With its baltic winds and incessant rain, winter in Edinburgh is not to be underestimated. But fear not – Students at SPS blogger, Priyanka, has the perfect antidote: nestling into one of the city’s many cosy cafes.
One of my favourite parts of living in Edinburgh is the almost endless supply of independent cafes. Whether you’re looking for a cappuccino somewhere quaint and quiet tucked away, or you need a strong flat white and somewhere to charge your laptop over exam-season, there is somewhere out there for you! The only real problem is finding it…
But fear-not my fellow caffeine-junkies – after four dedicated years of sipping and searching, I’m here to share my favourite spots across the city!
Central Campus – Uplands Roast
It’s no-well kept secret that the Uplands Roast van beside the main library is one of the best places to head for a mid-study pick-me-up. As well as good quality coffee, they also have some sweet treats on offer and their infamous ‘proper’ hot-chocolate – topped with blow-torched marshmallows and chocolate shavings (which comes with an equally delicious vegan option!). Sipping one of these while having a stroll around the Meadows is sure to relieve any Edinburgh student’s stress.
Newington – Summerhall (MF Coffee Shop)
This trendy café is located in one of the most buzzing buildings in the city. Running art exhibitions, film screenings, weekly ceilidhs and life-drawing sessions, Summerhall is the epitome of culture. As well as having great vibes, their café also has some impressive food on offer. If you thought the falafel wrap at student favourite Nile Valley was good, Summerhall’s sandwiches will blow you away. Cons: plugs and seats are limited, but people are usually happy to share tables and there’s no time-limit on seating either!
Marchmont – Argyle Place
If you’re looking for coffee along with a brunch, lunch or sweet treat then look no further! With an elegant interior and sophisticated food menu, Argyle Place offers a slice of the good-life in the middle of Marchmont. I would particularly recommend their (vegan!) cinnamon buns and other pastries which are regularly changed-up. Their menu is a bit pricy compared to a bog-standard brunch, and it is often busy at peak times like weekends, but this café is definitely worth a visit as a special treat!
Tollcross – Books N’ Cups
This cute café was a more recent find, but the cosy chalet aesthetic means it’s the perfect spot to hide in over the winter! As well as having good quality coffee, they also have some fun seasonal specials on (I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a peppermint mocha). Their bites to eat are all reasonably priced and they’re also currently offering a free coffee if you leave them a review online!
New Town – Waterstones
Though it’s a bit further from central campus, the Waterstones café is a big and bright space which offers a breath of fresh air away from the rest of the student crowd in the library. Coffees here are straightforward, well-priced and the bookshop is open until 8pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends! I would also say that it boasts one of the best views in Edinburgh, overlooking the castle and greenery below in the Princes Street Gardens.
