On the Walk

As a vital part of the tram route, Leith Walk is in the midst of major works.

But shops and cafés along the stretch are open as usual and raring for business.

Leith Walk has some interesting independent coffee shops with their own style and quirks. Qupi’s at 171 Leith Walk serves giant mugs of coffee, while the Breakfast and Sandwich Bar offers delicious breakfast rolls, pancakes and soup. And Leith Walk Café at 128 is a long-run establishment.

International flavour can be found at Gaia, which offers authentic Sicilian snacks and light meals; La Favorita is the place to go for pizzas, while Ghurkha Brigade at 9a Antigua Street offers well-priced Nepalese cuisine.

The Walk also offers the opportunity for diverse food shopping, from traditional Scottish bakeries, Polish convenience stores and Chinese supermarkets.

But Leith Walk is not just for food. For individual gifts and cards, try The Cat’s Miaou (36 Elm Row), and for rare vinyl and quality literature browse at Elvis Shakespeare (347 Leith Walk.)

In the evening, sample beers and ales at Victoria’s Bar (265 Leith Walk), part of a group of Scandinavian bars that includes Boda (229 Leith Walk) and Joseph Pierces, at the top of Leith Walk and Montgomery Street. Finally finish the night with some bakery treats from Storrie’s bakers, which is open until the wee hours.

Business boost for Leith Walk

As an extra boost, a business co-ordinator has been appointed to further develop Leith Walk as a vibrant and well-established business and retail areas.

Graham Russell took up the post at the end of March to promote both Leith and the West End. He will work closely with the Leith Business Association, the West End Association and other partners to attract further investment into both areas and to improve the retail, business and physical environment.

He is also working closely with local shops and businesses to help them gauge the benefits each area may gain by becoming a business improvement district.