Teviot has been a fixture of Edinburgh student life since 1889, holding the proud title of the world’s oldest purpose-built student union. After a massive, much-anticipated renovation, its doors are finally back open - and we are very proud that Machina's Vox Pop espresso is now the coffee of choice.

To mark the reopening, Machina's brand director, Sophie Jones, caught up with Courtney McNair, Deputy Venue Operations Manager at Teviot. They chatted about bringing this historic space back to life, the daily ritual of campus coffee culture, and what it means to build a meaningful, community-first partnership.

Sophie: Teviot has such a huge legacy in Edinburgh - what was the driving philosophy behind this reopening?

Courtney: We are proud that Teviot is more than just a coffee shop or a pub; it’s a gathering spot for the university community, students, staff, and locals alike. For over 130 years, Teviot has been a place of both retreat and recreation. Post-renovations, the building is now ready to continue that legacy for the next 100+ years.

Sophie: Now that the doors are open, how are you seeing students and locals actually use the different spaces?

Courtney: It’s great that people can spend the whole day here. During the day, the Gallery Cafe & Commons are a thoroughfare as people go about their busy lives. As we move into the evening, the Library Bar opens, and it’s great to see groups coming in to unwind with one of our craft beers or wines. The new Union Social space is being enjoyed all day, too, offering a quick spot for lunch or dinner, as well as an energetic evening destination with live sports, music, and other events until the wee hours.

Sophie: How would you describe the way Teviot impacts the wider community?

Courtney: Teviot is run by Edinburgh University Students’ Association, a charity that helps make the student experience at the University of Edinburgh the best it can be. There are hundreds of amazing student groups and initiatives that work to support communities across the city, and the Students’ Association uses proceeds from Teviot to help them achieve their goals.

Sophie: When people walk in, they’ll see our Vox Pop espresso on the bar. What is it about this coffee that you’re excited to be serving?

Courtney: Quality is important to us, not just in the end product but in the companies we choose to partner with. We’re excited that our customers will not only get a great-tasting coffee, but one that comes from an ethical and responsible brand.

Sophie: Tell me about the ritual of coffee, and how that fits into the welcoming atmosphere you’re trying to build here?

Courtney: In many ways, Teviot itself is part of the student ritual. It's the place you go for a coffee before class, where you meet and make friends, when you just can’t sit in the library anymore, or when you’re about to stay up late to meet a deadline. Whenever you need a coffee, you’re welcome in Teviot.

Sophie: What’s your personal go-to coffee order at the moment, and your favourite spot in the building to drink it?

Courtney: I’m an oat milk flatty girl through and through - it’s particularly good now that we have both Machina and Brose Oats available every day. You'll mostly find me in the Garden Bar, sitting in the sun with a coffee, getting through the weekly invoices.