Stockbridge is one of those worlds within a larger world, just down from the hub of city centre Edinburgh. Stockbridge is a hidden store of delightful treasures for the vintage shopper. Also, Stockbridge is the host for some of the best earning charity shops in the UK.
St Stephen's Church stands as guard for the eastern side entrance to the Stockbridge area. The church stands the eastern end of St Stephen Street, a characterful curving Georgian street of inhabited basement flats with ground floors accommodating a series of antique shops, bars and offices. A small spur on its north side, St Stephen Place, lead to the old Stockbridge Market, of which the original entrance archway still stands.
Although Stockbridge may boast on its vintage atmosphere, it does celebrate its quirky sides too – probably most notably in the form of its community festival that hosts the Stockbridge Duck Race, which raises money for local charities.
To north through the St. Bernard’s Row through another Georgian cul-de-sac, just a walking distance away is the Royal Botanic Garden - great for that leisurely afternoon wander. Another fine way to spend a day among the plants, flowers, great coffee and exotic herbaceous peace. And entrance to the gardens is absolutely free!
And now for the best part – food! Start off, let’s talk about the Antiquary – perhaps not the oldest surviving bars in Stockbridge but definitely already a legend, and one that serves a full all-in breakfast also on Sundays! And who wouldn’t love getting a full fry up with toast, orange juice, coffee and more, all for a flat price, and all prepared with top quality locally produced ingredients?
A wonderful little Italian themed café, Sprio Deli, is the place to go for that afternoon snack and your revitalising coffee burst. Sprio isn’t just an Italian-themed café, it’s one which reflects the sights and smells of the country, from the cool, brightly-designed furniture to the action-packed fumetti adorning the walls and a range of imported Italian sweets, magazines and dry goods.
An honourable mention this time goes to the Stockbridge Restaurant, a family-run restaurant that amazes in its care for detail, its mouth-wateringly inventive menu and a space, where you can enjoy a relaxed, unpretentious dining experience. You can tell a lot of thought and skill is going into the cooking of Head Chef Jason, and his partner Jane is putting a lot of care into the running of this wonderful gem.
An alternative for your choice of dinner could very well be the Café Fish, with its simple philosophy of 100% fresh produce that’s simply cooked, menus in line with what the markets were selling on any particular day, complemented with wines matched to the menu structure, and sensibly priced! With the best seafood in the world often found off the coasts of Scotland, it is no wonder that there is an abundance of seafood restaurants.
For more down-to-earth dining experience, Cambridge Bar would be the one to aim for; a hearty, good bar centrally located but nestled away from all the shoppers on George/Princes Streets.
For those who prefer to eat at the comfort of their own homes but yearn for some night time entertainment, how about the Bailie Bar – a great pub for all age groups if you are looking for a relaxed drink with friends. The Thistle Street Bar is another must-do for a night out, a place where the atmosphere is cool and the selection of drinks is extensive. The Thistle has a good selection of every kind of alcohol, beer, wine and pitchers of mixed cocktails to cater for every taste. A true hidden treasure, waiting to be found.
And if you are not convinced by our opinion alone, the Scotsman and rest of UK do agree!
Of course, when you want to have the best of Stockbridge, why not do it in luxury and book one of our gorgeous ideally located apartments?
Stockbridge Grandeur @ Carlton Street is right at Stockbridge, just around the corner from the best of the best: less than five minute walk from the Stockbridge Market, five minute walk from the Stockbridge Restaurant and Sprio, six minutes from the Antiquary Bar, just over ten minutes from the Royal Botanic Garden and for the good measure mere twenty minute stroll from Princes Street! You couldn’t have a better location for your stay!
If you’re travelling in a bigger group, our two lovely apartments New Town Chic @ Northumberland Street and New Town Boutique @ Northumberland Street are just on the top of entrance to the Stockbridge. Together these two apartments hold eight people, or individually each flat is suitable for up to four. Just ten minute walk from Stockbridge and all the goodness it entails, less than ten minutes from Princes Street and mere six minute walk from Thistle Street!