With October upon us, it is the season of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, and accompanying it the
daily commutes to every coffee lovers’ favourite place – Starbucks. For some, this
combination of caffeine and aromatic spices is integral to a proper fall. However, with prices
starting at £4.20 this love affair can soon get costly. So if you want to give your wallet a
break or are curious about what autumnal coffee shops the city of Edinburgh has to offer
keep on reading.
August 21 Coffee House:
Tucked away in Newington, this artsy coffee shop has everything you need for your seasonal
fix. From their Miso Caramel and Pecan Blondie to their Spiced Ginger Cake (V and GF),
August 21 has all your fall snacks covered. They also offer a wide range of syrups so there
are endless hot drink options for you to explore.
The Milkman Coffee:
If you are looking for a cosy, secluded spot to spend the day then look no further than The
Milkman Coffee shop. With cushioned window seats and warm blankets, this is autumnal
heaven. Indulge in one of their home-baked pastries and enjoy looking out at the historically
quaint Cockburn Street as you sip away at one of the many hot drinks on offer.
Uplands Roast:
Deciding to go on a scenic walk through the Meadows? Then make sure to stop at Uplands
Roast. This quirky trailer makes the perfect pit stop as they sell both artisan brews and
gourmet hot chocolates. For a reasonable price, you can enjoy a warming drink topped with
chocolate curls and marshmallows which are toasted using a blow torch!
Mimi’s Bakehouse:
If you are a Halloween lover then run don’t walk to Mimi’s bakehouse! This family-run bakery
offers everything imaginable from ghost-topped PSL’s to a Halloween themed afternoon tea
(13th-31st Oct). They also make cakes to order so you can bring the fall festivities to your
own home.
Mayvn:
Who says coffee shops are just for the daytime? This trendy and slightly more upscale
coffee shop is open till 9 pm Mon-Wed and 10 pm Thur-Saturday making it the perfect place
to spend the dark autumn nights. Not only that they have plenty of pastries including my
personal favourite the Almond and Apple slice.
Cafe @ Art College:
If a Pumpkin Spice Latte is all you are craving but you don’t want to pay Starbucks prices
then head to The Café at The Edinburgh College of Art. This limited edition drink has all the
regular warming flavours but at a fraction of the usual price. Plus, you can enjoy the
picturesque setting of the college green whilst taking in a view of Edinburgh Castle.
SHRUB coop:
For a completely vegan experience head to the Cafe at the SHRUB coop. Here you will find
delicious vegan cakes and traybakes as well as the most impressive autumn window display.
This non-profit Cafe is committed to waste prevention meaning you are helping your
community whilst enjoying a well deserved treat
As you can see, there are a plethora of must-visit coffee shops around Edinburgh which are
perfect for achieving that ultimate autumn feeling. So next time you find yourself on auto-pilot
heading to that well known franchise why not try out one of Edinburgh’s own instead?
Image via Saskia Bolwell