Overview
Black Medicine Coffee Co. has been on Nicolson Street since 2007, which in Edinburgh's rapidly evolving café scene makes it practically ancient. It's a small, slightly cave-like space, exposed stone walls, mismatched wooden furniture, books, low light, the smell of roasted coffee throughout, that has become genuinely beloved by a city that has no shortage of good coffee shops.
It sits on the south side of the Old Town, close to the University of Edinburgh's main campus, and its clientele reflects this: a mix of students, local regulars, and occasional tourists who've been told to come here specifically rather than stumbled upon it.
The Coffee
The espresso is dark-roasted and strong, not the light, acidic, single-origin style of more recent specialty cafés, but the older tradition of well-sourced beans roasted with confidence and pulled with attention. It suits the room. An Americano or flat white here is the coffee equivalent of sitting by a fire, warming, solid, present.
They also do food: soups, sandwiches, cakes. Nothing elaborate, but consistently good.
The Vibe
This is not a place where people are performing working. They are actually working, or actually reading, or actually having a conversation. The atmosphere has an ease that comes from genuinely not trying too hard. The staff are efficient and unpretentious.
For a solo morning in Edinburgh before heading into the Old Town proper, this is the right starting place, it's ten minutes' walk from the Royal Mile and half that from Waverley station.
Practical Notes
- Open daily from early morning. Hours vary slightly by day.
- Laptop use is common but not mandatory, the room accommodates both.
- Nicolson Street bus routes connect to most of the city.
- Waverley station is about a 10-minute walk through the Old Town.
- Worth combining with a walk up to Arthur's Seat or along the Royal Mile.