Thomas J Walls Coffee

Coffee shop · Lauriston

Thomas J Walls Coffee

Coffee shop · Lauriston

2

35 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN, United Kingdom

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Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by Gregor Schmatz
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null
Thomas J Walls Coffee by null

Highlights

Historic opticians' office now a spacious cafe serving brunch  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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35 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN, United Kingdom Get directions

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£1–10

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35 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 131 261 7582
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£1–10

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Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

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@cntraveler

10 Best Coffee Shops in Edinburgh | Condé Nast Traveler

"This sizable, sophisticated cafe along the route of The Meadows, the University of Edinburgh, and the National Museum of Scotland was once an opticians' office. Coffee luminary Jonathan Sharp (also of Kilimanjaro, Project Coffee, and Blackwood Coffee) preserved the original moniker and façade’s brass lettering when he opened Thomas J. Walls Coffee in 2016, so be on the lookout for its logo: a monocle that holds a curious resemblance to a coffee mug. The brunch offerings are solid, especially the avocado toast with feta and pumpkin seeds, and the smoked salmon rosti—so order up." - Danielle Bernabe

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-coffee-shops-in-edinburgh
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@cntraveler

Thomas J. Walls Coffee, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom - Café Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Set the scene for us. Where is this café? What's it all about? This sizable, sophisticated cafe along the route of The Meadows, University of Edinburgh, and the National Museum of Scotland, was once an opticians' office. Coffee luminary Jonathan Sharp (also of Kilimanjaro, Project Coffee, and Blackwood Coffee) preserved the original moniker and façade’s brass lettering when he opened Thomas J. Walls Coffee in 2016, so be on the lookout for its logo: a monocle that holds a curious resemblance to a coffee mug. Cool. What's the vibe here? With a full brunch menu and ample seating, this cafe calls on you to relax. You’ll find folks from all walks of life, including museum visitors, students, and amblers who've just finished a leisurely wander through The Meadows. Excellent. And what are they all drinking? A spectrum of coffee, teas, and hot cocoas, all thoughtfully made. Perfect. Any solid food options to pair with our drinks? Plump up on brunch, whether it's the avocado toast with feta and pumpkin seeds, spicy eggs Benedict with Sriracha hollandaise, or smoked salmon rosti. How's the service? It varies, from attentive to rushed. Got it. Why would you recommend Thomas J. Walls? This spot has a great breakfast and spacious digs, making it a perfect place to whip out the computer and check emails, or spread an actual newspaper over the table." - Danielle Bernabe

https://www.cntraveler.com/bars/edinburgh/thomas-j-walls-coffee
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Kristina Asimi

Google
Went there to hide from the rain. Beautiful cafe. Delicious chai latte. I didn’t really like the espresso. Lemon and poppyseed loaf was a bit too sweet. Would come again for the chai latte and beautiful vintage interior. :)

Alix Zara Arnold

Google
I have visited a couple of times now and had mixed experiences. I do find the place to be a bit overpriced and I was confused about the pricing difference between items. Coffee overall okay and a nice atmosphere.

Helaine Rubin

Google
This cafe was recommended by a local and it was adorable! Opened in an old optometry office, it made this spot unique and very special. Our first scone in Scotland, with clotted cream and raspberry jam, was delicious! We enjoyed it with a cappuccino and espresso. After this, we were ready for our day of exploring. Thanks so much to the friendly staff!

eleanor mcmahon

Google
I happened across this coffee shop while on a visit to Edinburgh. It was a rainy day and the cozy and inviting interior was a welcome respite from the weather. While at the post office next door the clerk there recommended I stop in - and I'm so glad she did! The kind, solicitous and attentive staff went the extra mile - as I'm travelling I had a phone charger snafu and they charged my phone while I enjoyed a delicious coffee and glorious bowl of chickpea soup. I'm heading back tomorrow for breakfast - the scones look delicious and after the reviews I can't wait to try them! I highly recommend this lovely, friendly and delicious spot!

Prag Jaodekar

Google
I stumbled upon this charming coffee shop during my last trip to Edinburgh. It had a lovely vintage feel, with a giant hunting rabbit in the window and lots of old features. Plus, the coffee and scones were really good.

Geoff Gray

Google
The coffee is very good, big cups and a great taste to it. The scones are fantastic, with jam butter and or clotted cream. Wonderful relaxed atmosphere music in the background quiet enough for easy conversation. Can sit outside when weather allows. Not the cheapest, but then quality doesn’t always come cheaply. Overall highly recommended.

A. Thibodeaux

Google
Popped in for a quick americano; but after seeing so many reviews mentioning the scones, I had to try them. Turns out everyone was spot on. The scone with butter and jam is fantastic. Definitely worth getting a coffee and a scone here!

Sean Dolan

Google
Visited here for lunch for the first time several weeks ago. Really cool old building and it was really nice to see all the old features have been retained. Staff were friendly and helpful. Great coffee. Great food. Reasonable prices. Good location to explore the National museum of Scotland and surrounding areas. I would highly recommend
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Sabine C.

