The Black Medicine Coffee Co.

Pop in for a yummy sausage or bacon, or bacon and sausage (if it takes your fancy) breakfast roll. A great wider menu to choose from too: they have everything from bagels to cakes to smoothies. The decor is warm and inviting, with proper handmade wooden furniture. Wallet friendly prices and fantastic service. Check out the mezzanie level for super cozy booths!

Filled with tables in cosy corners, this is a great place to work with a quiet, laid-back atmosphere and plenty of plug points. The coffee is good, the staff are friendly and they serve giant rice crispy treats and tasty sandwiches.

This is the good one. The third of (now) two Black Medicines, this branch stood ouf from its brethren from the off due to it being set up by a member of staff buying into the business. As such it has always enjoyed more autonomy and been better able to adapt itself to local demands. Aesthetically familiar to anyone who has been to the other branch, deliberately ramshackle wooden seating blends well with the wood panels etc. The shop was extensively remodelled to add a mezzanine, and later expanded next door which gives you an idea of how well it does. My continued grip with BM is their coffee: they used to use illy, and people would come from miles around because they made damn fine coffee. Now they use something more locally sourced that I just cannot drink. However, I know many people who swear by the stuff so this is a personal taste. Bunch of tea available, all from teabags but it's cheap to who's complaining? They also offer a familiar selection of fruit smooties and milkshakes to top up the drinks menu. There is the usual selection of BM type foods an ever changing variety of filled bread products, soup, cakes, pastries, tray bakes, etc. but what this branch did to change things was add filled rolls so it you need your morning egg and bacon butty you're sorted. Not a spectacular eaterie if there are any foods you have to avoid other than meat. At most times of day you can at least find somewhere to sit and if not you could always go and sit on Bruntsfield Links which is just outside, although you might not then get the benefit of their free Wifi...

What stays in my mind about Black Medicine is their coffee. Previously, they used a brand called Analys, which attracted people from far and wide because they made exceptional coffee. Now, they have switched to something more local that I personally don't enjoy, but I know many people who swear by it, so it's really down to personal taste. The prices are affordable—who can complain about that? They also offer a familiar selection of fruit smoothies and milkshakes to complement their drink menu. As for food, you'll find the usual variety characteristic of Black Medicine, including an ever-changing assortment of filled pastries, soups, cakes, baked goods, and more. However, this location has introduced filled rolls, so you can satisfy your morning craving for an egg and bacon sandwich. It's not a spectacular dining experience for those who need to avoid specific foods, aside from meat. On most days, you can find somewhere to sit, and if not, there’s seating available just outside on Bruntsfield, although you might miss out on the free Wi-Fi.

This is probably my favorite coffee shop in Edinburgh, particularly the one on Barclay Terrace. There are plenty of cozy corners where you can quietly work while enjoying a good cup of coffee or delicious soup/food, all at reasonable prices. I love that they serve a cookie with your coffee! The staff is always friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. The wooden design and the charming magnetic poetry are lovely touches as well. It’s definitely a place I’ll keep coming back to, even though I’ve moved out of the immediate area.