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

Spider on a bicycle

Station Square Aboyne Aberdeenshire AB34 5HX »Map«

Open every day except Monday Espresso Coffee: Papercup Also: Meals, cakes, alcohol

Coolness: Stately interior, out of the cold with tasty coffee, or sit outside on sunny days

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Spider on a bicycle was recommended by one of our coffee lovers, and is high on our list for a visit soon.

They've not stinted on the gear - with their La Marzocco pride of place - and use Glasgow-based Papercup Coffee which we rate highly.

The shop is on Station Square in a stone building that was once part of the railway and has an airy, elegant feel with the curved ceiling and windows, enhanced by a cheery, classy colour scheme. The decor of recycled timbers and eclectic home-away-from-home furnishings adds to the relaxed ambience.

The wholesome food is generally made on site using ingredients sourced as locally as possible. You'll enjoy a varying menu of creative cakes, salads, soups, mezze style platters, brunches, toasties and more. Vegetarians as well as meat eaters will find joy here!

Dogs are welcome. This is definitely a coffee highlight in the region!

(Photos from Spider on a bicycle's instagram stream)

More: facebook.com/pg/spideronabicycle/

The Little Bakery

6-7 High St South Queensferry EH30 9PP »Map«

Open every day Espresso Coffee: Has Bean Also: Full menu

Coolness: The backdrop of the Forth's three bridges

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The Little Bakery is on South Queensferry's High Street - which has to be one of Scotland's quaintest, plus its location and view of the bridges is stunning.

On the coffee front, you can choose from all the usual espresso-based options using their own Little Bakery blend from Stafford-based coffee roasters Hasbean. When we visited it was 60% El Salvador Argentina washed and 40% Bolivia Don Carlos Bourbon washed. Hasbean is a highly regarded speciality coffee roaster and relatively rare in Scottish coffee shops, so South Queensferry residents are indeed fortunate.

Their wide range of cakes are made onsite and include scones, brownies, biscuits, cakes, cupcakes and more sitting alongside a big brunch-related menu plus burgers, salads and sandwiches.

You order and pay at the counter and your food is brought to your table.

We would say, however, that this shop isn't little. It's actually quite big and does a roaring trade with a constant queue of customers.

More: The Little Bakery Facebook

Little Fitzroy

45 Easter Rd EH7 5PL »Map«

Everyday except Tuesday Filter, Espresso, Cold Coffee: Guests Also: Meals, cakes, juices Dog friendly

Coolness: Melbournesque overtones - nuff said!

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Little Fitzroy takes it's name from the Melbourne suburb, well known for it's quality speciality coffee among many other cool things.

They're located on Easter Road - near the London Road end - and offer kalita wave filter, espresso and cold coffees. Their choice of high quality speciality coffee suppliers include locals such as Fortitude, Machina, William and Johnson, Common, Obadiah and Dear Green as well as folks from a little further afield such as personal faves of ours Girls who Grind.

Expect to choose from two espresso and two filter coffees on any visit - expertly made and regularly changing to keep your taste buds entertained.

Their food is freshly prepped, includes indulgent cakes and is vegan. They open at 7am which is another nod to Aussie coffee shops who recognise that the need is greater in the morning than later in the day!

They also have a selection of home brew kit. Handy.

(Photo: Little Fitzroy)

More: instagram.com/littlefitzroy/

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

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 :)

Unorthodox Roasters

129 High St Kinross KY13 8AQ »Map«

Open Wed-Sun Pour over, espresso Coffee: Unorthodox Roasters Also: Beans, light meals, brew kit

Coolness: Big open windows on to historic Kinross town

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Unorthodox Roasters in the town of Kinross - about a 50 minute drive North of Edinburgh - is a roastery and cafe.

Owners Neil Buchan and Chris Bode have their 6kg Giesen roaster proudly sitting up front alongside the customers’ chairs and tables.

They offer V60 pour over and, more recently, have added espresso based drinks to their menu. Their overarching ethos is to ensure customers are getting what they want.

