Fortitude Coffee Stockbridge

66 Hamilton Pl Stockbrige EH3 5AZ »Map«

Open everyday Espresso, pour over, batch brew Coffee: Fortitude Also: breakfasts, savoury food and baking

Coolness: Coffee heaven a stone's throw from St Stephen's Street boutique shops

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Fortitude's Stockbridge cafe opened in February 2020 and we ventured along in the lashing rain to see how they could build on the great reputation of their well-established York Place café and coffee roasting business.

As soon as we entered we felt it was very promising! They have kept the lovely tiled walls but have opened out the interior, creating an airy and warm space showcasing a chic long wooden bench filled with gleaming built-in coffee making equipment. This positioning of the coffee equipment at counter top level helps maintain the feeling of spaciousness and the Scandinavian influenced furniture gives the shop a lovely feel. Coffee geeks will quickly clock the Modbar under counter espresso machine - cutting edge tech that's currently a rare find in Scotland. The time and thought spent developing the interior (previously occupied by Ronde Cafe/Cycles) has absolutely paid off.

Opening a cafe in an area already well populated with cafes might seem risky. Niall the manager pointed out that while Stockbridge may be full of cafes, only a few (such as Artisan Roast) are coffee specialists so there's room to address the unmet demand for high quality coffee. While Stockbridge already has a strong base including the Sunday Markets, he sees it's "on the up in terms of high quality food and drink".

What their second, larger shop offers Fortitude is the opportunity to expand the food and coffee offering. As well as a range of breakfast options, a tasty range of sandwiches are on offer, Union of Genius soups and baking supplied by artisan French bakery Au Gourmand. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices are also featured on the menu. Our grilled cheese sandwich with pickle was ideal fare for such inclement weather.

At time of visiting the main espresso coffee was El Sauce-Peruvian - towards the fruitier end - and our meticulously made cortados were a treat. The other espresso on offer was a National Colombian and there were three pour over options and one batch brew.

While coffee lovers are spoilt for choice, tea drinkers will enjoy the Good & Proper leaf teas. The shop also sells coffee making paraphernalia and Fortitude branded products (reusable cups etc).

Niall and his team enjoyed a "good first day despite the horrendous weather". We have no doubt that Fortitude will make a success of their venture Northwards.

Review and photo by Charlie Ellis & Eva Vaporidis

More: Fortitude Coffee Instagram

The Apothecary - Ellon

21 The Square, Ellon Aberdeenshire AB41 9JB »Map«

Open every day and evenings Espresso, cafetiere, pour over (kalita) Coffee: Artisan Roast Also: Meals, cakes, wine & cheese

Coolness: An oasis of top notch coffee and food

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The Coffee Apothecary Ellon (5♥)  is owners Ali and Jonny's second cafe, building on the success of the much-loved Udny shop.

In a part of the world where great coffee is rare indeed, The Coffee Apothecary team are relative lone wolves. While the standard of coffee is very high, they also offer choices of seasonal beans and brewing methods. Brilliant.

And their passion extends beyond coffee and into food and drink. The menu is extensive, creative and wholesome. Their cakes amazing and they offer cheese and charcuterie platters and wine (as well as other alcoholic beverages).

This shop would absolutely hold it's own in a big city. The folk of Ellon are indeed lucky!

More: facebook.com/thecoffeeapothecaryellon

Cairngorm Coffee New Town

41A Frederick St EH2 1EP »Map«

Open every day Espresso, filter Coffee: Guests Also: Beans and some non-espresso kit Dog-friendly

Coolness: Retro industrial décor meets rustic coziness

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Cairngorm Coffee (5♥) is in the heart of the Georgian New Town, just below street level.

A short set of stone stairs take you down from street level past a table & chairs and into the open fronted shop. We very much liked the decor of simple chunky wood with equally chunky old metal machinery holding up various chairs, tables and benches. To the right side of the entry is a deceptively large seating area that is very cosy.

Cairngorm stock lots of yummy food and drink options such as cold drinks, chocolates and other snacks from a range of gourmet suppliers. They also do light lunches with toasted cheese sandwiches being a particular specialty, soups and pastries.

