Our perfect day in Stockbridge
Spring is officially here! Yippee! I felt the sun on my face today for maybe the first time in 3 months, so it's safe to say I'm feeling inspired. And what better place to channel that inspiration than writing a local's guide to the perfect day in Stockbridge. This is all of course according to us here at Rare Birds Books, with our store based in the heart of the suburb on Raeburn Place. Whether you live locally or are just visiting, we're sure you'll find some hidden gems on this list.
Please know this list is in no way exhaustive! Stockbridge has so much to offer and we're lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive community.
Coffee & pastries
What better way to start your morning (caffeine addicts, I'm looking at you). I'll personally have to pass on the coffee because unfortunately I already have the nervous system of a baby watching a jack-in-the-box. But luckily, Stockbridge is a real hub for cute cafes brimming with delicious pastries and drinks of all sorts. Some of our favs include Cowan & Sons, The Pastry Section (try the cinnamon bun here!) and La Barantine.
It's always good to have a few options because cafes in Stockbridge can get busy pretty quickly, especially on weekends! You may need to float between a couple of places if you're on the search for a seat inside.
Touch some grass, take a walk!
Our store is lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful green spaces. They're perfect for a stroll, picnic, or to simply stop and enjoy some human photosynthesis (weather permitting). Of course, there's the deservedly well-known Water of Leith walkway that connects to historic Dean Village in about a 15-minute walk from St. Bernard's Bridge. When I had friends visit me in Edinburgh recently, they had a good laugh singing Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' at the old red phone box on Bell's Brae Bridge.
There's also Inverleith Park, which is, dare I say, my favourite park in Edinburgh! It's spacious, laid back, and has a gorgeous view of the Edinburgh skyline on the hill overlooking the pond. Right next to it are The Botanic Gardens, which are also well worth a visit and an easy place to lose a couple of hours. For locals or those here on a longer visit looking to increase their brain folds, be sure to also look into the learning and community outreach programmes offered at the Botanics!
Lunch Time
For incredibly tasty Thai food, head over to Nok's Kitchen where between 12:00-15:00 they offer a generous two-course lunch for only £13.95! When I went I had the seabass and it was delicious. If you'd prefer something a little easier to takeaway (and maybe devour in one of the above green spaces) Mootz has the most mouth-watering stomach-filling Italian inspired sandwiches. Or are you looking for a classic pub lunch? Look no further than The Raeburn with its super friendly staff, fantastic atmosphere, and a menu with heaps of variety.
Get in loser, we're going shopping
Whether you're on the search for the perfect gift, or souvenir, or just looking to kill a bit of time, you're basically guaranteed to have a good time shopping in Stockbridge. There's gotta be at least a little bit of room in your suitcase for some new pretty things, right!? Plus sometimes window shopping can be just as fun (we simultaneously support treating yourself and being financially savvy).
Did I already mention that our shop is in Stockbridge? Well, just in case you missed it, don't forget to come and visit us at Rare Birds Books! We're Scotland's only bookshop dedicated entirely to women's writing. Better yet we're not the only great (no bias here) indie bookshop Stockbridge has to offer, with our friends at Golden Hare Books just around the corner.
For gifts and other cool handmade homeware goodies, be sure to check out An Independent Zebra as well Caoba. I could not recommend these two enough - the former especially if you're on the hunt for unique souvenirs made by UK artists. If it's clothes or secondhand knick-knacks you're after, there's no shortage of incredible Charity shops along Raeburn Place either.
Afternoon sweet treat? Go on
Look I know that you may have already had a pastry in the morning, but I'm a big advocate for a sweet treat after every meal, and an afternoon sweet treat has a way different personality to a morning one.
Okay so if it's still sunny out, or I don't know, at least 10 degrees, you HAVE to get an authentic gelato at Joelato. Now trust me here, I have tried a good amount of Joelato's rotating cast of flavours, and it's safe to say I have not been disappointed once. The brown sugar, pistachio, chocolate sea salt...I'm craving one just thinking about it.
Not a big ice cream person? Don't you worry, another treat place we're a huge fan of is Chulo's Stuffed Cookies. Be warned, these cookies are pretty mega, so can easily be shared with a friend or saved for a snack later.
Pints? Surely
It's been a long day exploring, you deserve to wind down with a nice cold bevvie of your choice in a cosy pub. Located at the end of the very picturesque Circus Lane is one of my fav pubs in Edinburgh, St Vincent. It's got a very down-to-earth and welcoming atmosphere embodied by the adorable pictures of doggy customers that line the walls. Another bonus is that it's got a few board games to choose from!
Another little pub I adore is St Bernard's, it's got super quirky and eclectic decor with lovable and helpful staff. The place is truly a visual feast and can be a bit of a tight squeeze - which I think adds to the intimacy. The spiced ginger beer from here is unreal. If you're after more of a sporty feel where you could watch a rugby game, The Bailie Bar is also a great option! Like St. Vincent's it's a classic basement pub, and it offers pub food and live music every Friday night.
