Edinburgh city guide

Lupe Pinto’s is so much more than a deli, with all the unusual and hard-to-find international ingredients crammed in it, it’s an Aladdin’s cave of food.

This tiny shop in the Tollcross neighbourhood is an Edinburgh institution having been around since 1991. It’s my ‘go-to’ for Mexican sauces, American candy, Spanish wines and Indian spices.

But it’s also, literally, so much more than a deli. They have two cookbooks and quite the collection of recipes on their website or on leaflets picked up in store. I have never looked for another chilli recipe since I discovered theirs 12 years ago. They also run tasting evenings and cook off competitions which are great opportunities to meet like-minded foodies. This adds to the community feeling the shop has. It is the same staff that has served me for the past 12 years, getting to know what I like and suggesting new ingredients or recipes to try each time I’m in the shop.

I have to try and limit my trips to the store as I could work my way through a bag of their tortilla chips a day if I let myself, and their homemade salsa and guacamole are phenomenal!

The stock does vary slightly depending on what is available but it is always possible to request items or find out when they will next be in store.

Lupe Pinto’s perfectly combines my love of food and travel, my idea of heaven!

Whenever I’m stuck for gift ideas and don’t know exactly what to get Helios Fountain is the place to go. I’ve yet to come away disappointed.

Helios Fountain is a gift shop that sells almost every type of knick-knack you can think of. It’s one of those places you can get lost in for hours exploring each shelf to see what they have hidden away in the corners.

Outside the shop there’s a fantastic bubble machine which disperses bubbles down the Grassmarket drawing people into the shop. It can be quite a surprise if you don’t expect it!

It’s not the cheapest place to pick up candles or toys, or the most expensive, but it is one of the nicest shops in Edinburgh for the range of stock they carry, and the friendliness of the staff.

They have a fantastic selection of old-fashioned wooden toys and stuffed animals at the back of the store and a good collection of books which focus mostly on the Rudolf Steiner school of thought. There is also an extensive craft section with material for jewellery, candle and card making.

If you are on the lookout for quirky gifts this is the place to go.

Living in the old town I am surrounded by pubs and cafes catering to tourists looking for traditional Scottish fare. That’s what makes Circus a welcome change to the norm.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what Circus is. It’s promoted as a café and bistro but there is also a beer garden, art shows and sometimes live music.

The same goes for the food. It is owned by the same people that run Empires, a Turkish restaurant slightly further down the street, and there is a definite Turkish/Mediterranean flavour to the menu but they also serve full Scottish breakfasts and burgers. I’ve never been in for dinner but the lunch and breakfast menus are both extensive and tasty. There are also vegan and gluten-free options on the menu.

In the long run though I find it easy to get past working out what kind of place Circus is and enjoy the relaxed, bohemian vibe. The restaurant is bright and airy with tables made from reclaimed wood and bright Turkish lamps hanging from the roof. The walled terrace at the back of the café comes as a bit of a revelation in the middle of the old town but is a great spot to enjoy a drink in the lovely Scottish summer weather (if we ever get some).

Circus is a great place to take a break from exploring the old town any time of the day, just remember your cash – they don’t accept any cards.

I have to admit that it was the word cupcake that got me into Miss Katie’s shop the first time. Not going to lie, I was a little disappointed to not see a case of sweet treats but I soon got over it seeing what else was on offer – the shop is literally dripping in unique, vintage-inspired jewellery.

The shop is beautifully decorated with vintage furniture, frames and tea sets which display a huge selection of distinct and unusual items. There are pendants made from old postage stamps or comic strips, earrings with teacups dangling from them and beautiful pearl bracelets.

None of the items are too pricey for such unusual items. The average price for a necklace is probably around £ 20.

It’s a small shop and can be a bit overwhelming to look through all the items on offer but it is worth it to find the perfect piece.

Even without the cupcakes Miss Katie’s is the perfect place for a wee treat.

For years there has been a lack of decent spots for a drink and a bite to eat before or after a trip to the cinema at Fountainbridge – that was all before The Fountain reopened last year.

The Fountain used to have a bit of a reputation as not-the-classiest joint in town, however last year it reopened with a completely different atmosphere and clientele.

The décor is quirky, with items such as old fashioned suitcases and wooden clogs decorating the windowsills and ledges. This theme follows through to the presentation of the food, for example chips are served in flowerpots.

The menu is fairly traditional for a pub with the usual fish and chips, pies, etc but with a bit of twist. The portions and quality are excellent. There is also a good selection of craft beers and ciders on the menu as well as a decent wine list. It is an excellent place to try some newer Scottish beers such as WEST or Innis & Gunn.

The sofas and armchairs in the bar offer a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere for relaxing and catching up with friends over a pint. The dining area is in a raised area to the side of the bar and can get a little crammed at the weekends.

The Fountain is a great stop for food and drink whether or not a trip to the cinema is included.