The affluent area of Bruntsfield is just one of the many brilliants parts of Edinburgh. Originally referred to as Brounysfelde or Brown’s Fields — in honour of the owner of Bruntsfield House — this part of town was built upon a snippet of land within the Burgh Muir. Today, this buzzing little cultural hub is bursting at the brim with exciting things to see and do. Plan your day and take a tour of bonnie Bruntsfield.
What started as a pop up shop at the 2011 Fringe Festival is now a top-notch coffee house in Bruntsfield. Start the day with the alluring smell of artisanal coffee bubbling and brewing away. This snug cubbyhole of a place is as chilled as it is hip. Watch the baristas work their magic at the brew bar from one of the trendy high stools, or gaze outside and people-watch the world go by. The atmosphere is excellent and the coffee is to die for.
Come rain or shine, the Meadows is a perfect pocket of land in Edinburgh to lounge about, walk, or read a book. Bruntsfield Links — a 35-acre patch of open parkland that carries into the Meadows — is a good spot to set up fort. Take a picnic blanket (and extra layers) and enjoy the bustling vibes of passers by. Up until 1508, this area was all wooded. Hoards of people from dog walkers to students, cyclists, and even jugglers seem to gravitate to this spot.
It’s easy to see why Montpeliers, or Monty’s, is a firm favourite amongst local Bruntsfield folk. From the sleek, contemporary décor to the delicious food, extensive range of craft beers, and cocktails, this corner-brasserie-come-bar is a fine pick. This is the place to grab a light bite and knock back a tipple or two. Oh, and the brunch is sublime, especially on a Sunday.
Head back to the Links and start brushing up on those golf skills at the short hole golf course. Avid golf fanatics may find this spot a walk in the park. On the contrary, those who are new to this timeless Scottish sport might just find this particular course the perfect spot to work on that signature swing and putt away without any cares. If the practice session ends in tears, there are designated barbeque areas nearby for failed golfers to test out their chef capabilities.
Bruntsfield was made all the more better the moment that Three Birds entered the scene. This smashing wee restaurant consistently puts out the very best of contemporary British dishes in a simple, modern setting. The wine list is a gem, with all types being made available in different sizes depending on your tolerance level. The craft beers are incredible too. Stop by at lunchtime every day of the week for the brilliant lunch offer — two courses for £10. Half Price Tester Days are a dream too. Kick into celeb television chef mode and sample all the exciting new dishes for different menus.
Enter into oodles of fun at Doodles. Head to this informal ceramic workshop and paint the day away. Choose from a cracking selection of mugs, plates, bowls, eggcups, and more, and decorate them however you see fit. Doodles is the ultimate artistic experience while being a laugh and a half. Bring a gaggle of friends, celebrate a birthday, or do some solo soul searching. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love to paint a rainbow or channel their inner Picasso? Every brush stroke is as therapeutic as the next.
From good old-fashioned board games (none of that technological nonsense that clouds the brain), soft toys, figurines, and creative sets, Gulliver’s Toys And Gifts is sure to take every person of any age on an epic adventure back to yesteryear. Take a trip down memory lane as all those toys from the past reappear. Invest in that Lego set that you never got and start making quite the creation. Either way, this treasure chest of toys is a welcomed blast from the past.
Halibut & Herring stands out as one of the most charming picks out of Bruntsfield’s many gift stores. Interior designer turned artist extraordinaire Wendy Beaumont, is a wonder when it comes to all things fun, unique, and simply gorgeous. From brilliantly priced knick-knacks to trendy handbags at a wonderfully reasonable cost, this boutique is an alluring force to be reckoned with. Strolling around this store seems to distract the mind from life’s issues. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself conjuring up all sorts of excuses as to why you must have that candle, jewelry, soft toy fox, or perfect print. Why not?
Coco Chocolatier is a purveyor of all things delicious. Once more, everything is ethically traded and organic too. Since 2004, this artisanal chocolatier has been hypnotizing Edinburgh’s chocolate lovers and building up a band of trusty groupies. The chocolate is hand-wrapped and handcrafted — an extra important touch that is a rarity these days — and is the melt-in-the-mouth kind of wonderful. Most of the chocs happen to be gluten-free, although you would never know. Test out the unique and yummy flavours and you’ll see that this place is as addictive as the treats inside.
There is no better way to end the day than a stellar meal and evening at The Apartment. This intimate brasserie is classy and contemporary. The ever-changing set menu offers new delights every week. Each and every bite is cooked to perfection and the desserts will make the most savoury-toothed person into a sweetaholic. Go wild with the wine and whet the appetite in a way that creates a lasting impression. This independent gem of a restaurant is a must for any foodie.
