A Local's Guide: Independent Coffee in Edinburgh
The Hideout, Upper Bow
My go to order here is usually a Mocha.
Zebra Coffee Co, Bank Street
Situated a stones throw away from the Royal Mile, this understated and relaxed place offers good coffee and amazing brownies and cookies. You'll spot them sitting in pride position in the window.
My go to order here is a cappuccino
Gordon Street Coffee, Market Street
Gordon St Coffee is positioned directly across from the Edinburgh Dungeons and the main train station. Gordon St are unique in that they roast their coffee beans on site and you can see the roaster at the back of the shop. They also have a coffee shop in Glasgow if you're headed that way.
They serve small batch coffee which you can buy some for yourself to take home.
Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street
Set inside a textile and design studio, Dovecot cafe is the perfect place to stop for a coffee after you've seen the exhibitions. The cafe is flooded with beautiful natural light and they serve deli sandwiches, salads, soups and of course great coffee.
They source their coffee blend from Machina, which is locally roasted.
The Milkman, Cockburn Street
Arguably one of the most well known independent coffee places in Edinburgh, the Milkman has two stores on Cockburn Street. The larger of the two is situated at the foot of the street (closer to the train station).
My usual go to is the top coffee shop, which offers such an aesthetically pleasing interior and a great window seat to watch the hustle and bustle of the old town. They offer breakfast pastries, cakes and they have their own merchandise for sale if you want a unique souvenir,
The coffee is from the local roasters, Obadiah Collective and on their shelves they have a rotating stock of coffee from the likes of Girls Who Grind Coffee, who support women in the coffee industry
Waverley Cafe, Market Street
This takeaway coffee stand is situated at the entrance of Princes Street Gardens and at the roundabout on Waverley Bridge. The bright red painted stand is set in a former police box and serves great coffee with friendly service. They also serve really warming hot chocolates too.
I usually grab a coffee on route up to castle, they provide a fast service and you get a discount if you take your reusable cup.
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