They're aiming to demystify specialty coffee for their customers by fully explaining the taste profiles of their range and encouraging customers to try new things, as well as catering to those who tend toward a traditional taste profile.

It's worth visiting their website to get the gist of their unorthodox ethos, and you can order beans - and now specialty teas - to be delivered by mail if Kinross is not in your neighbourhood. Their range changes but this gives you an indicator:

• Wee Stoater - Chocolate, Hazelnut, Caramel - Brazil/Nicaragua
• Fire Bird - Chestnut, Apricot, Chocolate - Rwanda/Brazil
• Politik - Make. Coffee. Great. Again. - Rwanda
• Clockword Ninja - Brazil nut, Apple, Cocao - Colombia
• Jackpot - Blood orange zest - D.R. Congo

The food menu is evolving and includes avocado on sourdough, smoked salmon bagels, banana loaf, brownies and other cakes. And the cafe is quite roomy with lots of light, a rustic-meets-make-do-hipster decor and plenty of room to sit down and chill out.

Neil and Chris were inspired by a major trip they took through Central and South America - much of which was spent building their appreciation and knowledge of specialty coffee. Prior to this epiphany, neither had a background in coffee but have since been engrossed and have now realised their dream to both roast coffee, and open their coffee shop.

And to finish - this is one of the few places in Kinross and surrounds that's open on a Sunday - for all the walkers, runners and cyclists out there!

More: facebook.com/unorthodoxroasters/

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/

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

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

The Little Green Van

Cnr Portobello Promenade & Bellfield St EH15 2BR »Map«

Open Fri-Sun Espresso Coffee: Artisan Roast Also: Light meals, cakes

Coolness: Other than the very cute van, panoramic beach views

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The Little Green Van (4♥) looks directly on to Portobello beach and is on the promenade, at the foot of Bellfield street.

The friendly owners of the easily recognisable Citroen HY van offer well made Artisan Roast coffee right on the beach front.

Also on offer are tasty hot sandwiches, soups, pastries, icecreams and tea or hot chocolate - all made to an equally high quality.

Portobello beach is lovely spot to visit for a walk along the promenade and is frequented by many a parent and dog owner.

The Little Green Van is part of the experience and offers some of the best coffee in the area.

Kaf Coffee

5 Hyndland St G11 5QE »Map«

Open every day Espresso, pour over Coffee: Guests Also: Meals, cakes, beans

Coolness: Lovely food cooked on premises

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Kaf Coffee (5♥) is a small and perfectly formed coffee bar and bakery in Glasgow's West End area.

Specialty coffee reigns supreme here and visitors can expect to enjoy a constantly changing menu of pedigree roasters. Week to week choices will vary, but some of these names will give you an indication of the treats you're in for: Fortitude, Workshop, James Gourmet, Union and many more to come.

Kaf offers high quality pour over and espresso based coffees - made to exacting standards. You can also pick up coffee merch such as Colonna coffee capsules (Nespresso compatible compostable coffee pods), Keep Cups, pourover and aeropress kit and filters as well as some smart, Scandi-inspired cups and what nots.

While this is a wee shop that seats 9-10 people inside and a couple more out front, owner Leo is managing to produce some stand out food on site. In many cases for a shop of this size, the coffee would be the primary focus but Leo's managing to produce food to an equally high standard.

Meals will vary and include all day breakfast until 4pm of Scandi plates (e.g.boiled egg, bacon, cheese, new potato, hummus, sourdough, fruit and granola with yoghurt), breakfast rolls, porridge and grilled cheese sandwiches. And additional lunch options include a wide range of whole food sandwiches (e.g. ingredients include felafel, tuna nicoise, hazelnut pesto, pastrami). And the cakes, custard tarts, brownies, biscuits, puff pastry tarts and more that are on display are pretty much eye poppers.

Owner Leo brings to Kaf the skills and knowledge she's gathered through considerable time in some of Edinburgh and Glasgow's best specialty coffee houses. And has now set up her own offering that is a unique combination of food and coffee that's all her own.

And we love the 'KAF Coffee Glasgow' branding and tote bags - bravo.

