Up the Junction

Having recently changed hands, after Helen Larkin had been in charge of the place for a mammoth 36 years, Up the Junction, on Great Junction Street is starting life afresh after having been part of the local fabric for four decades. I’d never previously visited, rather shamefully, but I rectified that on a recent early morning trip to Leith.

Although the cafe has quite a cosy and compact feel, there is seating for 28 people. I’m told the menu has a good deal of continuity with the previous incarnation, which sounds like a smart play to give regulars a chance to acclimatise to the new regime.

There’s a selection of all day breakfasts, a range of hot dishes, and the usual soups and sandwiches. I opted for their Scottish breakfast given my visit was just barely after 8am. This comprised lorne sausage, bacon, egg, mushrooms, tattie scone, haggis, beans and toast. I added a mug of tea, as seemed fitting.

The friendly counter chap was soon about preparing my items to order. They were soon with me looking much as expected.

I immediately checked the yolk of the egg, which was suitably runny. The mushrooms looked very well cooked and proved to be entirely delicious. The bacon was profuse and tasty, the haggis very good and the tattie scone really pleasing too. I was impressed.

So overall, Up the Junction served me a very good breakfast, so as far as I can tell is maintaining the much-loved standards of the previous owners. I’d be happy to visit again and must give their £1.70 burger a try when next I’m there.

Scores
Blythe scores Up the Junction
4/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 14/20

I ate: Scottish breakfast (bacon, egg, lorne, haggis, tattie scone, mushroom, beans, toast)

I drank: tea

I wore: full questing pinstripes

Total bill: £6.70