Owner Robi and his friendly team use guest beans from a range of European specialty coffee roaster which we very much enjoy in our flat whites. Fiercely passionate about great coffee, Cairngorm is well worth dropping into.

More: facebook.com/cairngormcoffee 

Good Coffee Cartel

12 Cornwall St G41 1AQ »Map«

Every day Espresso and batch brew Coffee: Good Coffee Cartel Also: Coffee gear, beans, doughnuts Dog friendly

Coolness: A touch of Portland industrial styling with Glasgow charm

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The Good Coffee Cartel is a Glasgow-based coffee roaster, set up by Courtney and Todd, previously from local roaster Avenue.

They've taken over a large space just off Paisley Road West, on the south side as you head out of central Glasgow, and parked their much loved Probat in the corner.

They're sourcing juicy, bright, sustainable coffees and changing them seasonally. You can expect an espresso - expertly pulled on their Kees Van Der Westen - and one or two filters from their Fetco batch brewer. When we went they were serving their Colombian Excelso, Ethiopian Warquee and Guatemalan Finca La Torre washed and unwashed roasts, but were looking forward to a Kenyan soon. Definitely worth checking back regularly!

And for those who don't live nearby, coffee joy is at hand via their website where you can order their beans to be delivered - freshly roasted.

At the moment you can tuck into a doughnut from fellow coffee professional Darryl Docherty, but look out for regular promotions of food pop-ups and collaborations.

We like the decor and feel of the Good Coffee Cartel. Big windows at the front bring in the light with plenty of informal seating at the front and rear. The barista works at a big central bench that is surrounded by stools for customers - with chatting encouraged.

The owners have highlighted some of the industrial past of the building, with plenty of exposed brick and chipboard. And the window in the loo showcasing their staircase to nowhere is a nice surprise. The space is softened with a very nice shade of teal blue, plenty of magazines to peruse and an internal coffee store with equipment, artwork, bags of their beans and clothing.

Adding to the cool factor is the in-house ceramics studio. These coffee lovers are sharing some of their space with Cathleen Nyman of Studio CN and Steph Baxter who've set up their kilns and workshop. We look forward to seeing their output, some of which is on sale in the shop.

All in all, Glasgow is the lucky home of another top quality Scottish specialty roaster!

More: facebook.com/thegoodcoffeecartel

Lowdown Coffee

40 George St EH2 2LE Edinburgh »Map«

Open every day 8am-6pm Espresso, Kalita Wave, Torch Mountain Dripper, Clover Coffee: Koppi Also: Pastries, cakes, soups

Coolness: Passionate about flavour and precision

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Lowdown Coffee (5♥) is on the lower ground floor of a multi-story, grandly proportioned Georgian town house in appropriately named George Street. The coffee served is excellent and brew methods varied.

Owner Paul Anderson has a close relationship with renowned Swedish roasting house Koppi, bringing yet more variety to our city's high end coffee scene.

Koppi were set up by Swedish barista champions Anne Lunell and Charles Nystrand and only roast high quality coffee they've sourced themselves and know to be sustainable.

Lowdown offer a several options in the Koppi coffee range - matching beans to brew methods across espresso, Kalita Wave, Torch Mountain Dripper and Clover. The latter two brew methods are in relative low supply in Edinburgh, as are shops that serve Koppi, so Lowdown definitely provides something unique.

The shop is wider than it is deep, accessed via stairs from street level. In sunnier months there'll be six or so tables in the outside space, plus the six or so that are inside. Running along part of the back wall is a smart, smooth work bench on which rests their prized Slayer, Mahlkonig EKK43 grinder and Clover. The decor is clean-lined and minimalist, softened with natural timber and fibre furnishings.

Tea drinkers are far from neglected. They can sip London's Postcard Teas, sourced from small farms (less than 15 acres) so it tastes good, as well as does good, for small producers and communities.

On the food side you can enjoy pastries, cakes and soups. Lowdown is also carrying the spectacularly packaged Compartés Gourmet Chocolate Bars.

All in all, a shop not to miss on the Edinburgh coffee trail.

