It’s almost impossible to escape the buzz surrounding Blank Street Coffee. The Brooklyn-born chain, which has rapidly expanded across the US and England, has now made its way to Scotland, opening two locations in Edinburgh at the end of January—one on Victoria Street and another on Princes Street. Given its impressive growth since launching in 2020, it’s no surprise that Blank Street’s arrival has already made waves among Edinburgh’s coffee enthusiasts.
Blank Street Coffee first emerged in Brooklyn, New York, in 2020, and quickly gained traction thanks to savvy marketing, influencer partnerships, and a carefully curated brand identity. Collaborations with internet “it-girls” like Emma Chamberlain, Kendall Jenner, and Sabrina Carpenter cemented its appeal among Gen-Z consumers. The chain’s expansion into London was nearly instantaneous, and now, Edinburgh appears to be next on its list.
Walking into a Blank Street Coffee, you immediately recognise the aesthetic they’re selling: a sleek, minimalist interior that embodies the “clean girl” or “pilates girl” lifestyle. The Victoria Street location is larger than its Princes Street counterpart, though neither is designed for lingering. Unlike the cosy charm of independent cafés, Blank Street prioritises efficiency – using high-volume automated “Eversys” espresso machines to get customers in and out quickly. While there’s no laptop policy, the space doesn’t encourage long study sessions or lingering over a book—this is a place for a quick caffeine fix and a chat with friends, rather than a place for working or socialising at length.
One of the biggest questions surrounding any coffee chain remains: is the coffee actually good? Blank Street’s pricing aligns with average Edinburgh coffee spots, with all large drinks—including special and seasonal editions—coming in at under £5, making it a fair deal compared to some independent competitors.
The quality of the coffee itself is solid but unremarkable. Since the drinks are machine-made, they lack the artisanal touch that some coffee purists might crave. However, their matcha stands out for its vibrant green colour, which indicates a high-quality of the powder used.
To get a taste of what Blank Street has to offer, I sampled some of their most hyped drinks: the Blueberry Matcha, the Daydream Matcha, and the Pistachio Latte. The flavours were enjoyable but definitely on the sweet side—perfect for those who love flavoured coffee and matcha but not ideal if you prefer a more traditional, earthy/grassy taste. I also tried a Cold Brew Latte to gauge their standard coffee offering; it was a reliable, no-frills option that would satisfy those who prefer a simpler caffeine fix.
Blank Street Coffee is undeniably stylish and well-marketed, and its Edinburgh locations are sure to attract a dedicated following. However, the charm of independent cafés is missing, and the high-efficiency business model means it doesn’t offer the same laid-back experience you might find in local favourites. If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy trendy, flavoured drinks, you’ll love their seasonal creations. But if you’re looking for a cosy study spot or a place to take your date, you might find yourself longing for one of Edinburgh’s many independent gems.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5–4 stars)
Images provided by Maximiliane Schiller