Business Details
Creative Caf & Craft Hub in Leeds
We are a family-run business that combines a traditional caf with craft workshops and event spaces. Founded to provide a community hub where creativity and hospitality intersect, we serve locally sourced, ethically produced food and beverages daily. Our team includes experienced educators like Joanne Plenderleith, a qualified further education teacher with over 25 years of expertise in sewing and crafting, who leads our workshop programs. We prioritise partnerships with local suppliers such as Cottage Bakery and Swillington Organic Farm to ensure fresh, sustainable ingredients.Our function room hosts diverse events from craft fairs to meetings, while our retail shop showcases handmade crafts and eco-friendly products. With flexible catering options and a commitment to accessibility for all events, we strive to create an inclusive space for social and creative engagement. Our extensive experience in both hospitality and craft education ensures every visitor receives expert guidance and a memorable experience.
Services
Caf services
Craft workshops
Sewing classes
Function room hire
Wedding events
Craft fair hosting
The Shop retail
Event catering
Jewellery making
Cooking workshops
Highlights and features
- Our tutors have over 25 years of teaching experience in crafts and sewing
- We partner exclusively with local suppliers for fresh, sustainable produce
- Function room available for diverse events including weddings and workshops
- Offering both structured classes and drop-in crafting opportunities weekly
- Retail shop featuring handmade and eco-friendly products from local artisans
Services
Caf Services
Serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with locally sourced ingredients. Our menu features homemade cakes baked daily, freshly roasted Leeds coffee, and seasonal dishes from regional producers. Kitchen orders available until 2:00pm daily.
Craft Workshops
Regular sewing, painting and quilting sessions led by experienced tutors. Joanne Plenderleith delivers mixed-level sewing classes with 25+ years professional experience, while Julie Hollings teaches beginners and junior sewing courses.
Function Room Hire
Multi-purpose space available for weddings, baby showers, craft fairs and business meetings. Includes licensed bar and catering options, with hourly rates for tutors wishing to run independent workshops.
Retail Shop
Boutique selling handmade crafts, eco-friendly products and vintage items. Features local designers like Miss B Designs' knitwear and Sharon's Essentials skincare, with rotating displays from emerging artisans.
Event Hosting
Venue for theatre performances, live music nights and craft markets. Special packages available for funeral wakes, children's parties and hen dos with flexible catering options and inclusive ambiance.
People
Joanne Plenderleith
Owner & Craft Tutor
Experienced educator with 25+ years in teaching, qualified City and Guilds Verifier, former theatrical costumier, and Royal Armouries Museum wardrobe mistress leading all sewing classes.
Julie Hollings
Sewing Instructor
Self-taught sewer with secondary school domestic science background, teaching beginner classes since 2016 and introducing junior sewing programs at Rivers MEET Craft Cafe.
Questions
What are your opening hours for the café?
Café open daily 10:00am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday, 9:30am-3:00pm Friday-Sunday. Kitchen closes at 2:00pm daily.
Can I hire the function room for private events?
Yes, our venue accommodates weddings, meetings, and craft workshops. Contact us for availability and catering packages.
Do you offer craft classes for beginners?
We provide sewing classes for all levels including dedicated beginner sessions taught by experienced instructors.
Is there parking available at the venue?
Please avoid double parking to ensure emergency vehicle access. Local parking guidance provided on our website.
What food options cater to special diets?
Menus include vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free choices. Please inform staff of specific dietary requirements when ordering.
Reviews (6)
Edd Almond
Jan 11, 2022
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We had a cracking breakfast after a walk at the nearby St. Aidan's nature reserve. The food was good quality - great eggs royale and full English. The staff were welcoming and lovely, coffee really hit the spot and it's a nice place to while away an hour or so!
Valerie Pell
Dec 21, 2021
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Thank you Jo, Richard and the Rivers Meet team for the most wonderful festive afternoon tea. What a wonderful atmosphere and delicious food.
Eunice Norris
Dec 17, 2021
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A really lovely place to meet friends with there dogs . Lovely cup of coffee and amazing cakes. So please it was Open. Xx
Sharon Donaldson
Nov 09, 2021
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Such a friendly place to visit. Food and snacks are excellent. Comphy indoor seating, plus outside seating. Craft room and items for sale are lovely, and some bring a smile to ones face. Highly recommended.
Neil Rhodes
Aug 10, 2021
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Went for afternoon tea. Great sandwich selection they did some that I asked for. Scones huge and to die for with cream and jam. Great cake cake selection. Staff lovely. Recommend
Martin Grocock
Jul 18, 2021
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First time here today after searching the Internet for nearby tea-rooms we hadn't tried before. Very impressed. The patio area round the back was lovely, the menu offered a great selection, the service was brilliant and the food quality was spot on. It was nice to have a look in the craft shop, too. I'm sure we'll be back, probably on a cooler day when we can combine it with a walk around St. Aidan's.
