You will struggle to find more picturesque and characterful coffee shops than the two ‘outposts’, The Milkman have on Cockburn Street. Both are extremely cosy and offer the perfect window seats, from which you can watch the comings and goings of Edinburgh’s locals as you enjoy a delicious coffee and sweet treat. The name ‘The Milkman’, is a nod to the owner’s great-grandfather, who used to deliver milk by a horse drawn carriage in North East Scotland, with the logo proudly showcasing his silhouette.

The shop located towards the lower end at 7 Cockburn Street dates back to the 1800’s and as you can see from the frontage is set in an old refurbished confectionery emporium.

In search of our morning caffeine fix we were lucky enough to grab the corner seat in the shop at number 52 as soon as they opened. The high-quality coffee and matcha latte were both very well made, the staff were extremely friendly and the almond croissant was just what I needed with a big day of exploring ahead. I love supporting local coffee shops and these two spots are the perfect place to start a day soaking up some of Edinburgh’s architectural magnificence.