From Marchmont to Leith to New Town, coffee shops cascade down every cobbled street Edinburgh has to offer, with enticing, painted shopfronts tempting you to go in. So, as the new semester begins and the days gradually turn darker and colder, I’m sure I haven’t been the only one attempting to filter through and find my go-to café for cosy studying or that essential pre-lecture coffee. Tried and tested through Welcome Week, my highest recommendation goes to the independent Black Medicine Coffee Co., five minutes from central campus, easily found on Nicholson Street by its lush green exterior.
Push through its antique double doors and inside you’ll find Black Medicine has expertly honed an autumnal and homey feel with exposed stone walls and chunky wooden features. Made up of substantial benches, independent window seats and unique side tables, the seating of Black Medicine is fitting for any occasion, groups large or small. It’s down the large stone steps, however, where Black Medicine really creates comfort, as the whistling of the milk frother and the whirring of the blender fade away into calm chatter. Being a desirable atmosphere for studying, the basement’s vast supply of tables become occupied by students daily, a chai latte to their left and a sea of textbooks to their right.
Though atmosphere plays a significant role in ensuring Black Medicine’s high status among students, their exquisite coffees are also vital. A rarity among Edinburgh’s cafe network, Black Medicine encourages speciality flavours by providing an extensive list of 24 additional drink syrups, whether that be the stereotypical winter flavours of cinnamon and gingerbread or unusual floral flavours such as violet. In search of food as well? Black Medicine has got you covered with its counter serving up a delectable choice of snacks, from halloumi and red pepper bagels to vegan biscoff cake, my personal favourite.
Settling down with a warm drink and cake, watching passersby and ticking off some essential reading from a cosy corner makes Black Medicine a café that should be on every Edinburgh student’s bucket list this academic year.
So, why not head over now? You might even nab yourself a coveted window seat.
Image provided by Niamh Stone.