More: facebook.com/lowdowncoffee

Mayze Coffee & Food

974 Argyle St G3 8LU Glasgow »Map«

Open every day Espresso, batch brew, filter, nitro col Coffee: The Good Coffee Cartel Also: Meals, beans, cakes and more Dog-friendly

Coolness: Great veggie and vegan food with crafty arty guests

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Mayze Coffee & Food (5♥) is located in Finnieston, just West of Glasgow's city centre.

Owners Gillian and Craig bring a significant amount of speciality coffee and cafe experience to this shop, having been in Glasgow's coffee scene for many years. They also run Something Brewed - their coffee and tea pop-up bar for special events.

Their coffee is provided by locals and long time pals The Good Coffee Cartel (previous work mates from Avenue) who favour bright seasonally changing speciality coffees.

Collaborators Faceplant help Mayze turn out a wide range of every-changing tasty vegetarian and vegan food. Brunch is a major attraction, offering big veggie fry ups, waffles and avocado toast. Lunch features burritos, toasties and a daily special main meal. And then there's the mouthwatering cakes, often vegan, gluten-free or both.

Mayze is a winner and will keep you coming back with their regularly changing menu of coffee, cakes and meals.

More: facebook.com/mayzefinnieston/

Photos from Mayze Instagram feed :)

Bearded Barista - Leith Market

Dock Place EH6 6LU »Map«

Regular Saturdays - check his Twitter for details Espresso Coffee: Williams & Johnson Also: A sweet brownie type thing

Coolness: Grab a great coffee while you do your market shopping

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The Bearded Barista (5♥) is Lewis - who makes excellently prepared Williams & Johnson coffee from his bicycle-based stall at the Leith Markets.

Apart from great coffee, you can also expect a very friendly and down-to-earth experience with Lewis who is very attentive and happy to chat. As are other stall-holders at the Leith Market which is a sister market to the Stockbridge and Grassmarket Markets, and an excellent addition to Leith's Saturday scene. You can pick up your fresh veggies, cheeses, fish, meat, food to eat on the spot and other produce and hand-made products. All while listening to live music and supporting your local indy producers and artisans.

While Lewis offers all the usual flat whites, lattes and long blacks, we did ask for an explanation of a 'shlongo'. It's a small long black. All his coffees have two shots of espresso unless you request otherwise and you can also pick up a tea or hot chocolate.

Williams & Johnson and Lewis regularly change their beans. You could find yourself drinking Brazilian, Costa Rican, Ethiopian or Kenyan - or something else again based on seasonality and what's tasting great at that time.

Go and grab a coffee from Lewis - it's extremely nice!

More: Bearded Barista Twitter

The Coffee Apothecary - Udny

Udny Post Office Udny, Ellon AB41 7PQ »Map«

Open every day Espresso, cafetiere, aeropress, chemex, v60 Coffee: Artisan Roast Also: Meals, beans, mail, car tax, foreign currency

Coolness: Sort out your postage while you enjoy a pour-over

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The Coffee Apothecary (5♥) is a stone-fronted cafe just outside Pitmedden, about half an hour's drive, North of Aberdeen.

Well-made specialty coffee is still rare in this part of the world, so The Coffee Apothecary is a very welcome sight for local and visiting coffee lovers. Owners Ali and Jonny are performing nothing less than a community service in that regard! And are also very friendly to boot.

Not stopping at espresso, it's also great to see 'slow brew' cafetiere and filter methods on the menu, using a range of Scottish roaster Artisan Roast's beans.

On the food front you can enjoy breakfast and lunch - and morning and afternoon teas of course. Breakfasts include granola, pancakes, breakfast rolls and big breakfasts. For lunch you'll choose from soups, chilli, salad and wraps among others. And then you'll need some cake, so there's a good choice available.

The cafe is large and thoughtfully decorated with an emphasis on reusing all sorts of materials creatively. There are plenty of recycled, timber tables and chairs inside as well as an outdoor seating area (which is great for cyclists to keep an eye on their bikes).

They're also an operational post office adding to both the quirkiness and usefulness. You can get your mail or road tax sorted out while you're there.

