Valentine's Weekend - Let's do Brunch
SHOW YOUR LOVE THIS VALENTINES DAY WITH BRUNCH
There's nothing quite like waking up at the weekend either to the aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewed coffee wafting through your home, or indeed going out into your local neighbourhood and scouring for the best brunch spot. In fact, if you ask us what we really want for Valentine's day this year... it would be a couple of hours with those we love and some good food! You are likely to have your favourite spots - and if you do, please share them - but we have taken it upon ourselves to round up our favourite local spots in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
Edinburgh
Edinburgh's old-world charm is complemented by its many fantastic eateries - from fine dining to trendy police box coffee stops! With so many places to choose from, and more opening up every week, we are so lucky to be able to sample what the city has on offer. From institutions loved by foodies to great bakeries, and coffee spots you need to try, lets break it down...
Valentines Spots Best For: Foodies
Honeycomb & Co Events
This weekend only!
Our beloved Honeycomb & Co are back popping up somewhere very familiar! Whilst Honeycomb & Co shut its doors last month, the team behind the iconic eatery are continuing to serve the community through Honeycomb & Co Events.
The first of their limited edition events kicks off this Valentines weekend - Friday 14th to Sunday 16th February - in their original eatery at 1 Merchiston Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4NP. Expect all of your favourite brunch classics, coffees, cocktails, cakes and more from 9am-4pm.
We expect that this will be very popular so we recommend booking at honeycombandco.com
1 Merchiston Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4NP
The Edinburgh Larder
Since 2009, this little gem has served up delicious, seasonal and local food.
Renowned for their full Scottish as well as Veggie and Vegan breakfasts, their breakfast menu also includes brunch favourites such as Eggs Benedict, Mushrooms on toast and the legendary Hash - pan fried crispy herb potatoes with Belhaven cold smoked trout, alongside dill mustard sour cream, caper relish and poached egg. Need we say more?
Edinburgh Larder-
15 Blackfriars St, EH1 1NB
The Little Larder -
11 Blackfriars St, EH1 1NB
Morningside Larder -
54-56 Morningside Rd, EH10 4BZ
Toast
Describing themselves as Edinburgh's first wine cafe, Toast is nestled within The Shore in Leith. A vibrant location, they offer a casual coffee, wine and food experience which they firmly believe is better when served with friends!
Open 7 days until late, it is perfect for day, or indeed, night dates. With modern exposed brick, Toast is warm and welcoming and serves favourites such as shakshuka, huevos rancheros and avocado toast. Venturing there for a later lunch date? Expect nutritious homemade soups alongside sourdough sandwiches and a selection of incredible artisan cakes and pastries.
Outdoor seating and take away available - bookings for evening only!
Toast -
65 The Shore, EH6 6RA
Valentines Spots Best For: Coffee Connoisseurs
Artisan Roast
Based a few doors down from our Edinburgh boutique, so ideal if you wish to grab a takeaway and browse our colourful new arrivals! Great coffee served by a fantastic team, Artisan Roast is a favourite in the Bruntsfield community as well as across the Capital as a whole.
Great conversation, great beans and a selection of generous filled sandwiches as well as pastries and bakes. Seating indoor is limited but cosy - a perfect stop on your way through Bruntsfield!
Also worth stopping by their other locations:
Artisan Roast Broughton St
57 Broughton St
Artisan Roast Leith Walk
72-74 Leith Walk
Artisan Roast St James Quarter
Little King St
Artisan Roast Stockbridge
100a Raeburn Pl
Cult Coffee
Established in 2014, Cult Coffee has established itself firmly in Edinburgh's coffee scene. Nestled behind the meadows and near Edinburgh University in a converted vennel, Cult Coffee serves delicious coffee alongside a limited menu - think wholesome cheese and kimchi toasties - and a selection of cakes, bakes and pastries. We advise arriving early if you want a seat - Cult is a favourite spot for students and laptops!
Cult Coffee
104 Buccleuch St, Newington EH8 9NG
Burr & Co
A favourite stop on any day spent shopping in the city centre, Burr & Co is located on the up-market George Street within the Intercontinental Hotel also known as The George.
