The Counter on the Canal

Editor's Review

Canals are incredible. That's a fact. Like if someone went "what if a road, but on water?". The Union Canal connects Edinburgh to the iconic Falkirk Wheel, which then hooks up to the Forth & Clyde Canal, which runs all the way out to the Irish Sea. The Edinburgh terminus has formed a part of the regeneration of Fountainbridge, and is a great starting point from which to explore the city — thankfully, one of its regular residents is a perfect spot for a caffeine fix, the canal boat outpost of pop-up specialists The Counter. 

The Counter's other Edinburgh spots tend to be police boxes, where in an hilariously tardis-like fashion they fire out great espresso based coffee. They have a touch more space here, but just a touch — if you kneel down and look inside, you'll basically see all there it to see — a San Remo ZOE, a San Remo Stardust, and bags of specially blended Mr Eion coffee, roasted locally. Hot Chocolate and Tea also comes from Edinburgh artisans, and cakes are homebaked. 

Opening up at the crack of dawn (sometimes before that, given Scotland's tendency towards darkness in the winter months), The Counter is a convenient, good quality spot for commuters, cyclists, and anyone else keen on catching a few worms. It's cute, Instagrammable aesthetic is matched by a neat, well designed menu, and there's even a couple of tables and chairs on the cobbles if you fancy watching the world go by — you'd be hard pushed to find a nicer place in the city to do just that. 

Review: Harry Harris

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Cafe Features

Coffee + Drinks