Edinburgh is a favourite city of the Bellwoods shop team, and who can blame us? The beautiful, historic city is only a 2 hour train or drive from Newcastle, it’s so easy to go for a quick visit, and we go whenever we can. We’d love to share our favourite places to stay, eat, drink and shop like locals in the city.
Stay - Eden Locke, George Street
Eden Locke is our go-to place to stay in the city. The boutique aparthotel is situated in a Georgian fronted building, right on George Street in New Town. Inside, each beautifully designed studio has a kitchen and lounge area, meaning more space than a traditional hotel room, and downstairs, there’s a pastel coloured community space to work, get coffee and socialise.
Shop - Treen, St Stephen Place
A killer wardrobe, without killing the planet. Located in Stockbridge, Treen is a vegan fashion retailer, offering a beautiful selection of pieces from a selected group of brands that make a positive difference. Brands include Kowtow, Thinking Mu, Nudie Jeans, Wolf Circus and Skall Studio. Every piece is made with no harm to animals, using vegan alternatives - from vegan leather bags, to cotton knits and no-silk dresses. We've also had the pleasure of meeting founder Cat, and she's just lovely.
Shop - Golden Hare Books, St Stephen Place
Golden Hare Books is an award-winning independent bookshop for adults and children - the shelves hold the newest titles in fiction and non-fiction, and we always come out with an armful of new books. The navy blue exterior, with it’s golden branding is so charming, you won’t be able to pass without going in. Across the street from Golden Hare, you will also find the quaint children’s only book store - Ginger and Pickles.
Along the street from Treen and Golden Hare Books, we’d also recommend visiting The Method, Edinburgh Mercantile, Rare Birds Bookshop, Aesop and Toast. And Swedish Coffee Shop, Soderberg, pastries, of course.
Eat - Pantry, N W Circus Place
Our favourite place to go for brunch, and handily, round the corner from Treen, The Pantry offers up breakfast classics like the Pantry Fry, as well as more eclectic options like Prawn Sambal Scramble and Sticky Toffee French Toast. Simple, yet modern, the no-reservation wait is always worth it.
Eat - Hula Juice Bar, Fountainbridge
Hula has two venues in Edinburgh - one in the Grassmarket and the other in Fountainbridge. Both Hula Eateries deliver a large menu of healthy, authentic and fresh food, sourced locally, as well as an extensive range of juices and smoothies. Perfect for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Eat - Honeycomb & Co, Merchiston Place
Honeycomb and Co can be found in the Bruntsfield area of Edinburgh. This modern, all-day eatery serves breakfast, lunch and cake in its on-brand honey-yellow interior. It serves classic favourites like avocado toast, along with seasonal rotations, such as rhubarb and custard french toast and spinach pancakes with smoked trout.
Take a walk along Bruntsfield Place and Morningside Road to explore the independent shops there too. We love walking along the canal from Hula to Bruntsfield.
Eat - The Basement, Broughton Street
This cellar bar is our favourite place for laid back Mexican food and margaritas in Edinburgh. Expect all the usual favourites with a lively atmosphere late into the night.
Drink - Bramble, Queen Street
Easily missed except for the small sign on the street level fence, this subterranean cocktail bar is a place we go every time we’re in Edinburgh. Bramble plays old school hip hop, and serves up classic and unique cocktails, The cocktail bar is also walk-in only, so we try to go early to secure our own nook in the bar.
Drink - Lucky Liquor Co, Queen Street
Owned by the same team as Bramble, Lucky Liquor is a little further down Queen Street from it’s sister bar, and much more obvious to spot from the street, with its blue exterior and retro vibe. Expect the same quality of cocktails from its small menu, and great music and atmosphere too.
Writing this list has made us want to visit Edinburgh ASAP - maybe we'll see you at one of our recommended places soon?