I've been meaning to share my favourite Edinburgh coffee stops since I mentioned them in my foodie interview with Talor Gilchrist last year. I spend a lot of time in coffee shops, as my boyfriend is obsessed with finding the best one (I'm not exaggerating- we visited 4 in one day while on holiday in Brighton). There was just one problem- he didn't agree with my picks! So, I have enlisted his help to offer you both the best coffees and atmosphere you'll find around (in no particular order):
1.) Brew Lab
Ian's fave pick, I'd describe this as a hipster's haven. It's got the exposed brickwork, mismatched furniture, filled doughnuts and pour over coffees made at the brew bar. They put a lot of care and attention into the roast selection and equipment. They even offer coffee courses so that you can up your home brews with latte art and the like! Ian feels it was one of the earlier third wave coffee shops in Edinburgh (est 2012) and has the full coffee house aesthetic. For a while they featured Ian's favourite capuccino (he claims). It is always busy, so sometimes difficult to get a seat.
2.) Cafe Noir
A really lovely coffee shop that both of us enjoy. Me for the aesthetics, which is all brass, parquet flooring and plants, and Ian for the actual drinks. It describes itself as a patisserie and the cakes are supplied by Pat The staff are always well-informed about the coffee being served. It's more laid back than other coffee shops, based in the West End near Haymarket, and has a quieter vibe. It's less studenty than some of the others.
3.) Machina Espresso
This is our latest find. We recently visited the Tollcross one (its sister cafe is on Nicolson). I found the coffee quite strong, which is usually a sign that Ian will like it. As well as selling drinks, they sell coffee machines and beans to help set you at home. We went on Easter Sunday, when it was quite chilled and quiet but Ian tells me the Nicolson one can be busy.
4.) Castello Coffee
We often visit the tiny one on Castle Street. It's a cosy and relaxed stop if you're tired of shopping on Princes Street with friendly staff and good coffee (but could do with a toilet FYI). If you are nipping in for a takeaway I would definitely choose this one over others. The new one on Bruntsfield Links is much more spacious.
5.) Cairngorm
Cairngorm Coffee has two shops, each with a different aesthetic. The first one (on Frederick Street) has a more industrial feel, while the Queensferry Street one has a cleaner look with science lab stools and beakers. Ian is especially fond of their club sandwich. I'm personally offended by their tea in glass beakers (weak, teabag removed) but everything else really works. Ian normally buys his coffee beans here so we pop in regularly.
Special shout out to The Pastry Section and LOW DOWN for their cakes and friendly staff, because I couldn't squeeze them into my five.
I'm sure caffeine addicts will have a lot of opinions about these choices- let us know your favourite Edinburgh coffee shops over on Twitter @WardrobeConvos! Ian and I are always on the look out for new spots.
With thanks to Ian Finlayson for his photos and coffee shop knowledge. If you like puns and photos of food and coffee, follow him on Instagram!
