Leo's Beanery — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Myself and my sister went to this cafe as our first activity on a week together after a long time apart, as visitors to Edinburgh. Initial appearances were great, and we settled into a booth at the window. We ordered TWO coffees and TWO full breakfasts almost straight away, and were chatting away when my sister took out her laptop to send a quick email.

We were shocked at this point to be immediately admonished about a '1 hour work policy', quite rudely by one of the staff members. It was quite obvious to even the most inexperienced staff, that we were there to eat breakfast - because, as mentioned, we had already ordered. I don't know if they understood basic concepts such as time, money, and common sense.

I don't think it's particularly appropriate to shove down whatever policy a cafe has down someone's throat, when it's evident that it doesn't fit the situation. We then noted the aggressive signage on the walls about not working in the cafe etc for too long, and although not relevant to us, we began to feel quite self-conscious about the (inappropriate) request and that we were not wanted there because electronics were considered so heinous.

I do feel this cafe needs some more respect for its customers, and be appropriate with their requests, and maybe move into the 21st Century. Someone who has ordered a full breakfast with another person can take out their laptop, without being 'told off'. The way we were treated was completely incongruous with the situation and would be something I would strongly suggest they improve on. We won't be...

I booked a table for 3 pm for three and was told right away they shut at 4, from at least 345pm it was made uncomfortably clear to the 2 tables left that they shut at 4pm. They even gave my order of 2 hot chocolates take away cups which were finished and left. We were out the door on the pavement at 4.01pm. Very disappointed with the abrupt and downright rude service. Will not return.

14th June 2021 Thank you for your response however, I am not disputing your closing time but how you went about advising myself and my two companions, not only on the phone but during our time inside. Neither made for a comfortable visit. It also took considerable time to get served, both times I had already made my way up to the counter where you advised you would come over, when you were ready which when you are so regimental about closing appears counter productive. It appeared you were more interested in clearing up rather than serving your customers. An option would/could be to have a closing time with 30 mins added on for clearing up so if any customers were a few minutes over their time it would not become such has an issue for you. As I said we were outside on the pavement at 4.01 pm. Customer service was...

I initially was recommended a “small family-run” cafe to visit, but without a name, I was left guessing which of the hundreds of cafe in Edinburgh it was.

Regardless, I went in out of curiosity. Upon walking down the stairs and entering the venue, a warmth of comfort engulfed me. Both from the atmosphere and the people serving.

For the two times I was there, I got a dish and a drink. The homemade hot chocolate was definitely the one that stood out the most. Just absolutely rich in flavour. Their carrot and cumin soup was also splendid alongside their bread. Definitely a can’t miss when it’s the soup of the day alongside one of the sandwiches.

Definitely a lot of variety of dishes and I appreciate the dietary customisation options such as gluten-free and diary-free alternatives. Decent variety of vegetarian options. I did take notice that a lot of options had avocados. I guess that’s a pretty...