In our new section for sustainability, we show our guests around the hottest, greenest places on our patch. This ranges from boutique and vintage shopping to museums and repair shops to the neighbourhood’s most loved green, organic or eco-friendly restaurants and bars. We call it The Good Guide – happy exploring.
Curious?
National – The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
Modern – 73 & 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR
Portrait – 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD
All of the National Galleries of Scotland spots have totally scored the Green Tourism Gold award! They’re not just famous for their mind-blowing art collections, covering everything from old-school classics to modern gems, but their cafes are also a must-visit. So, you can soak in some art and grab a bite that’s as good as it gets!
Castle Terrace Car Park, Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EN
The Castle Terrace Farmers Market happens every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. It’s a lively place with fresh food, tasty street snacks, and local handmade things. The friendly sellers love to talk about their stuff, so it’s a memorable experience for everyone who goes. If you miss it, you can still visit the Stockbridge Market on Sundays!
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has two entrances: the West Gate on Arboretum Place (EH3 5NZ) and the East Gate on Inverleith Row (EH3 5LP)
Just a mile from the city center, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a “Green Strategy Hero” all year round. Spread across 72 acres of breathtaking scenery, this world-renowned garden has been educating and offering a quiet escape for over 350 years. You can also have a seasonal bite in their cafes, made with garden-fresh ingredients on-site.
45 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DF
Just off the Royal Mile, Fruitmarket Gallery is all about making culture cool and accessible. They host exhibitions, performances, and more. They’re all about lifting up the voices of marginalized folks and partnering with activist groups to spread the love. Check out their current exhibitions and events!
23 Cockburn Street Edinburgh EH1 1BP
Stills is a photography center located in the heart of Edinburgh. Established in 1977, it has a lengthy history of supporting the development, enjoyment, exploration, and understanding of photography in Scotland.
Feeling spenny
81-83 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HJ
W. Armstrong & Son is the real deal when it comes to vintage fashion and accessories that dive deep into Scotland’s vibrant history and culture. This shop is treasure trove of kilts, military gear, Harris Tweed, cashmere, and all kinds of vintage swag.
170B Great Junction Street Edinburgh, EH6 5LJ
TBCo is all about designing a cozier tomorrow while being easy on the planet. They’re on a mission to make a positive impact and be a force for good. From sustainable wool blankets and accessories designed in Scotland to their commitment to never stop improving and giving back, this creative collective is all about creating a warmer, better future together, one cozy blanket at a time.
7 Baker’s Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6SY
Kestin, started by the man himself, Kestin Hare, right there in his hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland, shakes up Scottish fashion with a blend of tradition and innovation. They’re all about doing it right – responsible manufacturing, top-notch fabrics, and they make sure to keep it local when they can.
Hungry?
1 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh EH12 5AF
The Palmerston is your go-to for homemade bakery goodness and a commitment to whole animal cooking that minimizes waste and celebrates the care that goes into raising the animals, with a constantly changing menu to suit each season. Inside their grand 1868 building with stone steps and the Royal Bank of Scotland’s emblem, they’ve cultivated a relaxed and welcoming vibe.
1 Melville Pl, Edinburgh EH3 7PR
Founded in 2014 by the coffee enthusiast Robi Lambie, Cairngorm has its roots in Scotland and has since expanded with vibrant shops in Edinburgh, along with a dedicated roasting facility. Their mission is straightforward: it’s not just about coffee for them; it’s about crafting special moments with exceptional brews.
330 Morningside Rd, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4QJ
‘The Cheese Lounge’ at I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger in Morningside is all about keeping it simple and exciting, with their iconic cheeseboard and wine pairing. So, grab your favorite bottle or just chill with a glass (no judgments here), and dive into some satisfying comfort food. These folks are all about curating the best farmhouse and artisan cheeses from small-scale UK producers.
7 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh EH1 1BP
Where coffee meets sustainability. They’re all about supporting local makers and crafting unique products while reducing their environmental footprint. Awarded for being the most eco-friendly specialty coffee shop in Edinburgh in 2019, The Milkman is your go-to spot for delicious coffee and cakes with a conscience.
Thirsty?
79 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Panda & Sons cleverly disguises itself as a barbershop, but behind the facade, it’s a speakeasy-style cocktail haven with a cozy pub-like atmosphere, featuring wood furnishings, paneling, and captivating theatrical touches.
The first bar to embrace freeze drying as an innovative technique, reimagines cocktail ingredients in a way that preserves fresh flavors in a concentrated form. This not only allows them to overcome seasonal limitations but also aligns with their no-waste ethos, ensuring locally sourced, seasonal produce is put to creative use throughout the year. Plus, did we mentioned they are one of the best 50 bars in the world?
1 Haddington Place, Edinburgh EH7 4AE
Spry’s your go-to neighborhood wine bar and bottle shop, all about those natural wines. Their menu’s always changing with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re up for lunch, dinner, or just a drink, they’ve got you covered. Booking ahead’s a good idea, but you can usually find a spot at the bar too.
142 Duke Street, Edinburgh EH6 8HR
Step into a bar that lovingly celebrates Leith’s rich maritime trading history. Right from the entrance, you’ll be immersed in the nautical vibes, with beverages that pay homage to Scotland’s gin and spice trade legacy, and an impressive array of whiskies on display. What sets this place apart is its strong commitment to the local scene – an impressive 90% of their menu showcases the best of Scottish produce, from beers to coffee liqueur sourced directly from Edinburgh’s Cross Brew and gin supplied by Leith’s very own Electric Spirit Company
Overlooking Leith’s waterfront, this dope building isn’t just a distillery – it’s a cool hangout with a shop and bar. With nine floors, it serves killer sea views. Inside, check out the whisky-making magic with slick distillation gear. Elevate the experience at the mezzanine bar on the top floor for a 360-degree cityscape vibe. Bonus: as the UK’s first vertical distillery, they’re all about transparency in sourcing ingredients. Barley from Upper Bolton makes a 90-mile journey for sustainability and crop experiments with the farm team.