Ali and Jonny have transformed this post office into a stylish, classy and warm coffee shop that's a real joy to visit.

More: facebook.com/thecoffeeapothecary

Castello Coffee - Bruntsfield

7-8 Barclay Terrace EH10 4HP »Map«

Open every day Espresso Coffee: Allpress Also: Breakfasts, salads, cakes

Coolness: Different spaces to hang out in, overlooking the green

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Castello Coffee Bruntsfield (5♥) is just off the main road through Bruntsfield and overlooks the edge of the large green fields of Bruntsfield Links.

Owner Sandro's original shop is in Castle Street - hence the name Castello. And he's using the same coffee from his long-time London pals Allpress on his shiny La Marzocco Strada. The Redchurch blend of Brazilian, Colombian, Guatemalan and Sumatran delivers big caramel and chocolate flavours, with a little citrus to add some cut through. Sandro aims to make batch brew available in time, and will feature other coffees.

The cafe building used to be two shops and the spaces are divided accordingly. There's a mezzanine floor on the left side with quite a bit of bench and chair seating under a low-ish ceiling which gives it a cozy feel. On the right, the ceilings are full height and the seating space tapers in as you go further to the back of the shop, again with plenty of tables and chairs.

The menu is varied and includes cooked and lighter breakfasts, salads and sweet things from local cakers & bakers Leo's Beanery. Vegetarians will find plenty of choice and there's a skew toward healthy foods.

The decor feels relaxed, warm and light. The pale teal, white and timber colour scheme maximises the light that comes in through the front and rear windows, but the soft seating and exposed brick combines to create a calming environment in tune with the greenery out front.

All in all a lovely spot and a great addition to the local community!

More: facebook.com/CastelloCoffee/

Bearded Barista - Stockbridge Market

Dock Place EH6 6LU »Map«

Regular Saturdays - check his Twitter for details Espresso Coffee: Williams & Johnson Also: A sweet brownie type thing

Coolness: Grab a great coffee while you do your market shopping

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The Bearded Barista (5♥) is Lewis uses Williams & Johnson coffee at his Stockbridge Markets stall on some Sundays - check Lewis' twitter feed for details.

Apart from great coffee, you can also expect a very friendly and down-to-earth experience with Lewis who is very attentive and happy to chat.

Other stalls at the Stockbridge Market (which is a sister market to the Leith and Grassmarket Markets) offer fresh veggies, seafood, poultry, meats cheeses, tasty take-away street foods and hand-made products. Many a local does their weekly fresh food shop at these markets, supporting smaller local producers which we are big fans of.

Williams & Johnson and Lewis regularly change their beans. You could find yourself drinking Brazilian, Costa Rican, Ethiopian or Kenyan - or something else depending on the season.

Grabbing a coffee and wandering around the markets is a very nice way to spend time!

More: Bearded Barista Twitter

Thomas J Walls Coffee

35 Forrest Rd EH1 2QT »Map«

Open every day Espresso, ice americano, ice latte Coffee: Squaremile Also: Meals, cakes, beans

Coolness: Stylish nostalgia meets all day brunches

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Thomas J Walls Coffee (5♥) is a large, elegant coffee shop located on the South side of Edinburgh's busy Old Town, near the National Museum of Scotland.

Owner Jonathan Sharpe has a number of other shops in Edinburgh and offers consistently high quality espresso-based coffee from long-time supplier London's Squaremile. The house bean is generally their Red Brick seasonal espresso, a particular favourite of ours, and guest beans are often available.

The site used to be an optician's shop and many a local, and their parents (and probably their grandparents) has had their eyes tested and glasses fitted here. The transformation to coffee shop has been sympathetic to these origins, preserving the original frontage, complete with the brass company name lettering and display windows. Look out for the shop logo that also smartly blends spectacles and coffee cup.

Visitors will be rewarded not just with lovely coffee, but also good food. Brunches are a main staple, well-suited to the relaxed and spacious surrounds. Options include rosti with spinach, smoked salmon, poached eggs and hollandaise, shakshuka, yoghurt & granola and the ever-present avocado on toast among others. Freshly made juices, soups, sandwiches and cakes are also on the menu.

