The Insider’s Guide to Bruntsfield, Edinburgh
There are many wonderful areas in Edinburgh, and Bruntsfield is definitely one of them. However, it’s an area often neglected by tourists, which means you’ll have the opportunity to experience the village-style suburb as a local. Bruntsfield is roughly a mile south-west of the city centre and was originally known as Brounysfelde or Brown’s Fields. Nowadays it’s a lively hub with countless great eateries and independent shops. To help you experience (and enjoy) Bruntsfield as a local, we’ve put together an Insider’s Guide to Bruntsfield. Let’s begin!
9am: Tea and Coffee
You’ll be spoilt for choice with regards to your morning cuppa, as Bruntsfield has an amazing café scene. If you’re a coffee drinker, follow the enticing smell of fresh grinds to Artisan Roast – who roast their coffee twice a week in Edinburgh – or pop into the equally good Project Coffee. If you particularly fancy a cup of tea, there are two great cafes who specialise in tea; Rosevear Tea and Pekoe Tea.
10am: Morning Walk
The Meadows During Cherry Blossom Season (Roughly April or May)
Now that you’ve had your caffeine fix, it’s the ideal time for a brisk morning stroll. Thankfully, Bruntsfield is blessed with Bruntsfield Links and is also close to The Meadows – both of which provide magnificent views of both Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat (an extinct volcano).
If you’re feeling particularly energetic, there’s the option of playing a round of golf on Bruntsfield Links – believed to be one of the world’s oldest short-hole golf courses – for free. The summer 36 hole course is open from the end of April to September and the winter 9 hole course is open from October to end of April.
12pm: Ready for Lunch?
Bruntsfield has an abundance of delicious eateries, so choosing just one for lunch may prove tricky. But, not to worry, we’ve selected a few of our favourites to help you. Montpeliers is located in the heart of Bruntsfield and is an excellent spot for both breakfast and lunch. The trendy yet cosy bar/restaurant is a popular spot amongst locals, and we’re sure you’ll find something delightful to eat for lunch. Our next recommendation is Honeycomb & Co. We know that the main factor in choosing a restaurant is how good their food is, but, we have to mention Honeycomb & Co’s gorgeous interior. Every aspect of this restaurant’s interior has been meticulously designed around their name and the food is equally divine. Honeycomb & Co is also dog-friendly. Lastly, Papilio is a traditional warm Italian restaurant located on Bruntsfield’s main street – which also offers the option to have Gluten Free pasta.
2pm: A Spot of Independent Shopping
The majority of the independent stores are located on Bruntsfield Place and it is a great area if you’re looking to pick up a present for someone or treat for yourself! There is something for everyone. For the chocolate lovers out there, head along to Coco or The Chocolate Tree for a delectable treat. For the book lovers, The Edinburgh Bookshop is a must-visit, as it was crowned the Scottish Independent Bookshop of the Year 2014! If you fancy a browse through a quirky gift shop, we would highly recommend Curiouser and Halibut & Herring – both stores stock local designers. For a fashion fix, why not pop into Ohh! Ruby Shoes or Biscuit Clothing, who stock luxury clothing and accessories. We could go on and on, but, we’ll leave some of the exploring to you.
4pm: Pause for a Treat
Fancy stopping to relax and refuel with a sweet treat? Well, we recommend you do, as Bruntsfield has several excellent options. Take, for example, Falko Konditormeister, the owner Falko has the highest state qualification for a pastry chef in Germany – well worth a visit! Or, perhaps you’re in the mood for a cupcake? Well, no better place to go than, Scottish Baker of the Year, Cuckoo’s Bakery. Lastly, the Chocolate Tree and Coco are known for their delicious hot chocolate.
5pm: Take in a Show or a Movie
If you feel like catching a show or a movie, you needn’t stray too far, as there are several theaters near Bruntsfield. First, there is The Dominion Cinema, located in the neighbouring suburb of Morningside. The Dominion Cinema is situated in an Art Deco building and has been a Scottish family run business for 80 years. Second, The Cameo is a comfortable art house cinema, located at Tollcross, which shows both independent and mainstream movies. Lastly, if you fancy a live show, The Kings Theatre is the perfect venue – the interior alone is worth beholding.
7pm: Dinner and Drinks
If you’re staying at one of Dickins’ self catering properties, you have the option of heading home to cook up a lovely meal and enjoy a relaxing night in. However, if you’ve had a long day you may prefer to dine out and if that’s the case there are several fantastic options. The Apartment offers a contemporary and sophisticated dining experience, Three Birds pride themselves on using local and artisan suppliers, and, lastly, Harajuku Kitchen serves up quality Japanese cuisine. There are also excellent options for drinks, why not try the stylish The Blackbird, the classic pub The Golf Tavern, or the aforementioned Montpeliers. Enjoy!
Photo Credit: The Blackbird
Where to stay in Bruntsfield?
Considering visiting Edinburgh? We think Bruntsfield is the perfect location to be based, as it’s within walking distance from the city centre and you’ll be able to experience an area of Edinburgh most tourists miss. We have a lovely home away from home for you on Leamington Terrace. It is situated in a fabulous location directly opposite Bruntsfield Links. This delightful top floor apartment is incredibly welcoming from the moment you step through the door.
Not strictly in Bruntsfield, but relatively near, this gorgeous property in Simpson Loan backs onto The Meadows, and is the most serene place to relax after a day of exploring Bruntsfield. If you like your home environment to be Scandi styled with clean lines and bags of comfort, then this stunning, luxury apartment is for you.
Leave a Comment