Yelp
A wonderful and cozy space! Delicious coffee and tea drinks! Really friendly and accommodating staff. Wonderful interior and delicious food and pastries!
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Christopher T.

Yelp
Wonderful coffee shop in a old building right outside the oldest part of Edinburgh. Stopped in for quick afternoon coffee while sightseeing in Edinburgh. The vibe is great - vintage feel with mixed modern food / coffee. The service is fast, professional, and friendly. Coffee menu includes all the standards. There are food offerings, but I was just there for coffee. My Americano was delicious. Low acidity and nice flavor profile. A splash of milk and my coffee was excellent. Loved it! N*joy!
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Patrick W.

Yelp
Sorry, no pix really as I devoured my food too quickly. I do however have a pic of my very pleasant Ginger and Lemon Rooinos Tea. I had a very satisfying visit, as recommended minutes earlier by a random person on the street. The ambience is very relaxing with the fireplace on in an old and interesting wood interior. The staff were very friendly and the food was great. My order of the Bacon, Brie, Fig Jam and Spinach Sandwich was very tasty and impressive on big bread slices. A Scone with clotted cream and jam was fantastic also; even though I like 'em warm normally. Definitely a great first breakfast in beautiful Edinburgh.
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Sue F.

Yelp
Absolutely fabulous coffee shop in Edinburgh, sublime avocado, salmon, breakfast, we came back the next day, their credit card machine was not working, they asked people to come back, we couldn't so our breakfasts were comped. I hope everyone will come here, you won't be sorry, great food, service & coffee.

J J.

Yelp
Ordered an iced espresso, got an iced coffee. They then gave me a hot espresso and I gave up on correcting them. The espresso was bad: very sour, clearly because they haven't rinsed the basket in between shots.
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Adriana H.

Yelp
Perfect meal to start of a rainy day in Edinburgh. Absolutely delicious and it came out quickly aswell!
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Stuart B.

Yelp
There's a lot to like about Thomas J Walls; a coffee shop taking over an old opticians. It's a pretty distinct venue, especially from the outside, and it's big so there is a decent chance of getting a seat even if it's busy. I came here for brunch and wasn't disappointed. It's a bit different from the usual including some decent looking potato rosti dishes. I went for the sriracha benny; which I thoroughly enjoyed. Because really who doesn't love sriracha. Or eggs benedict. They have a good selection of healthy tasting juices which are a nice breakfast option. I will definitely be back here again. They take coffee seriously - and they have decent beans from Square Mile. I have had some really good flat whites here - and some less so. When you have BrewLab round the corner you've got to be at the top of your game coffee-wise. They have only been open a couple months so hopefully things will become consistent. Come here for brunch or for when you want a big space to sit with your laptop and drink some coffee and juice.
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Katerina K.

Yelp
Beautiful old opticians turned coffee shop, stylish and very open inside with lovely wooden and brickwork walls, lovely space to sit in. Really yummy coffee and menu looks great, excited to try more of it!
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Kazz W.

Yelp
This is a well needed addition to Edinburgh's growing coffee scene. Thomas J. Walls fills an important gap in providing a large comfortable venue with plenty of seating and most importantly, great coffee with a choice of good brunch and food options. Highly recommended.
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Melinda M.

Yelp
This is my go-to coffee & food spot. Some of the only simple & reliable food I was able to find in Edinburgh for everyday food, like avocado toast & soup. Good coffee! Great ambiance! A place where you can really sit and read.
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Zachary K.

Yelp
I had a really quality sandwich: bacon, Brie, dig jam, and spinach and it came on this fresh soft chewy special loaf that mixed together so well, it wasn't overly filling but worked with the long black coffee (an americano with less water) and was just the right amount for breakfast. This place was really close to my hotel so I'm surprised I didn't notice it as I walked past it sooner! This place is definitely worth a stop if you are traveling here!
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Anne Marie H.

Yelp
I got avocado on toast, cappuccino, and a glass of juice. The poached egg was a bit over cooked and the cappuccino a bit thin, but other than that it was great. Good sizes, good food, lovely atmosphere, a good place when you want a cup of coffee and quick lunch without any fuzz. Will definitely come back.
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Cassie L.

Yelp
This became one of my favourite cafes in Edinburgh from the first visit. The venue is elegant, cozy, and quiet enough to bring a friend for a chat, or bring a book to read. It's spacious with a variety of different types of seating, so I never have a problem getting a table. They make excellent espresso and coffee drinks here, I have never been disappointed. The food is one of their best qualities, however! The sandwiches and brunch are both delicious, and brunch foods are served throughout the day so there is no annoying cut off! sTo top it off, the staff is always swift and very cordial without being pushy. If I had to make one criticism about the place, it is only that they don't have outlets to plug in your phone/laptop, so it might be better for meeting a friend than bringing work, but that's a small comment. Lovely spot.