Cool room and pleasant atmosphere in the space where, years ago, I used to enjoy the venerable Machina Espresso in its prime (now in Marchmont). After reading all the complaints about the loud music I was surprised to find what to me was a perfectly normal volume - obviously at 62 I'm going deaf and/or I should cut down on metal :-)
More to the point, the coffee was good. With two flat whites, I enjoyed both their Lollipop Guatemala/El Salvador blend (extremely sweet notes) and a Guatemala natural (more balanced in my opinion, with some berry acidity). I don't know what recipe they use for espresso, but for my taste they were both decidedly on the weak side.
Prices are high but there's worse in town. The best feature overall was the abundant and young personnel: informative, efficient, and sweet like...
   Read moreQuite simply, this is the best coffee in Edinburgh. They start with an exceptional product and take the time to craft each drink with care. Itâs the kind of coffee nerdery you want if youâre serious about your coffeeâattention to detail and a clear passion for creating the perfect cup.
But even if the coffee alone could justify a visit, the team here makes the experience unforgettable. The staff are consistently welcoming, friendly, and attentive. They work with such patience and professionalism, never missing a beat, even during busy moments. Itâs obvious they function well as a team, and the atmosphere reflects that.
Every visit feels like stepping into a place with an unbeatable vibe, and I canât recommend it...
   Read moreTucked away near the Tollcross Tattoo club, this easy to miss coffee shops on Brougham Place is one of my favourites. Beatnik offers quality espresso with a great atmosphere. Their service is quick and friendly.
A must visit for the coffee connoisseur, they use the best quality products and you will typically get a choice of beans when you order your coffee.
Some things to be aware of:
Since they use quality products, you may find the price to be slightly higher than other shops. They want the place to be used more for socializing, and don't have any laptop friendly tables. They have a limited amount of baked goods when it...
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