This is Leicestershire -- IT'S time to wake-up and smell the coffee.If a hot mug of warm, steaming coffee and a homemade bun is what you crave then Leicester has a great selection a independent cafes and tearooms to visit.You don't need to travel far from the main streets to find some wonderfully independant coffee shops and bistros. Here's our pick of some of the best.If you have a favourite and it isn't listed then send your recommendations to maria.thompson@thisis.co.uk
1. The Exchange, 50 Rutland Street. 0116 2513434. Great coffee and cakes locally baked and sourced from Wistow. Customers who buy a cake receive a complimentary free coffee. The Exchange was also voted the 'The Best Coffee in Leicester" by Grazia magazine last year.
2. Phoenix Arts Centre, 4 Midland Street Leicester. 0116 2422800.
3. Curveside Coffee Shop and Bistro, 42 Halford Street, Leicester. 0116 2619393.
4. Holly's Coffee Shop and Sandwich Bar, 13 - 15 St Martins Square, Leicester. 0116 2536389.
5. Crusty's Coffee Shop and Cellar Restuarant, 10 - 12 Crank Street, Leicester - Next to Dominoes Toy Shop. 0116 2536389.
6.Cafe Dido, 12 Loseby lane, Leicester. 0116 2250446.
7. The Crumblin Cookie, 68 High Street, City Centre Leicester. 0116 2531212
8. Abbey Park Tea Rooms, Abbey Park, Leicester. Serving light lunches and afternoon teas. Open from 10am to 4pm from September 26 - March 24, and 10.30am - 5pm, till 6pm on Saturday and till 7pm on Sunday from March 25 to September 25. Established for 37 years. 0116 2624405. Reported by This is 12 hours ago.