More: facebook.com/kafcoffee/

Space Speciality Coffee House

540 Dumbarton Rd Glasgow G11 6SW »Map«

Open every day except Monday Espresso, cold, iced, v60, Aeropress Coffee: Union and guests Also: Cakes Dog-friendly

Coolness: The custom paint job on the espresso machine is the biz

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Space Speciality Coffee House (4♥) sports a coral pink Lamarzocco and is in Patrick, north west of Glasgow’s city centre.

They’re using Union coffee, including their cold brew co-produced with Edinburgh’s Brew Lab. You can also eat cake or order a Chinese Tea ceremony.

The vibe is friendly with a big window at the front with bench seating. And behind the servery area there’s a selection of tables and chairs.

We like the quirky, optimistic colour scheme.

More: Space Speciality Coffee House Facebook

Gather Kitchen & Deli

49 High St Carnoustie DD7 6AD »Map«

Open every day Espresso Coffee: Sacred Grounds Also: Meals, groceries, alcohol, deli Dog-friendly

Coolness: Creative and strong on local produce

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Gather Kitchen & Deli offers tasty whole food, coffee and deli goods - including a substantial selection of Scottish gins - as well as veggies and other supplies.

Expect a creative menu, well-prepared coffee, a range of groceries from local producers.

Coffee is provided by Arbroath-based roasters Sacred Grounds, and cafe owner Bethany Bowles is well on her way with the Tayside Women Ahead, Young Business Woman of the Year Award 2017 under her belt already - bravo!

We rate Sacred Grounds and their seasonally roasted, bright and tasty coffees highly. You can find out more about their ethos from co-owner Kathryn Baker here as part of my women in coffee series. Retail bags are available at Gather for your home brewing needs.

Gather is definitely worth putting on your visit list when you're in the area.

More: facebook.com/gathercarnoustie/

Short Long Black

501 Victoria Rd Glasgow G42 8RL »Map«

Open every day except Wednesday Espresso, cold, iced, filter Coffee: Thomson's Also: Meals, cakes Dog-friendly

Coolness: Creative food on lovely locally made dinnerware

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Short Long Black (4♥) is located South of Glasgow's city centre - near Queen's Park.

They're working with local Glasgow roaster Thomson's and making some tasty, seasonally changing espresso-based and filter coffees.

The menu is equally good - including creative brunches and waffle creations. The menu changes often and is flexed to your likes, from meat lovers through to vegan.

This is a thoughtfully designed and inviting space. We love the teal, ochre and navy colour scheme, softened by the light timber furnishings and pergola style ceiling, complete with hanging pot plants.

They also use local ceramicist Claire Henry's hand-thrown dinnerware, cups and jugs, which is super stylish and super lovely, with some items available for purchase in store.

More: Instagram

Thomson's Coffee Roasters - The Arches

Argyle Street Arches 253 Argyle St Glasgow G2 8DL »Map«

Open every day Espresso, batch brew, nitro Coffee: Thomson's Also: Meals, cakes, alcohol

Coolness: Roastery, café, bakery and training centre - in a great historic setting

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Thomson's Coffee Roasters is proud of its heritage. So much so, that 'Est 1841' is part of their logo and their history still plays out in their 'legacy' coffee roasts, alongside their more modern range.

Critical to Thomson's survival for nearly 180 years is their focus on their customers and their willingness and capability to change as their customers' tastes and desires change. That's wholesale customers to whom they supply large quantities of beans, and retail customers of all sorts who want coffee for home, from 18 to 80+ years old.

Installing themselves in a major way within the redeveloping Argyle Street Arches (5♥) is another move by Thomson's to not just stay with modern coffee drinkers' needs and wants, but to provide more than most realise they want yet.

It's a roastery, cafe that seats around 60 people, stone-baked pizzeria and training centre for wholesale and consumer coffee lovers, and all set within one of the Argyle Street Arches right by Glasgow Central Station. An arch that is cavernous, beautiful, evocative of Glasgow's industrial leadership, stylish and welcoming.

