Meet our Team – Danni Birkett

We’d love you to meet the latest member of our team, Danni Birkett. Danni has very recently joined us as our Business Development & Marketing Executive. Edinburgh Instagram lovers may already know Danni from the beautiful photos she posts through her personal account @thisedinburghcitygirl

After a few taxing and trying years, it feels so good to be dusting ourselves down and re-engaging with the world again.  Having Danni with us means that we’ll be posting regular content rather than my recent sporadic attempts! We have exciting plans for renewing aspects of our website and will be thrilled to share images with you from a photo shoot we’re doing at the weekend. Danni is a wonderful, calm person, who has brought a fresh verve to Dickins. We’ll need to drag Danni away from her love for Scottish mist and rain into the colourful world of Dickins though!! We hope that you enjoy reading Danni’s story.

Meet Our Team – Danni Birkett

When did you move to Edinburgh and what drew you here?

I first came to Edinburgh from London to study History of Art, along with some French and Spanish at Edinburgh Uni. I was definitely attracted by the city’s moody vibe, with its history and mystery around every corner. Having the rest of Scotland pretty much on your doorstep, with its wild scenery, deserted beaches and cosy fireside pubs was also a huge draw!

What do you like to do on a day off?

During the week there’s nothing I love more than a wander around the city with my camera. Preferably in the mist or rain! And it’ll always involve a couple of pit stops at a coffee shop/bakery and a bookshop or two! Most weekends you’ll find me exploring some of my favourite places like St Abbs, North Berwick and the coastal path between the fishing villages in the East Neuk of Fife-no visit there is complete without heading to Anstruther for its famous fish & chips, and some cider from the cute indie cider bar Æble.

Are there any restaurants, cafes or bars you’re currently loving?

I love Greenwoods. It originated in Amsterdam and is just my favourite place for brunch – so delicious, aesthetic and great service too.

I have a slight obsession with coffee shops and if I’m lucky enough to be passing the original Milkman in Cockburn Street when the hallowed window seat is free, I always dive in there for a coffee and cinnamon bun. I’ll never grow tired of the vibe.

The Milkman, 7 Cockburn Street, Old Town

I also really love the cosy basement bar The Last Word Cocktail Saloon, in St Stephen Street. Stockbridge is probably my favourite neighbourhood in the city. This bar is one of those places that feels like a well-kept secret. The vibe is all dark wooden tables and floors and lit by candles. You can forget the world outside while sampling some of their inventive cocktails. My favourite is Kyoto Calling with gin, banana skin, lime, miso & white cacao. So good – you have to try it out!

Do you have any Scotland tips?

Some of my favourite spots in Scotland include Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris and Achmelvich Beach, up on the North West Coast – both blissful, soulful places. Take me there now! I totally love the Isle of Skye and have enjoyed hiking up a few Munros too.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love the creativity and collaborating with such hugely talented people including soulful photographers and incredible small business owners following their dream. Another huge perk to the job is getting to visit some truly special properties. There’s so much hard work, imagination and personality all around. And I love that my work is all so tied up with this amazing city that we call home.

What does home mean to you?

Home to me means my gorgeous husband, and our two girls that we’ve brought up here, along with Storm our German Shepherd x Siberian Husky. We’ve all grown and navigated life together. Planning trips, meals round the kitchen table, & bucket fulls of laughter & love.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading Danni’s story and that you’ve been inspired to try some of the places she’s recommended.