Remember when, outside of our homes, we could drink from actual ceramic cups?
Edinburgh’s cafe culture has been strictly take-away for most of the last year, but soon we’ll be able to sit in and rest our weary feet.
However, not all cafes in the capital are opening as soon as they’re allowed. Edinburgh Larder is planning for April 29, the bijoux Little Fitzroy are sticking with takeaways for the foreseeable, Artisan Roast are aiming for the first week in May, and Cairngorm Coffee are taking things “at a more leisurely pace”, though there will be outdoor seating.
If you’re champing at the bit, here are a few of the capital’s best cafes that are opening from April 26.
If you’re looking to splurge your daily calorie quota, this is the best place, with sugar-laden options including oaty fudge slices and Jammy Dodger cupcakes.
On April 26, they’ll be opening branches at the Shore, Royal Mile and Corstorphine, for sit in, though the one at Lauriston will be outdoors only and the new Comely Bank branch is currently closed for refurbishment.
TASTY BUNS BAKERY
Rest your squashy buns at this Bread Street cafe, where delights include their new cookie pie and Edward & Irwyn hot chocolate.
“We will be focusing on coffee and cakes first and hopefully will introduce in some more savoury snacks and extended hours as things get a little more normal”, says owner, Louise Campbell.
MODERN STANDARD
This coffee shop’s seats have barely ever been christened.
They opened in the thick of lockdown, and have been doing takeaways of their excellent secret vanilla lattes and flat whites ever since.
It’s opening on April 26. Be there or be square.
This Scandinavian cafe is opening its Stockbridge, Morningside and Middle Meadow Walk branches on April 26.
We’re going to make a date with a cinnamon bun or a pistachio mazarin, preferably at our favourite Meadows branch.
BREW LAB
“We will be opening for sit in on April 26, along with introducing takeaway pints from Pilot to take advantage of the nice weather,” says owner Tom Hyde.
They also serve goodies from 101 Bakery, and Considerit.
Bagsy the comfy sofa by the window.
THE PANTRY
“We'll be opening at 9am on the 26th and are really excited,” says Amy Liston, social media and marketing executive at this Stockbridge cafe.
“We’ll have our Pantry faves (including Sunshine on Stockbridge and waffles) along with some new menu items.
"We've got kombucha and we’ve added coconut milk to our dairy-free options too (which I'd totally recommend in a hot chocolate)”.
MACHINA
We’re hooked on this Brougham Place cafe’s peanut butter and jelly cookies.
Now we can get crumbs all over their gaff, instead of our own home, as they’re opening from April 26.
MILK
Although they won’t be opening their Morrison Street cafe until April 27, the light and bright Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop branch will allow sitting in one day before that.
As well as the usual coffee and cakes, they’ll have new lunch and all-day brunch menus. Also, on Thursday April 22, Earth Day, they’re offering a free takeaway coffee if you take along a KeepCup.
