I like to keep a small stock of places nearby my office that offer review opportunities when I’m slightly pressed for time. Procaffeination on St Mary’s Street was quite a recent addition to that list but I had needed to exercise the option to visit, today.

With quite a similar feel and set of Turkish influences as Circus, just next door, I found the place extensively populated by sit-in diners and with a good volume of people popping in for takeaway food and coffee.

While it is just off the Royal Mile it didn’t feel touristy, with most customers of the local variety.

I opted to sit in and try their lentil soup, from a daily selection of three, followed by some traditional Turkish spinach borek, a type of filo pastry pie.

The soup was promptly delivered by the friendly counter man. It was very neatly presented topped with crunchy croutons and fragrant oregano. It proved impressively good eating.

The borek wasn’t quite so good. The filling had good flavour, but the pastry had gone a bit leathery with reheating. This was a shame as I rather liked pretty much every other aspect of their offering.

So overall, Procaffeination is a smart and friendly new cafe that’s worthy of your attention. Their soup was a particular strength so that’s always going to find favour with me. I look forward to visiting again.

Scores
Blythe scores Procaffeination
3.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 14/20

I ate: lentil soup, borek

I drank: water

I wore: pinstripes

Total bill: £9.45