Edinburgh is a beautiful and historic capital city that has so many different areas just waiting to be explored. However, many visitors stick to the famous haunts that the city is most renowned for; the historic and enchanting Old Town and Grassmarket, shopping primetime on Princes Street and the bustling bars and restaurant scene on George Street. Venture just that little bit further (and when we say further we still mean a stone’s throw from the Castle – almost!) and you’ll find pockets of this wonderful city you really shouldn’t miss.

Chrystal from The Luxury Editor gives us the lowdown on how to live like a local in Stockbridge.

Location

Only a 10 minute walk (downhill!) from the West End of Princes Street Stockbridge is a thriving hub boasting traditional pubs, trendy bars, an abundance of coffee shops, excellent restaurants, an array of independent artisan shops and even a luxury boutique hotel. The Botanic Gardens, Water of Leith and Inverleith Park border the area and although you’re still right in the heart of the city the expansive green area and waterway gives you the feeling of suburbia living.

Morning Coffee

Oooohh so many places to choose from but one of my absolute favourites is Artisan Roast, which is located in a flower shop on the main high street. It’s a cute little place and the highly trained baristas are very conscious about crafting the perfect brew so ensure you’re up for a leisurely coffee. All pastries and cakes are homemade and their date slice is a monster – the BEST ever. Sorry mother-in-law yours comes a close second!!

Out and About

Take a stroll around The Botanic Gardens, it’s a really tranquil place and not only are the gardens themselves extremely beautiful there are often art exhibitions on display in the various exhibition spaces. If you’re visiting in November I’d highly recommend the Light Festival – quite a spectacle. It’s great for children too as there are plenty of ‘playful educational’ things to do and a child friendly café and restaurant.

As with the Old Town of Edinburgh, Stockbridge and The New Town are filled with winding lanes and cobbled paths that are just waiting to be explored and make sure you do as there are some really pretty places that are worth an amble down.

 Dean Lane

Lunch Time Snack

Peter’s Yard is a great call. It’s a Swedish bakery with a wonderful Swedish inspired selection of bread, biscuits and cakes. I love the spelt scones here and the homemade ice cream for a sweet treat is sooo creamy. They also serve really unusual salad concoctions which change daily. It is relatively small in here and very popular so be prepared to wait for a seat or choose to take-away and enjoy your Swedish treats in the park.

Worth A Look

I am not a cheese lover but I just love IJ Mellis cheese shop. The selection of cheeses and charcuterie style meats are simply phenomenal and the level of knowledge from the staff is incredible. A Stockbridge institution.

Afternoon Tipple / Coffee

Hamilton’s is a buzzing bar and kitchen-serving breakfast through to dinner – it has a great atmosphere no matter what time of day you go in. Although it’s child friendly it is so in a discrete manner. Comfy sofas, high bar stools, dining area and a great cocktail selection this place does dawn till dusk exceptionally well.

Dinner Date

Rollo Restaurant and Wine Bar is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or an intimate get-together with a few friends. A family run establishment that showcases the style and creative flair of sculptor, fashion designer and architect owners in its décor and the warm and friendly atmosphere makes you relax before you’ve even taken off your coat. The casual but high quality plates, sides and mains style menu is varied and extremely tasty – superb pork crackling! Smarter than a bistro but with bistro prices, I’d highly recommend booking well in advance. It’s over 18s only which helps set the stylish vibe.

Sunday Market

If you’re visit to Edinburgh incorporates a Sunday then be sure to head to the Stockbridge Sunday market. Fresh produce from cakes, cheeses, olives, bread, local butchers, fishmongers, pie makers, ale makers, gin makers – the list goes on all congregate here to impress the locals and tourists alike. Paella, pulled pork, noodles and curries are all cooked onsite too so be sure you come hungry and be reassured you will leave more than suitable satisfied.

There you have it my top-tips to live like a local in Stockbridge. Enjoy!

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Our flats in  Saxe Coburg Place or  our Georgian terraced  property blend the Scottish charm, home comforts and allow you to make the most of the of the great neighbourhood delis, cafes, restaurants and boutique shops.

They are ideal as either an intimate and romantic retreat, a break with your friends of for a fun-packed family vacation.