There are plenty of tables and chairs in the front part of the shop and more to the rear, along with some softer seating by way of arm chairs and a sofa. The decor is simple and stylish and when combined with some very nice paintings, high ceilings and old world touches, adds up to a classy feel. Big thumbs up from us.

Machina Espresso Tollcross

2 Brougham Pl EH3 9HW Edinburgh »Map«

Open every day Espresso, Chemex Coffee: Machina Espresso & guests Also: Soups, cakes, beans Dog-friendly

Coolness: Beautiful coffee equipment a stones throw from The Meadows

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Machina Espresso (5♥) is one of Edinburgh's best, on all coffee fronts. Coffee to drink, coffee beans to buy and coffee making equipment in a variety of shapes and forms.

Located just past Tollcross as you head out of town and very near The Meadows, Machina Espresso is friendly and passionate.

They roast their own carefully sourced single-origin beans as well offering a variety of other small batches. You can choose your preferred brewing method and beans and the baristas are very happy to step you through your options and genuinely want you to enjoy coffee, which is great for two reasons:

1 - You'll get a great coffee while you're there. You might like to try something new (brew method or bean variety) or an old favourite, but can be sure you'll be getting great coffee.

2 - You can get everything you need for home brewing in all shapes, sizes and budgets. These guys are coffee equipment suppliers for private and commercial use, so offer a wide variety of machines, some of which are very shiny and expensive but plenty that are more affordable. They're also distributors of Inker cups and have a raft of equipment and guidance on their website.

Machina Espresso is definitely among Edinburgh's finest coffee shops (and coffee equipment providers) and well worth the visit.

More: facebook.com/machinaespresso/

Rialto Coffee Co

33 High St Eyemouth TD14 5EY »Map«

Tues-Sat Espresso & Chemex Coffee: Clifton & Union Also: Sandwiches, cakes

Coolness: Big city specialty coffee in charming seaside Eyemouth

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Rialto Coffee (5♥) is in the heart of Eyemouth - near the border with England on the East coast of Scotland.

Co-owner Michael is as obsessed and passionate about specialty coffee as you'll find anywhere, working closely with Clifton Coffee and Union for espresso and Chemex respectively. Although from time to time other tasty roasts make their way into their Mahlkonig EK43 grinder. For espresso you can expect some of the best choclatey profile beans around, and on the filter side, Michael changes regularly, exploring beans and origins and taking his customers to new places.

While there's been a cafe on Rialto soil since 1905, Michael's parents bought the shop in 2002 and ran a traditional cafe offering hot coffees and big breakfasts until 2012, when Michael and his partner Eilyn moved to Eyemouth and took it on. In 2014 they refurbished the shop and made the switch to specialty coffee - thereby becoming Eyemouth's first (and still only) specialty coffee shop.

Michael and Eilyn's ethos is one of respect and enjoyment. While their big board in the shop shows the coffee farmer and origin to help customers connect - "just like when you buy a box of eggs you know who the farmer is" - the team are also very attentive to customers' preferences. Some have taken the journey from large, hot sugary cups to specialty coffee proportions, but others just want what they want, and that's what they get! "It's nice to be nice" is the way Rialto rolls.

The food on the menu is pretty big, so you're bound to find something you like. Rialto's menu uses high quality ingredients, changes seasonally, features local premium suppliers and is made on premises. To give you a sense, you may find yourself tucking into home made sausage rolls, soups, sandwiches, ciabatta and panini with ingredients such as slow roasted pork shoulder, fresh mozzarella, roasted butternut squash, feta and beetroot hummus. Plus options such as chick pea tagine, Argentinian empanadas (think pasty) and Greek spanakopita (think filo, feta and spinach). Oh and there are the cakes! - made by Eilyn. On display at the counter you'll find a wide range of sticky, fruity, chocolatey cakey goodness to choose from. We also grabbed a couple of bottles of locally produced Left Field Kombucha tea - and there were other craft producers on offer.

