Temple is an all-vegan cafe, but don't let that put you off if you're a meat eater or a dairy-fan. The cafe is out to prove that vegan isn't boring and their menu is certainly showing that to be the case. In fact, my husband didn't even realise the doughnut he was eating was vegan until I told him. They really are that good.
The cafe is located near Armley Mills, which is the main reason I haven't been, as it would mean driving to the other side of Leeds. However, after my first visit, I realised that the journey is definitely worth it. It's also really worth going regularly as they change up the menu a fair bit, so you get to enjoy something new.
Doughnuts as big as your face
The cafe is a bit tucked away and parking is limited, so it's best to get there a bit earlier. I arrived at around 11am and the place was already packed. We managed to time it pretty well though, as someone was just leaving so we grabbed a table. We also didn't have to wait too long to be served, although by the time we were, the queue had gone out of the door.
I started off with a box of three doughnuts so I could take one back home for the husband and ordered the Sabbath coffee, which has activated charcoal in it to create a pretty cool black colour. As much as I would like to say the coffee was as great as it looked, I really can't. It seems to be more suited to taking a pretty photo for Instagram rather than drinking. It mostly tasted like milk, was fairly small and was lukewarm, so not that great - especially for the price.
However, hope wasn't lost as the doughnuts were actually AMAZING. Anyone who says that vegan food sucks needs to stuff one of these in their mouth sharpish because damn.
Delicious and vegan
I went for all filled doughnuts because I think these are the superior option. I cannot for the life of me remember what two of them were but the peanut butter and jelly doughnut will stay with me forever. Rather than being really sweet and sickly, like the name kid of suggests it might be, it was really well-balanced with savoury flavours and super delicious jam. The doughnut was also light but really filling, so I only managed half. While the doughnuts are undoubtedly best fresh, I saved one of mine for the day after and still found it to be super tasty.
The second time visiting was a better coffee experience. Rather than a coloured coffee, I just went for a classic americano but with oat milk. As I like a good strong coffee, this was much better - as well as actually being hot and in a large mug. This time around I took my husband and he was also very happy with his non-fancy coffee, although he went for the non-vegan milk option.
I also tried one of their new doughnuts while the husband went for a classic ring doughnut (I know, I told him to get a filled one but I guess he's gotta learn somehow). Honestly, the rhubarb and custard doughnut made me super happy. It tastes just like the sweets I love and is filled with super delicious, not-overly-sweet custard. I genuinely never knew that vegan custard could be this good. I cannot explain how awesome this doughnut is, you'll just have to eat one.
The overall verdict
If you like doughnuts or just enjoy a good Instagram photo, this really is one place in Leeds you can't miss.