With an old-world charm, including expansive stone topped counter and wood panelling, it serves up a smooth coffee blend alongside a selection of deli-style sandwiches, pastries and cakes.
There is plenty of seating within as well as out front, however we personally like to sit within the hotels lobby and order our coffee through.
Burr & Co
19-21 George St, EH2 2PB
The Milkman
The Milkman is based in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. An independent speciality coffee shop, it is the perfect place to curl up on a dreich Scottish day. An incredibly popular location - they have recently opened up another location further up the same street, just off the Royal Mile. Expect all of your favourite coffee drinks as well as a selection of buns, cakes and cookies.
The Milkman
7 Cockburn St, EH1 1BP
52 Cockburn St, EH1 1BP
Valentines Spots Best For: Sweet Tooths
Lannan Bakery
Internationally renowned vennoiserie and bakery nestled within the vibrant Stockbridge neighbourhood, Lannan has a reputation for outstanding baked goods and very long queues.
Founded by self-taught baker Darcie Maher, Lannan opened it's doors in 2023 and immediately established itself as a local favourite. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am, you need to get there early to beat the rush and secure yourself one of their famed Custard Slices or Cardamom Milk Buns.
They also serve coffee and a selection of Savoury Sandwiches.
Lannan Bakery
29-35 Hamilton Pl, Edinburgh
Kates
A seasonal bakery and cafe nestled within the unassuming neighbourhood of Causewayside in Newington. Within walking distance of the meadows and Arthur's Seat, this quaint little cafe gets beautiful light throughout the day whilst feeling both warm and welcoming.
Owner Kate Murphy realised her dream of opening a bakery after having worked for eight years as communications and development manager for the Kitchin Group! Set up to feel as if patrons are walking into her own kitchen at home, Kate's boasts exposed stone work and the perpetual smell of warm, fresh-from-the-oven bakes. Favourites include their gooey cookies and homemade scones!
Kate's
116 Causewayside, EH9 1PU
Hobz
"In Flour and Batter we Trust" proclaims new bakery hobz instagram! An artisan bakery which specialises in naturally fermented bread made from UK grown grains, Hobz has been making big waves since its opening.
As well as their bread, they bake delicious, and we mean delicious pastries as well as panettone (when the season calls).
Favourites include their Lemon and Honey Buns as well as their Slab Bread Pizzas and Seasonal Veg Swirls.
Seating outside to enjoy your bounty, plus great coffee and fantastic, friendly service!
Hobz
106 Leith Walk, EH6 5DT
Patina
Based a little further out at Edinburgh Park, but well worth the tram ride, Patina is the perfect place to switch off for an hour or two. Bright and airy, everything served is made on site, blending artisan bakes with cafe style sandwiches and hot drinks.
The menu offers an extensive array of classic pastries one would expect to find - Croissants and Pain au Chocolat - with indulgent Spiced Fruit Swirls, Vanilla and Chocolate Pain Suisse and Cinnamon and Orange Rolls.
Sandwiches include crowd pleasers the BLT and The Reuben alongside Beetroot and Feta as well as Harissa Chickpea.
Patina
3 Airborne Place, Edinburgh Park EH12 9GR
GLASGOW
Not to be outdone by it's neighbour, Glasgow's vibrant cafe scene is on the rise - helped along by it's trendy West End neighbourhoods and student population. From local favourites to hidden gems, here are the ones we wouldn't miss!
Valentines Spots Best For: Foodies
The Clarence
Hyndland's very own local, brought by the team behind the famous Michelin Starred Cail Bruich and Brett Restaurant!
The Clarence offers all the charm of a traditional pub with an relaxed and inviting atmosphere. As well as their early menu offered midweek and including starters such as beef tartare with beef-fat hash browns, they offer ample choice from the grill as well as your classic Sunday Roast and dry-aged steaks.
Favourites include the mussels and the steak! They also have a great drinks menu.
The Clarence Glasgow
168 Hyndland Road, G12 9HZ
Cafe Gandolfi
Established in 1979, Cafe Gandolfi is one of Glasgow's oldest family-run restaurants renowned for offering the best of Scottish produce!
