A review of Strumpets, West End

I really wanted to find a cosy coffee shop that could feed me tasty cake. The weather was awful, wind and rain was whipping Edinburgh into a bleak misery and I had been outside for too long. The West End had a few places to pop into but I felt as if I deserved a treat.

So I explored along William Street, found Strumpets and they lived up to my high hopes. The raspberry and cream sponge cake I had was delicious.

I was served straight away and found a lovely table near the window. It’s one of those wooden tables that photographs would love to have and use a background prop but I especially pleased it didn’t wobble or rock.

Strumpets offers up Artisan Roast coffee, Tchai Ovna teas and freshly baked goods. In fact, after the coffee shop closed they were off back into the kitchen to start on the next wave of baking. That’s fresh.

I suppose in terms of coffee we might think of places like Brew Lab as an alternative. Brew Lab have certainly proved a difference can be made by picking the right coffee and making it carefully. However, Strumpets doesn’t feel like Brew Lab at all. Out with the “lab” and in with the “cosy” and warm.

This is the sort of coffee shop you can bring friends to and delight them. Or, failing that, bring a book to and treat yourself.

I popped into Strumpets on a Saturday night. I think the other customers there were locals, popping into explore the newly opened coffee shop, encouraged inside by curiosity and word of mouth. News of a great new coffee shop tends to travel quickly in Edinburgh.

I’m not sure what Strumpets would be like on weekday mornings. I imagine it’ll become an important stop for commuters working along Shandwick Place (William Street is just off Walker Street, running parallel with Melville Street and Shandwick Place itself. It serves takeout coffee and opens early enough to suit people heading into work.

Overall? Strumpets is a lovely new coffee shop for Edinburgh. The tea, coffee and fresh baking is delightful and the café warm and cozy.