The Milkman is an independent speciality coffee shop in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town; the perfect place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and some scrumptious cakes. We firmly believe that speciality coffee should be approachable and open to everyone - coffee connoisseurs or not - so that's why our baristas are always happy to help you choose the best coffee for you, whether it's a cup or some beans to brew at home.
From our coffee to our cakes the utmost attention has been put in selecting only the best products and we make our priority to never compromise on quality and support small businesses as much as possible.The name of the shop is imbued with memories and carries the story of Mark's great grandfather.
From our coffee to our cakes the utmost attention has been put in selecting only the best products and we make our priority to never compromise on quality and support small businesses as much as possible.The name of the shop is imbued with memories and carries the story of Mark's great grandfather.
Services
Just bear in mind that we are a small shop so big sized furry friends might not be comfortable inside. E-mail us at info@themilkman.coffee and tell us a bit more about your event, including dates and time. We'll get back to you as soon as possible. Yes, we always try our best to have at least one gluten-free option every day.
We ship throughout the UK and worldwide. Please note that local tariffs and duties in your country may apply if you live outside the UK. We do an international order drop once a week so please allow additional time for your order to arrive from us. We always endeavour to meet the expectations of our customers in processing orders as efficiently and professionally as possible.
Here at The Milkman we really care about the environment, that's why we constantly strive to find new ways to reduce our impact and build a sustainable business so that we can serve you a delicious coffee without hurting our planet. In 2019 we have been awarded the LUXLife Global Hospitality Award for most Eco-Friendly speciality coffee shop in Edinburgh.
Reviews (20)
Chris Barber
Jan 18, 2022
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Ashley M.
Jan 15, 2022
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I saw all the reviews about this place and was really excited to try it. I got the white hot chocolate with oat milk and an apple almond bar. (I think that's what it was called) and oh wow! 10/10. So good! There was a bit of a line but it's not hard to see why. The staff was so friendly, the place was warm and cozy and the drink was amazing.
Briana H.
Jan 14, 2022
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Danielle McGriskin
Dec 15, 2021
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David S.
Sep 30, 2021
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Penny Baird
Mar 12, 2021
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Sawyer B.
Dec 01, 2019
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Amazing drinks (tea, coffee, and vegan hot chocolate!), incredibly kind baristas, and delicious pastries (that are also vegan & gluten free friendly--several options for both!). The interior is decorated in a really cozy fashion and the shop really feels alive. Would highly recommend a stop in (we went every day of our visit!)
Cindy R.
Oct 31, 2019
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Happy S.
Oct 26, 2019
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Jen L.
Aug 19, 2019
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Stopped in here first thing after spending a week in London. The coffee here is better than any I had in London. Perfectly nutty and delicious flavor -- they even warmed up the oat milk on the sude. Super cozy spot near the train/bus station with great people watching. Pastries looked delicious as well.
Lauren P.
Jun 27, 2019
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The Milkman in two words? COZY GOODNESS!
I loved popping into this café and feeling warm head to toe inside and out! The coffee and tea was a delight and the cakes were just as yummy! My party and I had been looking for a quick place to get warm and stumbled upon the Milkman, since it was close to closing we initially felt bad because the staff was cleaning up. To my surprise they stopped all they were doing and helped us even when we couldn't decide which treat we wanted! I was very appreciative of their patience and we were thrilled by the taste of the coffee and cakes! When back in Edinburgh
I loved popping into this café and feeling warm head to toe inside and out! The coffee and tea was a delight and the cakes were just as yummy! My party and I had been looking for a quick place to get warm and stumbled upon the Milkman, since it was close to closing we initially felt bad because the staff was cleaning up. To my surprise they stopped all they were doing and helped us even when we couldn't decide which treat we wanted! I was very appreciative of their patience and we were thrilled by the taste of the coffee and cakes! When back in Edinburgh
Maja T.
Jun 10, 2019
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Kathleen B.
May 01, 2019
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Came here after arriving via bus to City Centre from the airport one cloudy morning. We couldn't drop our bags at the house yet so it was very nice to be able to come here without getting nay gripe from the baristas for having a suitcase.
The latte was fantastic and beautifully made. I loved the decor - chill vibe and eclectic style. It's a small shop but feels cozy. I had a cinnamon bun that was yeasty and delicious - fresh a couple hours earlier i am sure. Highly recommended!
The latte was fantastic and beautifully made. I loved the decor - chill vibe and eclectic style. It's a small shop but feels cozy. I had a cinnamon bun that was yeasty and delicious - fresh a couple hours earlier i am sure. Highly recommended!
Matthew M.
