Edinburgh’s quick descent from late-summer sun to dark afternoons and non-stop wind chill has begun. With it, the season of iced lattes (and everything matcha) is slowly losing its grip on us – and instead, the tried and true hot cocao is rising in popularity to warm up our cold hands, and give us a bit of joy in these dark days.
While I miss the sun, its hard to deny that Edinburgh does have that gothic charm, its old winding streets, pubs tucked away in every corner, still serving up ales to cold passersby, and of course, its endless cafes offering a pick-me-up with the comforting whirling of steaming milk and the churning of the beans in the grinder being relegated to a background noise by the chatter of fellow weary travellers.
It is, therefore, a challenging ask to pick just one favourite, or to narrow down the options for your next treat, but here’s my best shot at doing so, with the top six cafes for hot chocolate here in Edinburgh’s southside.
1. Cappuccino
Don’t let the name fool you, Cappuccino, located on South Frederick Street (one of the most underrated view points – overlooking Calton Hill and the Scottish Government), offers up great non-coffee drinks as well as their fabulous namesake frother.
The autumnal red walls, wood panels and variety of nooks and rooms to hunker down in makes it the perfect spot to sip on some hot chocolate while letting the winter showers pass you by.
2. Black Medicine
A southside institution. Quietly dominating the coffee scene on Nicolson Street, Black Medicine is two floors of vibrant cafe culture.
Blending bohemian shic (think oak wood tables with wonky edges and tree stump chairs covered in pillows) with classic Edinburgh interiors, low ceilings and basement windows letting in the last few rays of winter sun, Black Medicine ticks all the boxes for a cosy getaway and its location right in the centre of the southside, it’s a perfect stop off for anyone in this neck of the woods.
3. Uplands Roast
Oh come on, it has to be on here. The trending coffee hut just off Middle Meadow Walk usually has a long line of skinny-scarf wearing students waiting for their chocolate and cinnamon hit, but go in the mornings and you’re in for a treat. Either way, the wait is worth it, as much as it pains me to say.
4. Love, Peace and Coffee
Further into Newington, Love, Peace and Coffee (known to my friends as Peace, Love, Coffee), offers up freshly made pancakes and waffles to compliment your hot chocolate, or, if you’re still not cosy enough, some homemade soup (add a toastie for the full experience).
Served up in quirky ceramic mugs, the hot chocolate here is top notch slosh, and while its a tight squeeze inside, its a spot you can easily come back to over and over and it’ll be great every time.
5. Pleasance (/EUSA)
A more modern feel to them, EUSA’s venues offer up delicious hot chocolates at student prices – bosh!
My top pick is Pleasance, the Fringe’s biggest venue turns itself into a quiet study hub during the term, with a cafe, bar and theatre hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Nicolson Street.
Bonus points for vegan whipped cream and mallows (that taste just as good, if not better, than the usual stuff!)
6. Kilaminjaro
In the same vein as Black Medicine – if you know of it, you probably love it. The unassuming frontage leads you into one of the best coffee shops in the city in general, and that’s before getting to their hot chocolates, which, as the price may suggest, are decadent.
Bonus points for stamp cards though!
Southside Hidden Gems 