Hits: 17
In this article I will take you along some of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh (UK). Edinburgh is a city in Scotland and is well known for it’s beautiful historical sites, medieval architecture, Mary Kings Close and of course the lovely Scottish people who live there. Did you also know that Edinburgh has a bustling coffee scene worth visiting? In this list I will tell you about the best coffee shops that I have visited when I was in Edinburgh. This list is far from complete, so if your favorite spot is not on the list, please add it in the comments. The list is not written in alphabetical order, the first spot is my favorite hotspot.
Edinburgh: Lowdown Coffee.
Lowdown Coffee is a well known coffee shop in de shopping area of Edinburgh. Situated on 40 George Street, right above Princes Street, Lowdown Coffee has a prime location in the city centre. The shop itself is located below street level (I guess that’s why the name is Lowdown) and thus easy to miss if you go there for the first time.
Don’t worry because it is definitely there!
When you walk down the steps towards the shop, there is a little outside sitting area where you can enjoy your coffee if you don’t feel like sitting inside. Entering the premise brings you into a shop that immediately feels open and welcoming. The counter is right in front of the entrance and the set-up of the shop is so that you can easily see the Barista’s preparing your coffee after ordering. Inside is ample space to sit down and I don’t doubt that it will be crowded at any given time of day.
The music isn’t set too loud so you can enjoy chatting with the Barista’s or your friends. Besides the coffee menu, Lowdown Coffee also offers a menu with some really great dishes! Vegan options are also included on the menu with cakes for example.
Lowdown Coffee offers their own coffee but also uses the guest-roaster concept. When I visited the place they had Manhattan Coffee Roasters on offer. This is a very nice way to familiarize yourself with new roasters while still enjoying the expertise of Lowdown Coffee’s Baristas.
On the menu you will find the usual espresso based drinks and filter coffee options.
Adres: 40 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2LE, United Kingdom.
Open: 08:00 – 18:00hrs
Edinburgh: The Milkman.
The Milkman is a small coffee shop that is located in a beautiful old building. Located at Cockburn Street near the Edinburgh Dungeon this coffee shop a great stop to start your day wandering through the city.
When you enter this coffee shop you really have to look around and soak in the atmosphere. It’s not a big shop but the stone walls alone will give a feeling of authenticity.
The staff will immediately welcome you and gladly explain about the coffee menu. The menu consists out of the usual espresso based drinks and batch brew filter coffee. There are also some delicious cakes to be had should you have a craving for something sweet.
There is not alot of seating space and outside there is only a bench or two on the sidewalk. Having so little space doesn’t affect the vibe at all and don’t be afraid to start a chat with some of the customers sharing your seating space. The Scotts are super friendly people after all! Since the shop itself isn’t that big, there are a lot of take-away orders so if the place looks busy it’s still worth the wait.
Adres: 7 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP, United Kingdom.
Open: 08:00 – 17:00Hrs
Fortitude Coffee.
Fortitude Coffee is a well known coffee roaster in Edinburgh. You will find their coffee all over the city but it’s much nicer to visit their store. The Fortitude Coffee that I visited is located just outside the city center (York Pl) but is definitely worth the walk. The shop is a narrow shop with its wall stocked on coffee. In the back is a tiny counter to order your coffee at and while waiting you can make use of a couple of standing tables. There is no outside seating although sitting on the sidewalk or steps is no problem.
On the menu are several espresso based drinks and filter options. The Barista brewed me a V60 of some off-the-menu coffee which was really nice of him. Fortitude Coffee also sells some delicious cake and muffins for those who have a sweet-tooth.
As mentioned before, the wall is stocked with bags of coffee and I think this is the main reason for people to come in. The assortment is huge; coffees form Asia (The Pangsing is delicous!), South- and Central-America and Africa. It’s all there at very reasonable prices. If you’re looking for quality coffee and quality roasting this is your spot to go to. The staff is also worth mentioning since they are super friendly and skilled at brewing!
Adres: 3c York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB, United Kingdom
Open: 09:00 – 16:00Hrs