourselves…

What do you enjoy most about Pudsey?

We all enjoy the sense of community in Pudsey.

Everyone always comes together when needed like one big family.

We admire the work they do and the efforts they put in to keeping Pudsey pretty.

The annual Christmas Lights are a joy to attend every year for young and old alike.

The Remembrance Parade is brilliant every year and everyone gathers together with pride to remember Pudsey’s fallen heroes.

Are you looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat in Pudsey? Maybe you just want a coffee or a cup of tea… We strongly recommend a trip to Olde Booths. You can find out more about them by visiting their Facebook page and keeping an eye out for their latest products and offers.