Their menu is a mix of new dishes and old classics, all using the freshest of ingredients which are locally sourced. Their Lunch and Dinner menus includes a mix of smaller and larger plates, perfect for your individual needs.
Favourites include the Stornoway Black Pudding Sausage Roll with Burnt Apple Puree and Burrata as well as the Pork & Porcini Mushroom Ragu and Sea Trout.
Cafe Gandolfi
64 Albion St, G1 1NY
Valentines Spots Best For: Coffee Connoisseurs
Laboratorio Espresso
A modern, glass-fronted coffee stop based in Glasgow's trendy Merchant City. Thankfully it's not just style over substance, and this Italian espresso bar certainly has their coffee game down to a fine art!
They focus on mostly small-batch roasters who choose complex and seasonal coffees. Despite being an Italian Bar, they offer a broad coffee menu as well as lovely selection of sandwiches and pastries. Often cited as one of the cities best, it is a must try for any coffee lover!
Laboratorio Espresso
93 W Nile Street, G1 2SH
Novar Drive Espresso Bar
A speciality coffee bar selling coffee favourites alongside carefully prepared flavoured matcha and chai options in the heart of Glasgow's West End.
With incredibly friendly staff and service, Novar Drive is dog friendly with sit-in or takeaway options. With a good array of sweet treats and pastries on offer, we also love their seasonal options when the chill sets in!
Novar Drive Espresso Bar
74 Hyndland Road, G12 9UT
1841
Mixing minimalist and modern materials, 1841 espresso bar serves delicious coffee and seasonal bakes in their bright and airy premises. With comfortable and practical seating, choose to sit in, amongst the art deco motifs and Japanese style carpentry, or get your coffee to go.
Conveniently located next to the Botanics, 1841 is ideally placed to pick up your favourite beverage whilst taking in the beauty of the area.
1841
14 Vinicombe St, G12 8BG
Valentines Spots Best For: Sweet & Savoury Bites
Jelly Hill
An iconic little treasure nestled in the West End for almost two decades, JellyHill Cafe Bar serves delicious coffee and pastries as well as artisan sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie.
Whether visiting for your morning caffeine hit, or savouring a glass of wine or chilled beer, the eclectic atmosphere of JellyHill is hard to beat - from sunrise to sunset. Lots of seating within as well as covered seating out front makes this a favourite on a sunny afternoon!
JELLY HILL CAFE BAR
195 Hyndland Rd, G12 9HT
The Bakery Hinba
The latest addition to the Hinba family, and again located in the West end, The bakery is open 7 days a week from early til sell-out.
As well as beautiful bread, cakes, tarts and pastries, we are fans of their inventive fresh salads, wholesome soups and sandwiches.
Their flaky sausage rolls and Salted Caramel and Peanut Brownies are not to be missed!
The Bakery Hinba
Lauderdale Gardens, G12 9QT
Partenope
Classic Italian food meets good old fashioned British baking in this family-run southside establishment. Partenope opened in 2021 and has garnered recognition from it's customers as well as the renowned La Liste who named it as one of the greatest eateries in the World Pastries Award 2024.
Partenope serves a range of fresh sandwiches, pizza breads and pastries as well as delectable foccacia - their salame, truffle mayo, chorizo and pesto topped focaccia is a highlight!
Partenope
75 Hector Rd, G41 3QD
Opting for takeaway? These may come in handy...
Conclusion
We hope these recommendations have inspired you to get out and explore your local neighbourhood - or indeed one of ours this Valentine's weekend! With so much fanfare over Valentine's, what better way to celebrate with your friends and loved ones, than treating yourself to a lovely meal or bake, all whilst supporting local!
Biscuit Clothing & Living
Biscuit is about so much more than just beautiful clothes and accessories. We thrive on conversation and interaction with our customers and community. As a small indie, we recognise the importance of our high street and supporting all small businesses. We love to find out about you and what makes you tick - from your favourite biscuit, to food and trends! Our blog is where we explore these topics and so much more!
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