The shop frontage is deceptive - looking like a small traditional store from the street, but there's plenty of space inside, with tables and chairs in both the front and out the back past the servery.

Being just one street back from the sea front, Rialto is an absolute joy to swing by after a wander along the beach, around the active Eyemouth dock or along the many walking routes in the area.

And the icing on the cake for those considering a visit is the resident seals in Eyemouth harbour. For a pound or two you can buy fish from a van, clip them on to fishing lines and lower them down to the seals as they loll about in the water with an air of expectation.

More: facebook.com/rialtocoffeeco/

Spitfire Espresso

127 Candleriggs G1 1NP Glasgow »Map«

Open every day Espresso Coffee: Avenue bespoke blend Also: Meals, cakes, beans, dog-friendly

Coolness: 1950s retro decor and brand

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Spitfire Espresso (5♥) is located in Glasgow's busy Merchant City area and sits on the corner of Candleriggs and Ingram Street, with big windows facing both.

Owner Danny is originally from New Zealand but has very much set himself up in Glasgow as 'home', opening up Spitfire in 2015. On offer is local roaster Avenue's coffee - a bespoke blend of Colombian and Brazilian - made with great relish and focus.

The food is of equally high quality and includes wholesome big breakfasts, soups, sandwiches and a wide array of mouth-watering cakes.

Spitfire has a great atmosphere, created in no small part by the super-friendly and high energy host and team. They're very keen for you to have a good time and will check in regularly to make sure you're happy. The other part of what makes Spitfire a great place to visit is the decor. The 1950s war-time nostalgia theme is unique and chirpy. Combine that with a bit of sunshine through those big windows and you won't want to leave.

There's plenty of seating with tables and chairs inside and out, and bench seating along both big windows that face the street.

You can also pick up a Spitfire cap (we do love a bit of coffee merch) and Frank Lloyd cups.

Spitfire Espresso definitely offers some of the best coffee Glasgow has to offer.

More: Spitfire facebook

Papii

101 Hanover St EH2 1DJ »Map«

Open every day Espresso Coffee: Artisan Roast Also: Full meals, beans, Frank Green cups Child-friendly

Coolness: Friendly, cosy with a light and airy feeling

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Papii (5♥) in the New Town has a welcoming crisp white frontage and almost summery feel inside with friendly, friendly staff.

They have a very shiny Kees Van Der Westen Mirage thermo-syphon coffee machine - for those who are fond of this level of geekery - and use local Artisan Roast Janzsoon blend coffee. If you're fond of a big, bolshy espresso-based coffee then you'll love Papii. A flat white here will keep you buzzing for a while, and it's very well made.

They offer wholesome and substantial breakfasts, brunches, soups, sandwiches, pastries, scones and much more. This is one of the New Town's best places to go if you want good coffee and a full cooked breakfast or lunch.

It's relatively small with mostly white tables and chairs of various shapes and sizes and counters against both front windows so you can sit on stools to watch the world go by. They're kid-friendly with baby changing facilities in the loo.

More: Facebook

It All Started Here

75 Deanston Dr G41 3AQ Glasgow »Map«

Tuesday to Sunday Espresso & batch brew Coffee: Guests

Coolness: Some of the best guest roasters around

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It All Started Here (5♥) is William Heenan's specialty coffee shop - a welcome evolution from his much loved coffee pop-up stall that has been doing the rounds at Glasgow outdoor markets and events for several years.

This shop that seats around a dozen folk is all about high end specialty coffee. Will's constantly on the look out for top notch guest roasters as well as featuring their long time favourites Sheffield based Foundry Coffee Roasters and London's Workshop and Caravan. You can expect "lots of naturals, lots of African coffee, lots of fun, interesting tasting notes and (hopefully) sweet, juicy, fruity brews."

Located in Shawlands just near Queen's Park, Will also serves Edinburgh's Pekoe Tea, hot chocolate and cakes such as banana bread, financiers, lemon drizzle and brownies.

More: http://facebook.com/allstartedhere

Written in partnership with our coffee buddy Leanne Graham
- - Instagram @glw.coffee.snob & peaceandjam1