Kestin is Edinburgh born and bred, here is his personal guide to the best Independent places to stay, eat, drink, shop and explore in his home city.
To Stay -
The Pavilion Edinburgh
11 Water's Close Edinburgh, EH6 6RB
The Pavillion at Lamb’s house, not far from our Cruiser store, is a romantic three-story self-catered house. Its 18th century inspired décor and luxurious unique style creates a romantic setting for a visit to Edinburgh.
Eden Locke
127 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN
Eden Locke is a design-led aparthotel in the city centre made for those who want to experience a unique and authentic stay, ensuring every detail is thought of for any length of stay.
To Shop -
Dicks
3 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6ST
A menswear and womenswear store with a philosophy of quality manufacturing and longevity.
Frontiers Man
18 Stafford Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7BD
Based in Edinburgh's West End, showcasing the best independent menswear brands.
Aesop
6 North West Circus Place, Stockbridge, EH3 6ST
Offering high quality skin, hair and body care products with meticulous attention to detail.
The Method
9 St. Stephen Street, Edinburgh EH3 6ST
A beautiful lifestyle store and massage treatment space focusing on well-being.
Armstrong’s Vintage
81-83 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HJ
Edinburgh's best-known vintage store.
Bon Tot Childrenswear
46 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh
Edinburgh's best kids clothing shop. Located in the old Kestin Hare unit in Stockbridge.
Epitome Edinburgh
35 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A beautiful independent womenswear retailer in Edinburgh's New Town.
Jane Davidson
52 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Part of the Edinburgh establishment, this womenswear boutique stocks a good selection of luxury International brands.
janedavidson.co.uk
Catalog Interiors
2-4 St Stephen Place Edinburgh EH3 5AJ
Catalog is a high-end yet accessible design store founded on the ethos of good design for all.
Moleta Munro
43 London St, Edinburgh EH3 6LX
Inspired by the finest Scandinavian designs, Moleta Munro specialises in showcasing Europe’s premier furniture and lighting brands for the contemporary market.
Life Story
53 London St, Edinburgh EH3 6LX
Passionate about good design and inspired by the cool, quirky and creative, Life Story brings to life a distinct vision of contemporary living.
Brunch -
Urban Angel
121 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DJ
Relaxed and cosy atmosphere in the building of an old tradition bakers, Urban Angel is the place for brunch with a focus on careful sourcing of ingredients at their seasonal best.
Milk at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
21 Hawthornvale, Edinburgh EH6 4JT
Milk is a destination for nutritionally sound and natural food with all dishes and cakes made in house with fresh, whole ingredients. Great location to have a look around the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop afterwards too.
The Pantry
1 N W Circus Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6ST
An all-day eatery focusing on local produce.
thepantryedinburgh.co.uk
Coffee -
Williams & Johnson
Custom Lane, 67 Commercial St, Customs Wharf, Edinburgh, Eh6 6LH
A micro-roasters based in Leith with their flagship cafe in Custom Lane and a passion for sharing beautiful coffee.
127
127 George street, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN
Situated within Eden Locke hotel, 127 serves a carefully brewed selection of coffees, a great spot for a catch up or to get some work done.
lockeliving.com/eden-locke/eat
Fortitude Coffee
3C York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB
A small, friendly speciality coffee bar in Edinburgh's New Town.
Cairngorm Coffee
1 Melville Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7PR
Passionate about coffee, serving their own roast, made in the cairngorms. A busy but relaxed cosy spot for a coffee.
Wellington Coffee
33A George St, Edinburgh EH2 2HN
Located in the city centre, the perfect spot for a coffee break from the shops.
To Eat -
Timberyard
10 Lady Lawson St, Edinburgh, EH3 9DS
Our friends at Timberyard have a creative menu of locally-sourced artisanal produce in industrial-chic former warehouse space.
The Kitchin
78 Commercial St, Edinburgh EH6 6LX
The Kitchin is a Michelin Star restaurant located in Leith dedicated to using the finest, freshest Scottish seasonal produce. Definitely lives up to its top reputation.
The Little Chart Room
30 Albert Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HN
A relative newcomer but packing a real punch in the food scene, The Little Chart Room manages to be both inspiring and homely at the same time.
Borough
30 Albert Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HN
Another Leith local eatery, well executed with seasonal produce as the star of the show.
Civerinos
5 Hunter Square, Edinburgh EH1 1QW
Relaxed Italian street food and pizza restaurant, arguably the best pizzas in town.
El Cartel
64 Thistle St, Edinburgh, EH2 1EN
Freshly made and authentic Mexican street food, we order frozen margaritas , jalapeño bombers and lots of tacos.
The Lookout by Gardeners Cottage
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA
Fine dining with hard to beat floor to ceiling views of the city.
The Shore
3, The Shore, Leith
A local bar and restaurant specialising in fish, with old fashion wood panelling and open fires making it feel home from home.
Newhaven Fish Market
23A Pier Place, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4LP.
The best place to source some local fish and chips, the décor reflecting the markets Victorian heritage and the beautiful views of the forth make it the perfect casual dinner spot. In the summer we love to sit outside and drink in the views of the harbour.
Champany
Linlithgow EH49 7LU
Based in Linlithgow, Champany provides an escape from the city, serving the best British beef and wines to pair. Steaks here are a must, try and leave room for the waffles and ice cream for dessert.
Sodaeng Korean
94 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh EH8 9NH
A great casual Korean spot in Edinburgh's Student district.
Spitaki Greek Traverna
Excellent casual Greek Dining.
133-135 East Claremont Street, Edinburgh
Imperial Palace
36 Inglis Green Rd, Edinburgh EH14 2ER
Spacious specialist in dim sum, Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine with set lunch menus and takeaway. Best Singapore noodles in the city.
To Drink -
Lady Libertine
25 W Register St
EH2 2AA Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A stunning new venue, serving cocktails & wine, with live music and dj’s to set the perfect atmosphere for your evening out.
Lucky Liquor
39A Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3NH
Small, quirky bar with a constantly changing specialist cocktail menu.
Bon Vivant
51 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DY
Relaxed environment with a highest quality selection of cocktails, wine and spirits.
Bramble
6A Queen St, Edinburgh, EH2 1JE
Known as one of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh, Bramble is hidden underground in the city centre.
Nauticus
142 Duke Street, Edinburgh
Local Leith bar focusing on Scottish produce, with 90% of the drinks menu either Scottish made or owned brands.
The Pitt
125 Pitt St, Edinburgh EH6 4DE
Based in Leith, the Pitt is a market space filled with bars, street food and creatives. Open every Saturday and Sunday with a variety of events. A fun day out is always had.
To Explore -
Arthurs Seat
Edinburgh EH8 8AZ
Located in Holyrood park, the extinct volcano stands out dramatically along Edinburgh’s skyline. Making the windy ascent to the top is well worth it for the magical views of the city.
The Royal Botanic Gardens
Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ
The second oldest garden of its type in Britain, the 70-acre garden features an herbarium and Britain’s largest palm house and many more exotic plants. A perfect afternoon activity post brunch.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR
The gallery home’s an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art. It’s beautiful building and grounds are a must-see location in Edinburgh
nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-gallery-modern-art
Tyninghame Beach
Just outside of the city along the coast is Tyninghame Beach, a great place for a peaceful dog walk and escape from the busy town centre.
Dean Village
Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY
Connected to the water of Leith walkway, Dean Village is a picturesque stop along the route. A short stroll from a few of the coffee spots we recommend it’s a must see on a sunny day.