Everyone loves a coffee, whether it’s a pre 9am coffee run to kick start a dreary Monday, a pick me up at 3pm on a Thursday afternoon when your keyboard starts to look comfortable enough for a snooze, a Saturday morning post gym class or a lazy Sunday when the only decision you have to make is the salted caramel brownie or carrot cake– or both?

Saturday 29^th September is National Coffee Day and it wouldn’t be right to pass this day without sampling the best of the best. Based in Edinburgh I have come to try and love a number of independent coffee shops all over the city, with a list of those I have yet to try growing weekly!

For me, a cosy coffee shop is a must when Saturdays are spent blog writing. Coffee on tap- yes please – but lets not forget the importance of good wifi, better cakes and a welcoming atmosphere. I’ve rounded up a few of my favourites throughout Edinburgh so regardless of where you are in the city, hopefully one is close by!

Toast  
A romantic wine bar situated on the shore with the ability to serve up a silky flat white late into the night. Grab a seat by the window and watch the world go by from this mediterranean escape. If you make it in for breakfast be sure to order the Huevos Rancheros or pick from the wide selection of freshly baked cakes! Beware: if your will power is anything like mine, it won’t take long before the wine list lands on the table and you are swapping out the flat white for a large, dry white! Enjoy.
[65 The Shore, EH6 6RA]

The Haven
Ever feel like you would just love to call to your granny’s house? Feeling homesick or just struggling with a little hangover? The Haven is my all time favourite on days like this. Anything from a granola yoghurt bowl, a heated scone with homemade jam or a full Scottish can be ordered, coffee arriving in mismatched cups and served with a friendly smile. Its easy to bypass this cosy corner but drop by and experience a little slice of haven.
[9 Anchorfield, EH6 4JG]

Pastry Section
Brownie lovers look no further. This quickly became my favourite place to grab an iced coffee over the summer months but believe me, it is near impossible, actually completely impossible, to go here without grabbing a cake. Or two. I mean its like Philip and Holly, gin and tonic, chip and dip, wash and blow-dry… you get the drift. Coffee and cake are all thats on offer and you absolutely must try it!
[86 Raeburn place, EH4 1HH]

Burr & Co
Nestled in amongst the corporate cluster, this absolute beauty provides the perfect pit stop for a caffeine fix mid shopping spree. Edinburgh’s Burr & Co, located beside the recently renovated Principal Hotel, will give you the perfect excuse to avoid the average Joe americano on every corner of George Street!  If you time it right, you may even catch the famous resident puppy, Nala, and if you’re feeling a little generous, offer a tip in response to some mind boggling questions (see below… why so difficult?!). That’s just a couple of reasons for checking out this luxury spot!
[2 George Street, EH2 2PB]

Lovecrumbs
Hidden under the stairs of St Stephen Street boasts a sister store of the original Lovecrumbs coffee shop on Bread Street. Feel welcomed into the pokey cafe offering some of the best carrot cake I’ve tasted (yes there is a theme developing here, all cake is considered a friend…). Have a nosey at the range of goods stocked from the Century General Store whilst the talented barista creates a perfectly crafted latte, get it to take away and shop along some of the best shops Edinburgh has to offer!
[22 St Stephen Street, EH3 5AL]

Steampunk Coffee Roasters
Work related site visits to North Berwick are often fuelled by the coffee from this creative wonderland. Situated behind the High Street, this cool, minimalistic coffee shop is filled with mummy’s, dogs, their owners and professionals alike, all there for the caffeine injection to see the through the day… and maybe a grilled cheese. Take a day trip to the East Coast , take a walk along the beach and fuel up in this original coffee roaster. If you can’t face the journey, the guys often are found at the Stockbridge Market in a funky van, there is no excuse!
[49A Kirk Ports, North Berwick, EH38 4HL]

Get a trip to one of these perfectly delicious, independent coffee shops factored into your weekend plans to celebrate National Coffee Day. From the perfect latte to decor, wifi speed and amazing cakes on offer, I’ve considered it all. Choose from one of the above (or two or three) and take it all in, you won’t be disappointed!

If you have a favourite I haven’t mentioned, hook me up! I love trying new places, and Edinburgh has so much on offer I’m sure to have missed a few goodies. Enjoy, and if you are debating with yourself – HAVE THE BROWNIE, you deserve it!

Lots of love
Caoilfhionn
WearWhatWorks

Its never too early, its never too late, coffee time is the one I rate!