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    Lowdown Coffee

    4.7 (18 reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea
    Open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Lowdown Coffee Coffee & Tea Photos

    LOWDOWN COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Good for working
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Lowdown Coffee

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    Stopped by in the afternoon for a cup of coffee while I was in town. There were no seats available so I ordered a cappuccino to drink while I walked around. It was good! Hard to tell how it compares to other places since it came in a paper cup rather than a ceramic mug. But the staff were friendly and it seemed like a very popular spot.

    Americano takeaway
    Briony C.

    I was visiting Lowdown because I wanted a coffee (and cake) and somewhere to work for an hour or so. Sadly my plans were scuppered by the fact that this place was totally full and there wasn't a spare seat in sight - so I grabbed a coffee to go, instead. If you're not sure where to head, follow the map on Yelp and look for the sandwich board outside. It's downstairs and the space is pretty small - there isn't a tonne of seating so you'll be lucky to get a seat (maybe 15-20 seats inside, I think)! The staff were super friendly and I ordered my Americano to go (£2.40). I also had a peek at the menu which sounds really good - granola and yoghurt, bagels, soups, salads, sandwiches and cakes galore (I've added a pic of the full menu on offer the day I visited). They also sell Jarritos which is a bit unusual! My coffee didn't take long (they apologised for the wait but I reckon it was only 3 minutes anyway) and off I went. I am a pretty new coffee drinker and really enjoyed this one, even without sugar. So that's a win for me. I'll definitely be back here and it's well worth a visit in an area rammed with chain coffee shops.

    Menu
    Chantelle T.

    Ohh a new coffee place in Edinburgh! With the likes of Wellington's and Urban Angel nearby, these guys have some close competition. I was taken here by my partner last week with the excitement of a new space, however it does not look like your regular coffee shop- on the basement level, from the outside it looks like the kitchen area of a small business and I had to question whether this really is a new coffee joint or whether we were about to get in trouble for trespassing. So don't panic, it's a real business. The layout is... interesting. It looks like an Ikea kitchen. Or some kind of super futuristic sterile lab with a coffee machine inside. The coffee is good here, this little engine that can will rival the big trains once it picks up speed. The lattes and cappuccinos were served in the same cup which is a no-no for me, but was strong, full bodied and hot. There are also specialty chocolates, whole beans and baked good for sale. Would reccommend giving it a crack!

    Stuart B.

    I am always excited to try out new coffee shops. Lowdown has opened up on George Street and with Wellington, Cairngorm, Burr & Co all nearby this is little area is a bit of coffee hot-spot in town. It's down some stairs and might not be obvious unless you are looking out for it. The glass door leads to a room which is pretty minimalist; a few tables and wooden chairs in a bright space. It feels to me like being in a museum or gallery; it's less cosy and hipster and a bit more sophisticated and refined but perhaps lacking a bit of character. It still has quite an independent feel about it however and I feel confident that the owners and baristas care about their coffee and the beans they use. I had a flat white which was pretty good. I believe it was Workshop coffee in the hopper, which is one of my favourites. I will definitely come back to try out some filter coffee, have one of their nice looking pastries and buy some beans for home. Seems they have got off to a solid start and I think this could be a good space particularly as some of smaller coffee places in town get super busy. I look forward to coming back.

    Katerina K.

    Spent a looooovely afternoon here on an indulgent search for more of Edinburgh's high spec coffee. Enjoyed a yummy latte in the outside seating area, and didn't plan on ordering food at all, but the freekeh, feta, apricot and almond salad massively grabbed my attention - had to try - and was super glad I did, it was delicious! Looking forward to next coffee stop, and most probably more lunch menu sampling!

    Peanut butter cream filled doughnut and a long black
    Grace L.

    Best long black I've had in Edinburgh so far! It also paired very well with a peanut butter and chocolate filled doughnut. I like the layout of Lowdown, and it was nice to sit outside even if it was on the basement level. Definitely a great spot to pop in for coffee and a treat if you're shopping around new town. Service was quick and friendly, and the baristas were knowledgable. I wish I remembered more about the type of bean/roast I had (because I enjoyed it so much)... I think it was from Brazil. But even without remembering the origin of the coffee, it was a great experience!

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    4 years ago

    Excellent coffee and really tasty avocado toast. The cafe is really cute and the staff are super nice.

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    7 years ago

    Best coffee I've had in town, have been back twice just to buy beans! Highly recommend.

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    Review Highlights - Lowdown Coffee

    Lowdown has opened up on George Street and with Wellington, Cairngorm, Burr & Co all nearby this is little area is a bit of coffee hot-spot in town.

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    The Edinburgh Larder - Scottish Breakfast

    The Edinburgh Larder

    4.5(348 reviews)
    0.5 miRoyal Mile, Old Town, Newington
    ££

    Looking for breakfast in Edinburgh and we found this gem…read more It was a short walk from the hotel and even though the hotel had breakfast we were not impressed with it so decided to venture out. The Edinburgh Larder was the answer. We arrived right at opening. We were seated immediately and the place is casual clean and welcoming. The service was excellent and I got the traditional Scottish breakfast. Haggis and all and it was excellent, filing and worth walking in the light mist. The Mushroom Toast was very tasty according to my wife. The place is small and part of the larger establishment next door but still the same great food. You want authentic Scottish breakfast hot up the Edinburgh Larder and you will not be disappointed!

