To my surprise Edinburgh has no shortage of third wave coffee houses. With limited time to get my tourist and caffeine fix, here’s a selection of coffee houses to check out in the centre of the city.
The Coffee Cave
158 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9RX, United Kingdom
In the heart of Fountain Bridge, surrounded by hotels and offices, a literal tiny cave of a coffee house serves up wonderful locally roasted coffee to kick start your day. No seating inside, save a couple of benches outside, is just perfect to have an espresso before heading out to explore.
Fauna
19A, Queensferry Street Edinburgh, United Kingdom
In the heart of West End after a peaceful stroll down William Street you are greeted with a type of cute little coffee house that I adore. A coffee house that is a labour of love for the owner who just loves to make coffee all day long. The feature inside is a lovely piece of artwork on the wall beautifully sketched which you can stare at while sipping away.
Hideout Cafe
5 Upper Bow, Edinburgh, EH1 2JN
Easily missed after you come out of the upper bow of the Diagon Alley inspired Victoria Street. This cosy retreat is perfect to have a coffee within hipster surroundings. Their love of retro music is apparent, with cassette tape’s adorning the walls and a tape player I’m sure we all had in our analogue youth. So hipster.
The Milkman
7 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP and 52 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PB.
Two for one here! Situated at the both end’s of Cockburn Street, another little gem that can be easily missed. A wonderful cortado can be had with seating on a first come basis after you’ve walked the Royal Mile or getting your energy just before the Dungeons.
Zebra Coffee Company
16 Bank Street, EH12 2LN
A very cute compressed coffee house that also provides a great brunch. Coffee, Brownies and Pancakes! Beyond the front of house there’s a tiny alcove adorned like a library which also leads the way to seating outside should you be lucky enough to have the sun shining. Perfect place to cosy up against before hitting the tourist crowd of old town again.
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Having over 15 years’ experience in freight forwarding and supply chain management, Ali has led numerous multi-disciplined projects and operations globally. A change management specialist having worked within multiple industry verticals. He is also a coffee-obsessed, solo-travelling introvert.
Ali is also a published author with his latest book; Building Your Bridge: An Introvert’s Art of Success. A personal journey to help guide professional introverts to realising that as an introvert, the skills and traits for success are already within their grasp. Available now here.
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