Cockburn Street is certainly not one of Edinburgh’s grandest streets, but it is well-known for its lively, varied character. This narrow, cobbled thoroughfare curves steeply up the hill between Waverly Station and the Royal Mile, and is home to an impressive array of eclectic, independent shops and cosy bars and eateries.
In the summer the area receives a steady stream of tourists wandering between the Old and New Towns, but throughout the year it is a popular destination for locals shopping for unique fashion and giftware, or seeking to enjoy the street’s medieval charm alongside a hearty meal and relaxed drink. It’s a friendly, laid-back neighbourhood, despite its heavy foot traffic, and the perfect place to sample Edinburgh’s idiosyncratic spirit.
Chez Jules
25/27 Cockburn Street EH1 1BP; 0131 225 2832
www.chezjulesbistro.com/cockburn_street_edinburgh
Restaurateur Pierre Levicky was huge on Edinburgh’s food scene in the 90′s, and he’s beginning a gradual comeback with the Chez Jules name. In this simple, unfussy bistro (sister to the Hanover Street restaurant), unadorned wooden tables and a simple décor set the stage for unpretentious yet well-executed French fare. The à la carte menu features a solid range of bistro classics at reasonable prices, while the blackboard outside attracts many passersby with its tempting daily specials at sometimes startlingly cheap prices.
Cookie
29a-31 Co
ckburn Street EH1 1BP; 0131 622 7260
Cookie is a must-visit for fans of feminine, eye-catching fashion. Principally known for its pretty, flattering dresses in gorgeous, colourful prints, the shop also stocks vintage-styled t-shirts and bags. With prices similar to what you’d pay for higher-end brands on the high street, Cookie’s range of retro-influenced frocks are a good choice for special occasions when you want to stand out from the crowd.
Ecco Vino
19 Cockburn Street EH1 1BP; 0131 225 1441
www.eccovinoedinburgh.com
This intimate, atmospheric wine bar is rich in laid-back continental charm. With its dark wood panels and floor-to-ceiling shelves of wine bottles, it’s the perfect hideaway for a dark winter’s night, or a breezy place to relax on a lazy summer afternoon. The menu is not vast, but represents a seasonally-appropriate selection of solid, homestyle Italian cooking. The hearty, rustic dishes on offer include pastas, risottos, and authentic antipasti – ordering a selection gives you the perfect excuse to sit and savour a glass (or more) from the extensive wine list.
Eden
37 Cockburn Street EH1 1BP; 0131 220 3372
A warm and cosy treasure trove of exotic, earthy homewares, Eden brings a hint of sunnier climes to Edinburgh’s grey streets. The shop boasts a distinctive range of seasonally-updated stock, including imported wood ornaments, trinket boxes and candle holders; richly coloured silk cushions; glittering scented candles; and pretty paper products. It’s an ideal place to hunt for an unusual gift or source a striking decorative piece to spice up your own home.
The Frayed Hem
45 Cockburn Street EH1 1BS; 0131 225 9831
http://thefrayedhem.wordpress.com
This new kid on the fashion block offers a delectable selection of vintage clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery and collectables, all temptingly displayed in an attractive boutique-style shop. The carefully-chosen wares are stylish enough to mix effortlessly with today’s styles, while still retaining that distinctive vintage charm. The spacious, pared-back layout is a refreshing change from the often jumbled appearance of second-hand shops, and the array of luxe fabrics and rich colours make this a lovely place to browse.
Old Town CONTEXT
42-44 Cockburn Street EH1 1PB; 0131 622 7260
www.oldtowncontext.co.uk
Fans of retro styling will adore the quirky selection of homewares, cards, signs and collectables in this sister shop to the award-winning CONTEXT Interiors in Morningside. Vintage-inspired clocks, globes, phones, and tin signs sit alongside local prints, pretty candles and toiletries, chocolates and nautical-themed decorations. It’s a fascinating collection to peruse, whether you’re looking to add an antique touch to your home’s décor, or want a clever gift with old-fashioned charm.
Pie in the Sky
21 Cockburn Street EH1 1BP; 0131 220 1477
Cockburn Street has long been renowned for funky alternative fashion, and Pie in the Sky is a fun example of this slightly punky, original aesthetic. The shop is packed with rows upon rows of colourful, brightly patterned clothes that run the gamut from pretty, quirky kitsch to edgy urban cool. It’s a popular place for anyone looking for indie fashion labels that stand out from the standard high-street offerings.
Have we missed any of your favourites? Let us know in the comments below.
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