Cairngorm West End

Will the West End coffee onslaught never cease? The latest contender is one with pedigree in the shape of Cairngorm. I’m a big fan of their Frederick Street branch and it recently finished in the number 2 slot in the Coffee 100. I popped in for a breakfast visit.

Interior

The first thing that strikes you is how very bright the place is. I’ve been joking with them that it’s not hangover friendly but there’s some truth to that. The interior is very beautiful with a modern white and light wood aesthetic. It’s one of the smartest cafe spaces in the city.

I was keen to give their avocado toast a try so ordered that along with an espresso.

Espresso

Their starting coffee choice has been Helsinki’s Good Life. It’s absolutely first rate stuff and has been prepared to a very good standard on their beautiful San Remo machine.

The avocado toast was really good, too. Aside from minor quibbles about whether £5 is the right price for a single piece of toast however well adorned, this was well-crafted deliciousness with beautiful avocado, suitably sour crumbly cheese, and brightness from red pepper flakes. I liked it a lot.

Avocado toast

So overall, Cairngorm is opening with a really impressive offering from outstanding West End premises. It has already built a robustly appreciative audience so you should join their number to sample this great new Edinburgh coffee delight.

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

I ate: avocado toast

I drank: espresso, water

I wore: pinstripes

Total bill: £7.20

Address: 1 Melville Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7PR