Let me finally divulge a shameful mistake that we made with this year’s Guide to Edinburgh: we missed out one the categories by mistake. The category was Best Sandwich, with the excellent cheese baguettes from the Victoria Street branch of IJ Mellis being one of the places we missed when we checked the final proof. We’ll do better next year; we promise.

Anyhoo, I was in the mood for cheesey delights again, today, so headed to Mellis’ branch in Stockbridge, which has recently opened a little tasting room cafe in their back shop.

After being warmly welcomed into the shop, I ascended the steps into the cafe area. The excellently friendly counter man then ran me through the menu. It comprised cheese tasting platters and a range of toasties. There was coffee from Mr Eion and a selection of sweet treats, too.

I was drawn in by talk of a goat’s cheese and onion marmalade toastie, so ordered that along with espresso. I asked for the toastie first, then the coffee to follow.

The counter man went about preparing things while I was left in the characterful little room with the calming tones of Classic FM.

The toastie was soon with me looking highly impressive. High quality sourdough was filled with generous amounts of cheese and sweet onion. It was an absolutely outstanding item, packed with delicious tang and sweetness. I was exceptionally pleased with it.

The coffee was very good, too, and accompanied by a lovely little portion of panettone. It is nearly Christmas, after all…

So overall, Mellis is an entirely outstanding lunchtime option. The little cafe is packed with charm and the food is excellent. The service is knowledgeable and wonderfully friendly. I’d strongly urge you to visit and sample their magnificent wares.

Scores
Blythe scores IJ Mellis
4.5/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4.5/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 17/20

I ate: goat’s cheese and onion marmalade toastie

I drank: water, espresso

I wore: camel coat

Total bill: £6.90