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Original poster

Edinburgh Christmas

20 replies

ClarkGriswoldsChristmastree19 · 02/12/2019 12:52

We’re heading to Edinburgh for Christmas market, visiting Father Christmas on Castle St and on some rides. Can anyone who knows the place well recommend some nice places to go for hot drinks and cake (preferably away from the market) and suggestions for low key dinner. It’ll be myself, husband and DC 11 & 6! Not too far to walk from centre would be great! Thank you Smile

OP posts:
MrsPerfect12 · 02/12/2019 14:23

Hardrock and tiger lily for food. Both lovely. If you're going midweek you could try and get afternoon tea at the dome but you won't get in at a weekend. I'm going on Sunday.

changeling82 · 02/12/2019 16:18

I wouldn't call Tigerlily low key at all and you can go to Hardrock anywhere surely?

I was on Broughton street recently though and there were loads of little places very close together that would give you a decent choice for dinner and quite possibly cake etc too.

changeling82 · 02/12/2019 16:21

Broughton street is also 10 minutes or so from Waverley station which as you probably know is right beside the Christmas market.

Cafe Andaluz on George street can also be quite a nice place to go with children and young people as tapas offer loads of choice.

Although I should probably add that when I went to Tigerlilly I had fantastic food!

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ifonly4 · 02/12/2019 16:25

Can't recommend anywhere in Edinburgh, but I'd avoid a pub as they're very strict in Scotland. Some will allow under age children in for eating, but we had it spelt out to us that DD who was 17 wasn't to touch our drinks (she wasn't going to!). Another refused to serve us (even just food) as she was under 18.

Edinburgh is a lovely city, so enjoy your time there.

Notthisnotthat · 02/12/2019 16:31

Vittoria is a lovely Italian, and would second Cafe Andaluz too. Have a lovely time.

Gingerkittykat · 02/12/2019 16:40

The pub ifonly4 went to sounds like an anomoly, most pubs let kids in for food until (I think) 7pm. Kids are allowed to drink wine or beer or cider from the age of 14 with a meal.

MrsCasares · 02/12/2019 17:05

Can you recommend any dog friendly places in Edinburgh please (for eating).

amusedbush · 02/12/2019 17:06

Avoid the centre of the market if you can - we went on Saturday and it was HIDEOUS. The crowds were so packed in I literally couldn't turn my head to talk to DH, and if you pause for a second to look at a stall you'll almost be carried away by the crowd.

I was so disappointed and left after about 15 minutes Sad

PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 02/12/2019 17:12

For coffee and cake, I like Frederick's coffee house (I think that's what it's called). It's upstairs on Frederick Street, between Princes Street and George Street and has a turquoise sign. Does lovely scones!

For a low-key dinner, you could walk to Lothian Road or the bridges/Royal Mile for the usual chain restaurants (the Filling Station is fun I always think).

nononever · 02/12/2019 17:17

Tigerlily is definitely not low key plus I imagine you would need to book in advance, we are staying there this weekend. I was going to suggest the Dome too but again best to book in advance as it can be quite hectic.

Dieu · 02/12/2019 17:23

What about the Botanics? You could have a lovely stroll, and then a nice cake and hot drink in the cafe there. Or a meal in its restaurant. And the light show at the Botanics is apparently fantastic. Stockbridge is where the Botanics is (about 10 minutes from the city centre) and has loads of wee coffee shops and restaurants.

RosieBooBoo · 02/12/2019 17:23

Civerinos at Hunter Square on royal mile is a cool low key play that does amazing pizzas, My DC love going there, reasonable prices too..

hilbil21 · 02/12/2019 17:23

Mimis Bakehouse! Best cakes in Edinburgh. X

Mummyilovejokes1 · 03/12/2019 21:55

We are heading to Edinburgh this Thursday so watching the thread with interest and bumping for more fab ideas

DurannieDeckingTheHalls · 04/12/2019 06:25

Case Angelina does fab cake/ afternoon tea....

Original poster
ClarkGriswoldsChristmastree19 · 11/12/2019 20:12

Thank you everyone for suggestions, apologies for taking so long to reply, house was struck down with lurgy!

OP posts:
RuggyPeg · 11/12/2019 20:22

I don't think anywhere is low key in Edinburgh at this time of year. Everywhere needs booking. Fazenda is the opposite of low key but is fabulous. Time for Thai is the best Thai I've ever been to and is a lot less buzzy than fazenda. Henderson's is veggie but does nice cakes.

nononever · 12/12/2019 05:16

You're right Ruggy, everywhere was heaving at the weekend even though the weather was dire. Thankfully we had a booking for Sunday lunch.

Veterinari · 12/12/2019 05:38

@ClarkGriswoldsChristmastree19
Try mimi’s bakehouse towards the bottom of the royal mile for drinks and cakes. Or Lovecrumbs on west port street near the grass market

Low key dinner try the Apiary (Newington) or Educated flea (Broughton)
Also lots of nice pubs in Leith - Kings wark, Teuchters Landing, roseleaf

RuggyPeg · 12/12/2019 19:10

Recently went to Mimi's and found the cakes really dry and unappetising unfortunately.

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