There’s no doubt that Leeds City Centre is packed with great places to eat.
But, when it comes to the humble sandwich, finding somewhere that offers a truly quality version of this pinnacle of lunchtime dining, one that’s made to order with artisan breads and the freshest of fillings? That’s easier said than done.
Thank goodness then that our friends at doh’hut in Trevelyan Square felt this gap in the market even more keenly than us and our fellow City Centre workers. Thank goodness that they spotted the ideal location, sitting back-to-back with their much-loved, award-winning doughnut mecca and with a prominent frontage on Boar Lane.
And thank even more goodness that they brought us in, the DesignTonic team, to transform this former retail outlet into an amazing space that’s already cemented its place as the new home for Leeds’ lunch-to-go gourmets - Things in Bread.
It’s better for you if we let you explore Things in Bread’s incredible menu for yourselves.
Instead, let us walk you through the welcoming interior of this fabulous new City Centre eatery, destined from the off to take the City’s sandwich game to a whole new level…
No ordinary sandwiches, no ordinary sandwich shop
While their offerings may (usually) be between two slices and ours (usually) between four walls, Things in Bread’s concept chimes pretty neatly with our own - to take something familiar and give you the best possible version of it.
This ex-retail shop already benefits from a great location, sitting right opposite the Trinity shopping centre and easily seen by diners and drinkers gazing out from some of Leeds’ hottest restaurants and bars.
What it needed was a complete strip-out and reinvention, with a classic yet tasty contemporary new look that oozes understated cool.
Come on in…
Whether we’re talking sandwich shop or café, bistro or restaurant, the key to any great eatery’s interior lies in creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that reflects the brand and entices people in to explore.
So, it was important that we made it clear from the moment you enter the premises that, far from being just another run-of-the-mill sandwich joint, this place is something really rather special.
Blessed with beautiful, ornately decorative detailing to the facade, we opted for a bright and modern off-white to the exterior that instantly draws the eye through its contrast against the darker windows of the surrounding properties.
Moving inside the shop, we retained the fresh, neutral colour palette throughout for a light and airy feel that provides the perfect counterpart to the building’s stunning high ceilings - the ideal balance of the building’s tougher industrial vibes and a softer, springier centre.
Things on trend for Things in Bread
Raw plaster effect walls are all the rage right now and it’s easy to understand why.
This subtle-yet-stunning finish brings a textural warmth and visual interest element that is hard to beat and, with choices ranging from eco-friendly clays (which bring the added benefit of helping to dampen acoustic levels) from companies like Clayworks to limewash paints from brands like Bauwerk, it’s easier than ever to get the look without the issues of leaving your plaster walls truly raw.
Here, we love how the earthy, raw feel of the pale plaster walls maintains the building’s industrial vibes, just with a more gentle edge.
We teamed the plaster finish with encaustic-style patterned tiles in a complimentary colourway, before incorporating bolder accents like the deep, dark picture frames and tile edging and thin black metal framing to chairs, shelving and fridges - all of which provide a thoroughly modern pop of monochrome contrast against the otherwise neutral scheme.
And a mix of off-white, ceiling hung pendants and fluted glass wall lights throw their gentle glow over the space, adding extra brightness and contemporary cool.
(If you’re visiting, make sure to check out the butty-based illustrations in those picture frames while you’re waiting - they’re brilliant!)
It all just flows
We spoke about the importance of flow when we introduced our interior design for Harrogate’s Pink Door Café, and the concept is no different here - it’s just that here, we don’t have quite as much floorspace to hand, especially when that lunchtime rush is on!
Accordingly, this floorplan is built around a pure, clean flow that helps to expedite ins and outs; fridge raids and shelf grabs, and doesn’t feel crowded at peak times.
Wall tables and high stools provide comfortable seating options around the edges of the space, with the most sought-after being those people-watching spots in the window.
And crucially, the pathways through the space are immediately clear on entry, with a large central counter and wall-hung menu that immediately draw the eye and dictate the direction, making everyone’s experience at Things in Bread simple and stress-free.
Custom Centrepiece
Custom CentrepieceAnd it wouldn’t be a DesignTonic space these days without our clever craftspeople creating a custom-built centrepiece!
And why not, when made-to-measure means you can make the most of every inch with a design that’s built uniquely for the needs of your business?
Here, this beautiful bespoke counter was built to slot with perfect precision within this space.
With the ideal ratio of room behind and in front, it maximises both space and flow, while providing ample room for all manner of tasty fillings - all stunningly showcased thanks to the integrated lighting and clean, crisp, minimalist design.
We’re delighted with this piece, which is a key focal point for the whole interior scheme and really speaks of the whole ethos of Things in Bread - understated simplicity that’s oh-so tasty!
