Tom Duffin explores Haymarket Terrace and discovers an

amazing choice of cosmopolitan, independent eateries

with a diverse choice of fantastic food on offer

T

here is a community of

independent food and

drink shops on Haymarket

Terrace where Turkish

bread sits in the window

cheek by jowl with “the best

pizza in Edinburgh”.

Haymarket has always

been a bustling, thriving area but in recent

months there has been higher than usual activity

with the new City Centre West to East Link

(CCWEL) project reaching this street. It is

arguably the best served transport hub in the city

with cars, trains, trams, buses and bikes all criss

crossing, and now newly resurfaced.

A wander along the terrace opposite

Haymarket Station reveals an amazing choice of

cosmopolitan, independent businesses. People

from all corners of the globe have brought their

culture, cuisine and traditions with them for

Edinburgh to enjoy.

We were invited to visit by the business people

who are keen to let everyone know that, despite

the temporary disruption, there is a whole world

of possibilities to be explored.

HAYMARKET CAFÉ

36 Haymarket Terrace, EH12 5JZ

http://www.t.ly/Azbbf

This business run by L&G is a food showroom

with a visually arresting blend of colours, shapes

and textures. Each of the owners brings their

own culture and experience to the menu with

Louie’s bright purple Filipino Ube cake a

landmark treat whose reputation on social media

brings visitors from afar. Grzegorz’s homeland of

Poland is the inspiration for his new take on

apple pie and his mountainous “too good to eat”

creations with fresh fruit, cream, waffles and

syrup. The pair are enthusiastic and attentive

hosts and their customers seem genuinely

delighted to be in their company as well as

enjoying their delicious food.

They said: “We love the area and we can’t wait

to have the new cycle path finished and get

some tables on the street for an al fresco vibe.”

Expect a warm welcome

from Louie (below) at the

Haymarket Café

Chef Cevdet (right) makes

the important final

touches at Flatbread

A tasty business

12 FEATURE

Tom Duffin