Apr 24, 2019
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Best coffee this side of town, either takeaway or sitting in, and save room for a shortbread cookie or other dessert as well.
If you're on the High street, just cut through Advocates Close, which lets out right in front of the shop.
The staff are super friendly and quick. Just be aware that shop is small, so you'll be lucky to find a table on busy days. If you're looking for a place to sit down, this may not be it.
If you're on the High street, just cut through Advocates Close, which lets out right in front of the shop.
The staff are super friendly and quick. Just be aware that shop is small, so you'll be lucky to find a table on busy days. If you're looking for a place to sit down, this may not be it.
Alex T.
Dec 06, 2018
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Had a wonderful experience here! Located right off of Royal Mile, the Milkman has fine house-roasted coffee and plenty of pastries... many of which are Gluten Free.
The atmosphere is great and people working here are very friendly. Small shop, but the stone walls give it a very cozy, historic feel. Definitely a place to stop if you are picky about your coffee while in Edinburgh.
The atmosphere is great and people working here are very friendly. Small shop, but the stone walls give it a very cozy, historic feel. Definitely a place to stop if you are picky about your coffee while in Edinburgh.
Michael G.
Oct 04, 2018
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Rick B.
Aug 04, 2018
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A great spot for a cop of coffee and some baked goods!
We stopped here in the morning for a cup of coffee and some baked goods. Delicious and fresh! Between us we had a wonderful scone and chocolate croissant as well as cafe americano and cappuccino. All of it was excellent. The shop is relatively small, with both inside and outside seating. It was wonderful for a couple, harder for a large group.
We stopped here in the morning for a cup of coffee and some baked goods. Delicious and fresh! Between us we had a wonderful scone and chocolate croissant as well as cafe americano and cappuccino. All of it was excellent. The shop is relatively small, with both inside and outside seating. It was wonderful for a couple, harder for a large group.
Erik A.
Jan 23, 2018
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Small on space, big on taste.
Really great little shop at the end of Cockburn.
The cappuccino was top, didn't require any extra addings on my part.
Excited that I was (finally) able to source some gluten free pastries: the salted caramel brownie. The texture was more than favorable for gluten free and the flavour excellent.
Prices fair for quality as 2 coffees and 3 pastries ran £14.
Small space surrounding inside. provides about 6-8, maybe 10 seats. Two tables are outside when the weather is fair.
Milkman came highly recommended and didn't disappoint.
Really great little shop at the end of Cockburn.
The cappuccino was top, didn't require any extra addings on my part.
Excited that I was (finally) able to source some gluten free pastries: the salted caramel brownie. The texture was more than favorable for gluten free and the flavour excellent.
Prices fair for quality as 2 coffees and 3 pastries ran £14.
Small space surrounding inside. provides about 6-8, maybe 10 seats. Two tables are outside when the weather is fair.
Milkman came highly recommended and didn't disappoint.
Reg N.
Jan 13, 2017
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We went to Edinburgh for our first trip since moving to London. I love coffee as much as the next American, and love artisanal coffee shops as much as the next Brooklyn hipster. Luckily, this gem was located just down the hill from our Airbnb (shout out to Andrew, the best hockey-loving, Scottish Airbnb host)
When I visit somewhere new, I like to try a different coffee shop every morning. Out of the 3 we tried in Edinburgh, this was by far my favorite. Ordered the latte and a breakfast version of a Cranachan. Both solid choices.
Best Part? The historic storefront is absolutely adorable (dare
When I visit somewhere new, I like to try a different coffee shop every morning. Out of the 3 we tried in Edinburgh, this was by far my favorite. Ordered the latte and a breakfast version of a Cranachan. Both solid choices.
Best Part? The historic storefront is absolutely adorable (dare
Jurgen D.
Nov 12, 2015
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I like it...im just not sure how its going work especially through winter and let me tell you why.
With seating for maybe 5 people and no other standing room your only other hope is then really to be a takeaway coffee shop but there isn't really the service space for that and the ordering/collecting point are side by side so there's no place for a queue to form and feed through to.
The coffee is nice, my flat white was pretty good. The roast is subtle so for me as a flat white is lacked a bit of a kick. We went for the lemon drizzle cake, GF which is nice. The bake was dense and not
With seating for maybe 5 people and no other standing room your only other hope is then really to be a takeaway coffee shop but there isn't really the service space for that and the ordering/collecting point are side by side so there's no place for a queue to form and feed through to.
The coffee is nice, my flat white was pretty good. The roast is subtle so for me as a flat white is lacked a bit of a kick. We went for the lemon drizzle cake, GF which is nice. The bake was dense and not
