So after checking out a website article on the 10 best new coffee places in Edinburgh, I decided to visit Cairngorm Coffee, which was not too far from the route I planned to walk. It’s in Frederick Street, which is quite long, and because there are no real signs outside – just the name stencilled on a box – I walked right past it!
First impressions once I retraced my steps and went in – small, interesting, friendly staff at the counter and an amazing smell of roasted cheese, not coffee! I did remember seeing their toasted cheese sandwiches recommended in the review, but it was too early for that. So I ordered a long black and a peanut butter brownie instead. (Incidentally, I wonder if any other reviewers would like the choice of cofffee house or cafe as a category instead of just restaurant? So often we pop into places for a snack instead of a meal, but still want recommendations.)
Then to find a seat. There were three small tables, all of them occupied, so my choice was a stool at a counter, which had two iPads embedded in it (free wifi for customers too), or at a bigger table with tall stools made out of tractor seats. I opted for the latter and had just sat down when my order was brought over. I’ll upload a picture so you can see the long black, which was delicious but certainly sold on quality and not quantity. The brownie was an incredible sugar hit and I enjoyed it, but when the woman sitting further along the table ordered a toasted cheese sandwich, I did wish I’d gone for that. Maybe next time.
Cairngorm Coffee has a ‘highland’ and rustic feel to it. White wooden walls, coffee sacks on the ceiling and bare light bulbs probably mean it’s ‘on trend’. There are painted antlers on one wall, some small pictures and a row of clocks with different times on them – Brazil, Scotland, Ethiopia and India.
The background music was fine, not too loud, and I spent a pleasant half hour there.
There are steps, both to the entrance and the toilet, so not easy access for anyone with limited mobility.
“Cairngorm Coffee”:http://www.cairngormcoffee.com