    I made a reservation the night before to try their full Scottish breakfast…read more I arrived a little early, the larder has two store fronts on the same address! Once one area is full they will sit u to the other area! I was sitting right by the window and it was lovely. The decor is cozy and homie! The server is very friendly and I ordered full Scottish breakfast to try out everything and chai latte. It came fairly fast and it was a very full dish. I tried all the food and they are all yummy. The blood pudding is not quite my favorite. And the bean with the red sauce is a little too spicy for me. But overall it is very good. Chai latte is super yummy and not overly sweet!

    Photos
    The Edinburgh Larder - Full Scottish breakfast

    Full Scottish breakfast

    The Edinburgh Larder - Table service

    Table service

    The Edinburgh Larder - Chai latte

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    Chai latte

    Southern Cross Cafe - Chicken ciabotta and chili

    Southern Cross Cafe

    4.3(121 reviews)
    0.4 miOld Town, Royal Mile
    ££

    This was such a cute little coffee shop just off the mile. Clearly they know how to attracts…read morecustomers in with the fresh baked cakes on full displays. Scotland's weather is basically all season daily. You never know what you'll get...lol... Of course the rain started and we happened to be right here. Just to get warm as well, this place seemed very cozy. Inside you feel the warm homey cottage feel. Fresh baked cakes, smell of coffee and tea. They also serve food as well. There's the main dining area along the entrance with the cakes on full display for everyone to see. A small room in the back as well as a loft and downstairs. Of course restrooms are downstairs. All the staff were amazing and very friendly. All so welcoming. The cakes were amazing and paired very well with a coffee or tea. I'm not sure if it's baked in house but the selections they offered, it was amazing. So many too chose from. It's not a crazy big place but the warm cozy feeling right when you walk in was amazing. Friendly smile and anything with fresh baked goods will bring people in.

    We were on a walking tour and this was one of our tour guide suggestions. Our waitress was friendly…read moreand prompt. I ordered a club sandwich which was just sooo good. Also my latte was delicious. I wish I could have stayed longer and enjoyed one of the yummy looking treats in the window of this cozy cafe.

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    Southern Cross Cafe - Inside

    Inside

    Southern Cross Cafe
    Southern Cross Cafe

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    Clarinda's Tea Room - I liked the hanging teacups

    Clarinda's Tea Room

    4.3(67 reviews)
    0.8 miRoyal Mile, Old Town
    £

    **March 2024: Weekday Morning Visit**…read more A couple of things to note -No reservations -Hours: Tues-Fri: 10am-4:30pm; Mon: Closed; Sat/Sun: 9:30am-4:30pm I saw this tearoom featured on a youtubers channel and thought it would be a great breakfast option as Clarinda's is known for their scones and baked goods. I came pretty close to the opening and was able to select my choice for seats. I picked a table near the window for natural lighting. They have a table of a lot of tasty treats and while I didn't get a chance to try them all, I can attest to the scone being very tasty! I ordered the Cream Tea (I think I ordered the Lemon and Elderflower) which comes with a freshly baked homemade scone (I chose a fruit one), and a cup of tea €6.80. I decided to upgrade to a pot of tea (€7.75) and added a bowl of porridge (€5.50) with jam as I usually prefer savory breakfasts. This was more than enough to eat for one, but I just enjoy trying different items - does anyone else have this problem? lol I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here as the ambiance, food and tea were homey and intimate. This would be such a fun place to converse with girlfriends for tea time!

    If you make it down to the bottom of Royal Mile you MUST stop at Clarinda's Tea Room, a small…read morehole-in-the-wall place with so much personality. We had breakfast here on our first day in Edinburgh. It's cozy and the walls are covered with paintings, antique cups, and plates. To be honest the walls are quite chaotic but that's where the personality comes in. We ordered the eggs with toast and the full Scottish breakfast. Food was great, coffee hit the spot, and service was excellent. Even with the chaos they keep the place clean. Also, BEWARE they do not have hot sauce here LOL. I asked the server and she said "No, but it was worth a try to ask" Respect lol. We sat by the window and people watched and awed at the beautiful architecture of Edinburgh. It's a chill spot to rest and refuel. Would love to come back for their afternoon tea!

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    Clarinda's Tea Room - Treats!

    Treats!

    Clarinda's Tea Room - Inside

    Inside

    Clarinda's Tea Room - Vegetarian haggis toastie my love. And to think I thought I wouldn't find haggis I could eat in Edinburgh. LOLZ

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    Vegetarian haggis toastie my love. And to think I thought I wouldn't find haggis I could eat in Edinburgh. LOLZ

    Lowdown Coffee - coffee - Updated May 2026

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