Upon entering the cozy corner that is Just Grand!, I had the feeling of travelling back in time to the 1950s. The beautiful décor was incredibly detailed, from the little dolls to the porcelain tea pots, from the vinyl records used as menu holders to the mismatched old-fashioned chairs – the ambience was perfect. The soothing music made you feel like you were no longer in the city centre of modern day Leeds, but somewhere in Victorian London instead.
The smiling owner and employees instantly made us feel at home. The menu selection was incredibly diverse and surprisingly inexpensive. On a cold rainy day, Just Grand! will warm you up with your chosen tea from the wide selection on offer. I chose the Bombay Chai, an elaborate mixture of spices that really transforms the regular afternoon tea, whilst my companion went for a classic Earl Grey. Both were served in adorable pink, china teapots and matching cups.
Next came the difficult choice of choosing the cake. The selection varies daily, with all the cakes homemade and freshly baked. I decided to try the apple and blueberry cake, whilst my companion went for the super-moist orange sponge. Both were incredibly soft and light, with fresh fruit flavours oozing from within. The selection includes some gluten free options, such as flapjacks, which were equally delicious.
But it’s not all sweets and desserts – Just Grand! also offers a variety of sandwiches, and a soup of the day. For all those hungry students, they have a special Monday deal – buy a sandwich or a soup and get a free cup of tea or coffee; an entire meal for £4.50 or less.
For more special occasions, I suggest ordering an Afternoon Tea package – a selection of four sandwiches, a freshly baked scone, a slice of cake and unlimited tea for just £11.95. Or perhaps the Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea – Voakes’ pork pie, pickle, crisps, a selection of four sandwiches and a pale ale or bitter. Offering a slightly more manly twist on your usual afternoon tea, these vintage tearooms really have something for everyone!
If you are looking for a break from the routine of the boring, packaged sandwiches and cardboard coffee cups that constitute your student life, Just Grand! has exactly what you need. With its adorable design, quiet environment and truly exquisite food, the tearooms are definitely worth the trip.
Sofia Dedyukhina