The Best Cafs For Aspiring Writers In Edinburgh Scotland

Edinburgh, or the City of Literature, has always respected its writers. It has the largest monument to a writer in the entire world and the only train station named after a novel (they love Sir Walter Scott). It is therefore unsurprising that there are some great cafés in which to write. Here are some top spots in Edinburgh to grab a coffee, a piece of paper and a pen.

Hula Juice Bar and Gallery

Hula Juice Bar and Gallery is an ideal breakfast and lunch spot for an early morning writing session. The atmosphere wakes you up, being full of bright colors and natural light. The food is healthy with a vibrant selection of smoothies and fresh juices. They also offer fresh breakfast classics such as Scottish homemade porridge, fresh fruit salad, granola and bagels. Hula is a healthy cafe and a wonderful place in which to wake up and get writing.
Hula Juice Bar & Gallery, W Bow, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Scotland

Artisan Roast

Artisan Roast, the Broughton St. location, is a beautiful café in Edinburgh, akin to a secret pocket within the New Town. Just down from Princes Street, Artisan Roast offers 20 coffee bean varieties, all roasted at their micro roaster which can be brewed in four different ways: V60 filter, cafetiere, aeropress, and stovetop. Sneak into the back room and sit on the low, red cushion benches with French press lanterns dangling in front of you. The walls are decorated with international burlap coffee bags and there is a hanging curtain that makes the room feel like a middle eastern tent.

The Elephant House

Established in 1995, The Elephant House has made itself a literary name. The atmosphere of the café is inspiring; with its colour scheme of dark reds, golds and oranges, alongside the majestic elephants all over the walls. The room radiates, and it is no surprise that J.K. Rowling, Ian Rankin, and Alexander McCall-Smith have all sat down to write there. Just off of the Royal Mile, The Elephant House is the perfect place to sit with a mug of coffee, or a Mallow Delight. Their food is delicious, with a selection of Scottish classics and vegetarian food.
The Elephant House, 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland

The Forest Café

Cafe, Coffee, Vegetarian, Vegan

The Forest began in 2000 and is now a volunteer-run, collectively-owned, free arts project that runs an event space as well as an amazing vegetarian café. There are always exciting happenings, from Gaelic workshops to Samba drumming to the Letter writing club. The café is decorated with colorful fairy lights and murals. There are board games to play and lots of small tables and odd-shaped chairs that give an eclectic, mismatched vibe.

Kilimanjaro Coffee

Kilimanjaro Coffee is a café and brunch spot very close to the University of Edinburgh. With ambient music, comfy sofas and worn wooden chairs, Kilimanjaro is an inviting space with an exciting selection of soups, such as Thai-chicken or butternut squash, as well as sandwiches and Panini’s. They also offer all-day breakfast and fruity smoothies to put a spring in your step.

About the author

Samantha Evans

Samantha Emily Evans is a student at the University of St. Andrews studying English and History. She loves writing, cafes, and bookstores. She goes by the Literary Pixie sometimes when she feels like it.