Further proof of intentionally balancing heritage, community and innovation, The Arches also hosts Platform - a weekly street food market open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A wide range of independent vendors set up each weekend and sell tasty portions, from Japanese octopus to vegan sausages, to shrimp burgers and creme brulee - alongside craft beers and other drinks.

A few things help us like Thomson's approach to coffee.

One is that they love dogs, which may be irrelevant to some readers, but the other is their inclusive approach. Having chatted with Managing Director Russell Jenkins at last year's Edinburgh Coffee Festival, I like that they continue to flame-roast darker coffees for some of their established customers because those customers are valued.While Thomson's is also experimenting with newer coffees (their 'lab') and providing single origin coffees with lighter roasting styles, replacing the flame thrower with a Loring Smart Roaster for their 'new standard' range, designed for specialty coffee palettes.

Roasters who were established in the 1800s face a bit of an identity challenge if they seek to reinvent themselves for today's specialty coffee lovers. Thomson's is doing a grand job of it.

More: facebook.com/pg/thomsonscoffee/

Bearded Baker

46 Rodney St EH7 4DX »Map«

Open every day Espresso Coffee: Williams & Johnson Also: Meals, beans, local food products Dog-friendly

Coolness: The hint is in the title - bagel & doughnut happyland

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The Bearded Baker (3♥) is a small and stylish bakery coffee shop on the North side of Edinburgh - heading toward Cannon Mills and Inverleith.

To complement their locally famous bakery items, owners Rowan and Julia have chosen Edinburgh coffee roaster Williams & Johnson. You can expect their juicy, high altitude coffee profile, changing regularly as they source coffees from around the world.

The shop is light-filled and elegantly styled in a way that feels effortless, but is actually hard to achieve, making the most of their small space. You can sit down to a couple of light wooden tables with wooden chairs and stools - or the high bench across the front window facing the street.

Alongside good coffee, bagels (boiled then baked) and filled doughnuts are their main gig. Rowan and his crew often bake batches multiple times a day to satisfy hungry customers, so you can be sure they're super fresh. 

Being a bakery, you can load up your shopping bags or sit in and enjoy your bagels with avocado, bacon or smoked salmon. They also do a cracking sour dough bread and offer gluten-free alternatives. Big fluffy doughnuts are filled with a jam and cream option on any given day - changing flavours to keep things both interesting and mouthwatering.

The menu also includes a regularly changing vegan and gluten free soup, salad and cake every day, alongside a range of other cakes for the diary and wheat oriented.

The Bearded Baker is a pedigreed supplier of bagels and doughnuts to some of our other favourite Edinburgh high quality coffee shops including Filament, Fortitude, Williams & Johnson at Custom Lane and Lowdown among many others. 

At their shop they also use and sell the produce of other local, independent artisans such as Dollop & Scoff (jams & chutneys), Blondilox (porridge blend bags), Pekoe Tea, Coco hot chocolates and Harry's treats (dog treats).

They're open seven days - generally early until 5pm on week days and 9am-4pm on weekends. Definitely one to put on your regular visit list.

More: facebook.com/bakerbearded 

Hideout Cafe - Leith

40 Queen Charlotte St EH6 6AX »Map«

Open every day Espresso Coffee: Clifton Coffee Dog-friendly Also: Meals, cakes Free wifi

Coolness: Two walls of lovely arched windows let in loads of light

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The Hideout Cafe (3♥) feels nice as soon as you walk in. The staff are very friendly and the locals are clearly very fond of their cafe.

They do a nice coffee using Bristol’s Clifton Coffee - possibly the only Edinburgh shop regularly using the highly regarded Clifton.

On the corner with Constitution Street, both exterior walls are made up of delicate arched windows that run nearly floor to ceiling. The furnishing is warm and simple using bentwood chairs and round wooden tables.

There's plenty of choice on the menu for breakfast and lunch including pastries, porridge, bacon & eggs, soup, panini, wraps and sandwiches. A selection of cakes is always available and they offer kid-friendly sizes on items including soup, scrambled eggs and a babyccino or hot chocolate, both with marshmallows.

More: thehideoutcafe.co.uk