5 of Edinburgh's best coffee shops for you to check out

(104 Buccleuch St, EH8 9NG)

Situated on the South side of Old Town, this is not only a fantastic little coffee shop but it's also close enough to Edinburgh University to make it a great hide away not only for students, but also those craving a full flavoured, caffeine kick.

Cult uses Round Hill Roastery beans, as well as a few other guest coffees, to create their almost perfect brew and are always looking to source the best ingredients for their coffee.

The store looks quite small from the outside, but there's plenty of seating in the long and narrow building, should you wish to while away a few hours on a cold autumn afternoon. Sandwiches, salads, soups and cakes are also on offer, as well as the occasional doughnut pop up shop, in partnership with - the excellent, and well worth checking out - Jane Dough.

(41a Frederick St, Edinburgh, EH2 1EP)

This is one shop that takes all the pretentiousness out of independent coffee. Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, Cairngorm uses beans from local roaster Mr Eion, and has developed their own Cairngorm Blend.

On top of that, the shop offers free WiFi and a couple of built in iPads for customers to enjoy during their visit - also free of charge.

As well as the freshly baked snacks and light lunches on offer, you can also pick up a few accessories for those who are budding at home baristas.

(57 Broughton St, Edinburgh)

The exposed brick work, wooden furnishings and Hessian coffee sacks that make up the interior design of this unique coffee shop is effortlessly cool and thankfully the substance more than matches the style.

Using their own gourmet roasted blends - with a choice of around ten - Artisan Roast are well versed on the best brew methods for your choice drink.

Interestingly, not only do they offer beans for you to take home to make your own brew at home but they also have an online subscription service to ensure you never run out of your favourite coffee.

(3c York Place, Edinburgh)

 Cobolt Coffee

(Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh)

Good things come from inside blue police boxes (Dr Who fans will attest to that) and this tiny coffee shop, which makes use of the disused Police Box in Marchmont Crescent, is no exception.

Using Falkirk-based Roast Central beans to create great brews, the seasonal and small-batch beans they buy in insure a wonderful, fresh taste with every cup.

They also offer some light snacks and being so close to the Meadows, they make for a good stop off on a walk around the park.