Edinburgh is, no doubt, a coffee-drinker’s dream. Cafés are hidden down every cobbled close, each one with its own atmosphere and ambience. The latest café to open its doors and release the smell of freshly brewed espresso is Lowdown Coffee. Tucked away down a set of stairs on George Street, this place is literally a coffee shop that is low down.
That might make you think dark and dingy, but you would be surprised. The interior is modern – full of clean lines, white walls and empty space. You can tell it has just opened. It has the feeling of a personality still in development, a characterful coffee shop soon to find itself. Each new customer that walks through the door is helping to bring this café to life.
I have to mention that I was charmed by the table service. It is not a huge deal, but isn’t it a delight to mull over a menu as you sit comfortably, rather than wait in a line only to find that by the time your drink has been made there are no seats available?
Even more memorably, Lowdown tells you exactly what you are getting – the menu does not just read ‘Filter Coffee’. Instead it comes with a description of the origin, producer, process and aroma. It is an insightful touch, and one that will make you feel like an aficionado of coffee, even if all you actually know is ‘latte’. Do not go feeling left out if you are a tea drinker though. There are a range of eight teas available here, all supplied by Postcards Of London, which, just like the coffee, are presented with detailed and intriguing descriptions.
And what would a café in Edinburgh be without a display of tempting pastries and cakes on immediate entrance? Lowdown are offering gluten-free brownies, peanut butter blondies, flapjacks and croissants; the list goes on. The owner himself informed me that food was something they would be looking to pursue, so take a visit for yourself and the options may have expanded.
Image: [Saskia Peach]