‘We are very spoilt for choice:’ Food & beverage in Edinburgh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Few cities enjoy the mix of old & new quite like Edinburgh, which has both the feel of a fairytale and the pulse of, say, Brooklyn. Jason Harvey, who founded Common Coffee there, shares his Filter guide ranging from his favorite bakeries, gardens, and streams.

*Jason Harvey (R), founded Common Coffee in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photos courtesy of Common Coffee*

Filter: What do you do for fun around Edinburgh?

Within the city the food and drink scene is pretty amazing. We are very spoilt for choice. For a quiet morning out by myself, I often head to The Palmerston for a pastry and coffee. They only open at 9 and the cafe closes at 11 for lunch service, so try to get in early.

Filter: If a good friend came to visit, where would you be sure to take them?

I would head out to the East Coast for the day, go to Bostock Bakery in East Linton, spend the day at Tyninghame and then back towards Longniddry for fish and chips from Alandis looking back over the forth.

Filter: What do you like to do to escape the city?

I often head up towards the Tay River and go foraging especially in autumn time.

Filter: What touristy things in Edinburgh are worth the hype?

Hmmm I have never gone to the castle, which I know is popular. But the two walks up Carlton Hill and Arthur’s Seat are definitely worth the effort.

Filter: Where are your favorite quiet corners there?

I really enjoy the walk through Princess Gardens, it's right in the centre of the city under the castle and there's an old cemetery at the end well worth a stroll. It's not as busy as you would expect and the grounds are beautiful, perfect for a picnic if the sun is out.

Filter: What's another coffee shop around there that you really admire, and what about them stands out to you?

Common runs a little cafe called Mayvn, it's located on George St. and is a quiet escape for an afternoon coffee and some cake. Either from the gardens or if you fancy some High Street shopping.

Filter: What makes Edinburgh feel like home to you?

I think it's a number of things. Edinburgh is a unique city, with a stunning landscape, easy access to the outdoors, and an intimate city centre that is easy to get around, you literally walk everywhere. The city is a popular tourist destination and it also attracts a lot of students from around the world. The connections to Europe and London make travel very easy. There is a strong connection back to New Zealand with a city in our South Island called Dunedin translating to 'little Edinburgh/castle on the hill'

Filter: How did you end up in the Edinburgh coffee scene?

I am originally from New Zealand and am lucky enough to have dual citizenship. Before leaving New Zealand I studied and worked in the outdoor industry as an instructor which was a lot of fun. When I left New Zealand 10 years ago, I had no experience in the coffee industry and no plans to move into it. But I am pretty happy to have ended up here. I moved to Edinburgh to start Common Coffee because there was an opportunity to make a start here. I have been very fortunate to receive some amazing support along the way, that meant I could bring an idea to life.

Filter: Can you share about your role at Common Coffee?

To me coffee is all about the connections made and ideas sparked over a cup of coffee and my journey with Common Coffee is a reflection of that. The most rewarding part is the journey itself, I am excited to see where it heads next.

Filter: If you could move to any place in the world just for the coffee scene, where would you move, and what shop would be the biggest reason?

Hmm I really like the brunch and coffee scene in Berlin. I especially love the cheesecake and coffee offering they have going on!! Probably my favourite place in Berlin is Annelies in Kreuzberg.

Filter: Anything you’d like to add?

My favourite coffee is flat white with a piece of cheesecake in the afternoon.

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Common Coffee operates a roastery and cafe in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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