16 FOOD AND DRINK
CAFE REVIEW: Dot Coffee By Charlie Ellis CROSSWORD Compiled by David Albury
ACROSS
7 Precise (8)
9 Make a comment (6)
10 Mound of sand on a beach (4)
11 Something that draws
attention (10)
12 Walk slowly and aimlessly (6)
14 Chattered at length on
unimportant matters (8)
15 Fat used to make candles (6)
17 Eggs of the sturgeon, eaten as a
delicacy (6)
20 Short-sleeved, collarless garment
(3-5)
22 High quality French brandy (6)
23 Decision, especially one made at
the beginning of the year (10)
24 Attack (4)
25 Official who removes offensive
material from publications (6)
26 Makes a person a member of the
House of Lords (8)DOWN
1 Person who lives in a dwelling (8)
2 Enormous (4)
3 Leave empty (6)
4 Afternoon dainty meal (5,3)
5 Small amount, scattered around
(10)
6 Long narrow channel (6)
8 Stretch out (6)
13 Miniature dwelling for toys (5-5)
16 Newspaper announcement of a
person’s death, with details (8)
18 Understood, came to understand
(8)
19 Try extrememly hard, struggle (6)
21 Number of players in a cricket team
(6)
22 Relating to dogs (6)
24 Red-coloured precious stone (4)THE COFFEE scene in Edinburgh is
expanding all the time. Dot Coffee on
Ferry Road is one of a plethora of
good new places that have emerged.
Sitting directly opposite Leith
Library and Leith Theatre, it is part of
a rapidly changing area. A number of
interesting new businesses have
recently taken over premises here.
Dot Coffee is part of Sierra Metro,
a creative space and gallery. Dot
Coffee therefore has a dual function- to caffeinate the creatives based at
Sierra Metro, as well as those
popping in.
For the general public, Dot Coffee
is primarily targeted at takeaway
customers, though some seating is
available for those needing to shelter
from any inclement weather. The
place is airy and minimalist in
character, and as with the best places,
the coffee is prepared with patience
and care. Good baristas don’t rush.
The co-owners rely on their ‘really
great baristas’ (Domi, Jack and Sarah)
to maintain high standards. On my
three visits, I have been served really
well made coffee with the character of
the beans brought out well.
Dot Coffee is run by the husband
and wife combo of Allan and Janine
Mathieson. The roots of the business
lie in Sierra Metro which began as an
art gallery in the old lighthouse in
Granton about 15 years ago. Allan
explained that “we were only there for
a few years but there was always a
desire to return’” and “when we found
this space which was perfect for us to
create a place to gather, work and
connect with exhibitions, coffee and
workspaces”. Basing themselves in
this area was a bit of a no-brainer
as “Leith is such a vibrant hub for
creatives and was a key factor in
our decision - we love the area with
so many independent businesses
close by”.
Though the pair don’t have a
background in specialty coffee, Janine
had worked with Machina before in a
previous workplace and they “both
really love their coffee as well as being
good guys to work with”. Machina is
renowned as a top-flight roaster, and
acts as a leading supplier of coffee
equipment. They also offer barista
training and support. Machina have
themselves recently expanded,
shifting from their original base on
Brougham Street to a superb new caféon Marchmont Road. Dot Coffee
have received lots of positive feedback
from customers about the Machina
beans they use.
Given Dot Coffee’s size, they use
just one of Machina’s roasts, the
signature Clockwork. It’s a Brazilian/
Colombian blend which, when served
as an espresso, has tasting notes of
milk chocolate, honeycomb and malt
biscuit. Clockwork offers great body
and sweetness, but also has a good
level of acidity. In addition to coffee,
Dot serves hot chocolate from
Kokoa Collection and a basic range
of teas. Their brownies are from
the fab Jani Balasubramaniam
(aka Brawnies), who makes them
just round the corner.
After experimenting with a few
options, they hope to expand their
savoury options in the coming
months. Dot Coffee is an excellent
new addition. It’s a great ‘pit stop’ for
those using the Water of Leith
Walkway, just a short distance away,
and for those working in this area.Dot Coffee 13-15 Ferry Road, Leith,
EH6 4AD Monday-Friday 8.30am-
pm and weekends 10am-2pm.New café is a great caffeine pit stop at Sierra Metro
ANSWERS7 Accurate, 9 Remark, 10 Dune, 11 Attraction, 12 Dawdle, 14 Nattered, 15 Tallow, Across:17 Caviar, 20 Tee-shirt, 22 Cognac, 23 Resolution, 24 Raid, 25 Censor, 26 Ennobles.1 Occupant, 2 Huge, 3 Vacate, 4 Cream tea, 5 Smattering, 6 Groove, 8 Extend, 13 Down:Doll’s-house, 16 Obituary, 18 Realised, 19 Strive, 21 Eleven, 22 Canine, 24 RubyJoining the dots