The return to Edinburgh in September can only mean one thing: a sharp increase in tote bags, comfy sweaters and the never-ending hunt for a perfect coffee shop.
As an eternally optimistic fresher, I have just begun this hunt and, as a fresher, I want to find one close to my accommodation, relatively affordable, good for studying, and with the best vibe.
This week, I picked Elmrow Café, a small shop at the top of Leith Street. Admittedly, it is slightly too far out of the city centre for the average student, but it only took 25 minutes to walk back to George Square. I’m telling myself it was a good way to burn off the cake and, amidst the early afternoon autumnal sun, Edinburgh looked at its best.
Sitting at a two-person window seat with my friend (and fellow coffee-shop enthusiast), the sunlight filtered through the trees opposite Leith Street and jazz songs played in the background. In short: the perfect coffee shop atmosphere. The fairy lights along the handrail on the mezzanine level added a cozy touch, as did the small vases of red-orange flowers placed on each table.
The shop has an extensive menu with smoothies, alcoholic drinks, and a wide range of teas and coffees on offer, as well as all the food a student could want. I ordered a masala chai with Lotus Biscoff and caramel brownie, and my friend chose a cranberry and apple tea with a slice of carrot and pecan cake.
I did feel there could have been a wider range of sweet treats, but the brownie was crumbly and had that sickly sweet taste I was craving; the carrot and pecan cake was the most generous serving and reviewed as “solid” by my friend (what any Edinburgh student is after, surely!). I can’t wait to try the spinach and feta filo pastry next time.
The hot drinks were served in teapots (a must, as I’m sure you all know) and mismatched cups completed the aesthetic. The cranberry and apple tea was a gorgeous pink colour and both teas were the perfect mix of comforting and thoughtfully created flavours.
Here’s the verdict on Elmrow Coffee:
Location: 3/5
Price: 2/5 (£8.80 for tea and brownie)
Study atmosphere: 4/5
Food and drink: 4/5
Overall vibe: 5/5
Image provided by Ria Manvatkar