Text adventure

Poor blog! I was just starting to get into the excuse for coffee out on a regular basis when my computer got ill. So this will have to be a text adventure from someone else's computer...

Has Beans, 261 Canongate, The  Royal Mile, Edinburgh (nothing to link to, sadly).

I stumbled in after an options and choices workshop at Edinburgh University, where it turned out that the workload for the access course is not really compatible with regular illness and a lack of burning passion for the arts and social sciences- which is absolutely fair enough, but did leave me in dire need of a good cup of tea and something to eat. Seven different sorts of coffee and eight of tea fitted the bill quite nicely- I had a halloumi pitta with Scottish blend tea, then a generous slice of walnut and granola cake with Assam. All the cakes looked nice, but the walnut and granola was especially interesting, as it was not only gluten free, but also nicely textured and an interesting flavour- I think the green strands in it were courgette, which clearly made it virtuous and good for me.

Cranachan and Crowdie was just up the road, with a sign saying come in and make up a picnic for your walk up to Arthur's Seat. That was far too much effort as far as I was concerned, but I went in anyway in search of something interesting to have with tea. There seemed to be quite a few options, including more gluten free biscuits and cakes than I remember seeing outside anywhere large or specialised, though I do admit that it's not something I have to pay particular attention to. My Mum does prefer it though, so I'm always pleased to see the option. I think it's only M+S that do gluten free crumpets, though... I managed to only come away with a packet of Scotch Bonnet crisps, which probably can't be faulted for being deeply disappointing- left to my own devices, Tabasco sauce or fresh ginger are not safe for very long.

Lazy Sunday

The weather is better, and this can't last. My boyfriend went up Arthur's Seat yesterday, in the drizzle, then to the pub, which had him in need of a greasy breakfast which neither of us wanted to cook. So, Spoon was the obvious choice- a very short walk, and close to Blackwell's, since I'd promised him the third Rivers of London book, and quite fancied an afternoon curled up with a book myself.

He had the mixed grill for meat eaters, I had the Eggs Benedict with bacon, and a side of toast and marmalade- the porridge with homemade jam (which seems a bit decadent to me, but I am used to my grandfather's porridge with salt!) looked like it might appeal to those in search of a traditional breakfast, and the vegetarian mixed grill sounded a lot more appetising than the one I saw- depends on your feelings on black pudding and haggis, I think. My boyfriend was far happier to see them than I would have been.

Judging by the people at another table with a laptop and book (and a rather intriguing red cardigan, which I was trying to work out if it was hand-knitted or not), lounging around and taking your time is perfectly fine. I could have spent a good chunk of the afternoon there, but having promised myself new books, managed not to linger.

Spoon, 6A Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DH. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 11pm, Sundays 12pm to 6pm.

Rain, rain, go away

Edinburgh is currently living the cliche of the Scottish summer- grey, rainy, and not particularly cheerful. Not conducive to frivolous little entries about fun things to do, unless you get really excited about hot chocolate, places that don't mind you staggering in slightly damp and refusing to leave until the weather improves, or cocktails. It is always a good day for a cocktail somewhere with a good view.

Today was for running errands in the rain and dodging umbrellas on Princes Street, and after a couple of hours, I was forced (honest) to duck into Hotel Chocolat for a hot chocolate and a bit of a sit down. For somewhere on Frederick Street, it's surprisingly quiet- every time I've been in there, there's been space to sit down, spread my bags out and give a heartfelt groan before going facedown into a drink and a hot chocolate cake. I had the hot chocolate this time, which perked me right up, though the tea selection also looked good (especially the cocoa infusion), and just about resisted buying anything for later- there seem to be about a million flavours of chocolates to take away, plus boxes and gift selections and cute little things to bring back for the deserving.

Vegetarian friendly, by virtue of only doing tea, coffee and chocolate, but very good for ducking in and perking yourself up before going back out to the shops.

Hotel Chocolat, 7A Frederick Street, Edinburgh. Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm (8pm on Thursdays!), Sunday 11am to 6pm.