Exploring Bruntsfield: Coffee, Parks, and Local Charm
Once considered Morningside’s little sister, today Bruntsfield is an established coffee- seekers’ district in its own right. Attracting an eclectic mix of student, professional, and urban families, there’s much more to it than a mean macchiato.
The heart of this southside enclave is Bruntsfield Links, a precious swathe of urban parks and golfing playgrounds. Whilst it’s said to be one of the earliest known locations where golf was played in Scotland, its grassy knolls tend to attract a bigger crowd these days – especially as they become a sledger’s paradise in winter. And if it’s a sunny day? Well, it’s taps aff time with ice cream with many stopping here or meandering further into the adjoining Meadows.
Just up from here meanwhile, the main drag is dotted with top-notch cafes, bistros, and bars – their bistro tables and chairs spilling out onto the pavement. Along this same stretch traditional tenement doors are interspersed with some of the best independents in the city. Its quieter side streets are not to be ignored. Read on to find out exactly where to turn…
Pamper
Zen out with one of our favourite pamper spots in Bruntsfield or explore the main street for even more options for nails, hair, brows, massages and more. You name it, Bruntsfield has it!
Zen Lifestyle
25 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HJ
Opening on this very site in 1999, Zen Lifestyle has been the Southsider gal’s go-to for everything from nails and waxing to facials and body treatments for over 20 years. The epitome sanctuary in the city this one-stop beauty shop has almost as many accolades to its name as it does treatment options, but not quite. There are now over 100 to choose from! It’s also home to one of the best brow gals in the business.
Eat
So. Much. Choice. Whether its Three Birds for a simple showcase of homegrown produce, Scottish seafood at Leftfield or speakeasy style wining and dining at basement Decanter, there’s a burgeoning foodie scene in Bruntsfield.
McLarens on the Corner
8 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DD
The one that helped kickstart the ‘banks reimagined as cool hangouts’ trend that we’re loving. This transformed Holy Corner into a hotspot thanks to its all-welcome (yes that’s dogs as well as kids and there’s wheelchair access to the ground and first floor) all-day neighbourhood vibe. If you're going in the morning, go for the buttermilk pancakes and for dinner, the Veggie Haggis and Spinach Wellington is to die for! YUM!
The Raging Bull
161 Lothian Road, Edinburgh , EH3 9AA
We’re being a little flexible with our geography here, but The Raging Bull and it’s cocktails are worth venturing down Lothian Road for. Send us to the naughty corner for all we care because that’s where you’ll find us anyway sipping a bubble-topped lychee martini. It’s hard to tell what’s more colourful- the wallpaper or the cocktails- but we suggest supping the latter slowly so you can take it all in.
Tempo Perso
208 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4DE • 0131 221 1777
One for the lasagne lovers or just of good Italian hospitality – and wines. Family run. Fresh pasta. Food cooked to order. Our egg head is a fan of the mid-week lunch Semplice menu. We’ll see you there.
A Wee Taste
36 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LJ • 0131 228 2734
Who doesn’t like a grazing board and a glass of vino? A cosy little wine bar perfect for sharing secrets and chardonnay with friends, AWT takes the sharing platter to another level. Owned by bonafide foodie and former high school teacher Karly, she works with her mum and aunt to offer small but oh so delicious bites- sweet and savoury. Our favourites are 'The Buttery one' and 'The Desserts one'. Look out for their wine tasting events too…
Honeycomb & Co
1 Merchiston Place , Edinburgh, EH10 4NP • 0131 228 4641
Brunch, lunch, coffee, cake - more specifically polenta cake - or cocktails? You name it, Honeycomb serves it in style. The modern corner eatery is the brainchild of busy bee Ian D'Annunzio-Green (who’s run the restaurants of some of Edinburgh’s most prominent visitor attractions). The only issue is that we don’t know what causes a bigger buzz- the weekend brunch or afternoon tea.
Coffee and Cake
This is where Bruntsfield truly excels. From the red velvet cupcakes at Cuckoo’s Bakery, super flakey croissants at La Barantine to sweet and savoury scones at 181 Delicatessen there are so many places that deserve a pitstop.
Project Coffee
196 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4DF
We simply can’t count the ways in which we love Project… the giant scones, the creamy scrambled eggs and tangy marmalade combo or seriously good Red Brick coffee. The tables are tightly packed and it seems perpetually busy but that just seems to add to the atmosphere.
Shop
Whether it’s boobs, dog biscuits, or blooms Bruntsfield has it covered (or should that be them?!). Eggs love the bra fitting service at Bravado - a rarity in the city these days – the stop-and-stare statement flowers from event florist Quate & Co whilst out four-legged friends are partial to a spoil at Smooches Pooches.
Maddie & Marks
205, Bruntsfield Place , EH10 4DH • 0131 447 9779
Getting your child’s first shoes at this independent institution has become a parental right of passage for many southsiders. Service is friendly and personal so customers can relax knowing that little ones – whether looking for their first shoes or teen school shoes - are truly comfortable. We love their great selection of Saltwater sandals in summer and shopping other brands they stock like Geox, Ricosta, startrite, Lelli Kelly, Keen, Petasil to name a few! Just remember to avoid the back-to-school rush in August if you can!