COFFEE
Once again the Christmas season is upon us and we’re all thrown into mild panic about sourcing the most perfect gifts for our nearest and dearest, in a year where many of us are feeling the financial pinch. However, rather than throwing money at Amazon to solve the problem, it’s important to remember we live in Edinburgh, a city awash with a wealth of independent retailers, selling a vast array of beautiful and unique Christmas gifts, that won’t cost the earth. Plus you’ll get the feel good factor of supporting local businesses and supporting our local economy through these tricky times.
So, for the uninitiated we’ve decided to help by pulling together our own list of some of our favourite shopping haunts in and around our local patch in Edinburgh.
The Bear's Larder
Describing themselves as an urban farmstore filled with artisanal and seasonal produce, the Bear’s Larder have firmly established themselves as a joyful little haunt to while away a Saturday afternoon lusting after all the beautiful products you’d like to bring home to your imaginary larder. Supporting, and championing local, small scale and independent producers their store is a beautiful showcase to bring these amazing products to market. Featuring some of the best food and drink producers out there alongside a great collection of gifts and knick knacks for the home.
Location: 15 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh, EH10 5DP
Best For: Foodies / Stocking up your Christmas cupboards
@thebearslarder
thebearslarder.co.uk
Forge & Foliage
Just around the corner from us at Machina Marchmont, Forge and Foliage, have built their reputation as one of Edinburgh's leading lights in the burgeoning house plant trend, with a shop that is worth visiting just for its stunning interior alone. A small, but cosy, neighbourhood plant shop, stocking a diverse collection of Aroid, Tropical and Prayer plants, featuring classic favourites through to rare finds, Forge and Foliage are here to help you find the plant that is right for you and the appropriate care tips to help it thrive. They are also currently doing festive wreaths or pre-order, plus they do a mean hot chocolate too.
Location: 58 Warrender Park Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1EX
Best For: Plant Lovers / alternative Christmas decorations
@forgeandfoliage
forgeandfoliage.co.uk
Cork & Cask
Specialising in thoughtfully sourced wines, beers & spirits, Cork and Cask are your perfect independent partner for all your alcohol needs this Christmas. Located at the top of Marchmont Road they offer a stunning selection of interesting wines, beers and spirits. Delivering locally and nationally they offer free UK shipping on orders over £85 and within Edinburgh bypass over £20
Location: 136 Marchmont Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1AQ
Best For: Those who are more discerning about their Christmas tipple
@corkcask
corkandcask.co.uk
Lovecrumbs
Lovecrumbs cafe and lifestyle store has been at home on Edinburgh's West Port since 2012 and has become somewhat of an institution in the city, offering up incredible bakes and coffee in one of the more vibrant quarters of the city. Their reputation as a cafe is second to none, but did you know that they also carry a thoughtfully curated range of ‘beautiful, useful things for you and your home’ stocking jewellery, pottery, homewares, stationary and treats from some wonderful independent makers and designers, curated to bring joy and help people live a little more sustainably.
Location: 155 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DP
Best For: Those that appreciate the brighter / more joyful side of life
@hellolovecrumbs
lovecrumbs.co.uk
Marchmont Gallery
Right next door to Machina Marchmont is the wonderful Marchmont Gallery, a small independently run art gallery and picture framers. Stocking a wide range of original art homeware, craft and gifts from local makers and ethical suppliers. They are currently stocking a wide range of artworks from local Scottish artists including Keli Clark, Oliver Brooks, Ian Darling, Stuart Harper and many more…
Location: 156 Warrender Park Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1EX
Best For: Art lovers with a passion for Scottish scenes
@marchmontgallry
marchmontgallery.com
