Dec 8, 2024

Union Brew Lab Edinburgh

A unique coffee experience

""Union Brew Lab" Edinburgh is one of the original hipster coffee shops in the city. JK Rowling hasn't written a book here yet!"

You just need to take a quick look at the Edinburgh spots to realise that the city loves our coffee almost as much as our beer (check the other Edinburgh coffee articles). But in a city where you can't swing a cat without hitting a coffee shop my default option is still always Union Brew Lab.

One of the original 'hipster' Edinburgh coffee shops, Union Brew Lab specialises in single-origin coffees. There's a wide range of other items on offer too though, including locally-sourced cakes, soups, sandwiches, salads, teas and hot chocolates. There are also gluten-free and vegan options.

Located near the main University of Edinburgh campus, Brew Lab seems to be a magnet for students and hipsters. Although just behind the National Museum, it's apparently avoided the touristy crowd that flocks to other nearby coffee shops. Maybe it helps that JK Rowling hasn't written a book here yet ;)

The atmosphere is very relaxing and, coupled with the free Wi-Fi, excellent coffee and friendly staff, this is a great place to break a day exploring the city or spend a few hours reading or writing.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

About this spot

6-8 South College Street

Coffee from:

£

2.30

1316628963

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.

Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh

Considerat-Chocolate

Considerat Chocolate – Incredible vegan donuts

Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Sarah

Mackenzie

Jan 12, 2025
J.K.-Rowlings-Golden-Handprints

J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints – Hidden finds!

"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Sarah

Mackenzie

Jan 8, 2025
Nott-Wine-Bar

Nott Wine Bar – Charcuterie boards & artisan coffee

Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Sarah

Mackenzie

Jan 6, 2025
Lochend-Park

Lochend Park – Birdwatching bounty

"Lochend Park" in Edinburgh is for you if you want a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot, a dander under mature trees...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Tamsin

Grainger

Dec 28, 2024
Newhaven-Harbour

Newhaven Harbour – Fish and chips by the sea

Cute, quaint "Newhaven Harbour" is a hidden gem in Edinburg. Try walking around the area - it will take you about an hour...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Tamsin

Grainger

Dec 28, 2024
Starbank-Park

Starbank Park – Gardens with a view

"Starbank Park" in Edinburgh offers cracking views over the Firth of Forth - it's such a peaceful, beautiful place to sit and sun yourself in the sea air!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Tamsin

Grainger

Dec 28, 2024
Water-of-Leith

Water of Leith – River through the city

The "Water of Leith" is a river that runs from one side of Edinburgh to the other, and it runs through some of the city's most scenic & interesting sites...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Tamsin

Grainger

Dec 28, 2024
Wardie-Bay

Wardie Bay – Wild swimming in the city

"Wardie Bay" in Edinburgh is a bijou beach on the Firth of Forth and my favourite spot for wild swimming in the city...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Tamsin

Grainger

Dec 28, 2024
Dance-Base

Dance Base – Dance your heart out

"Dance Base" is an award-winning building in Edinburgh established to provide classes, workshops & performances. Please do join me in dancing!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Tamsin

Grainger

Dec 28, 2024
Dovecot-Studios

Dovecot Studios – Watch the weavers at work

The "Dovecot Studios" in Edinburgh were once public swimming baths where I'd swim every morning - now I can have a bird's eye view of weavers & looms...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Tamsin

Grainger

Dec 28, 2024
Edinburgh-Sculpture-Workshop

Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop – Art and good coffee

The "Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop" is a bit of an institution. Going regularly means I can keep up with the artist’s work and enjoy a scone & jasmine tea.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Tamsin

Grainger

Dec 28, 2024
Granton-Hub

Granton Hub – Community arts

"Granton Hub" (aka Madelvic House) in North Edinburgh is a community centre in a prosaic, truly historic building with a rich industrial heritage...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Tamsin

Grainger

Dec 28, 2024