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Review: Sweet October, a cafe in Leith

September 27, 2025 by Andrew Girdwood Leave a Comment

Sweet October is a newish cafe in Leith that’s already making a name for itself with its fantastic sandwiches and baked goodies. This review will tell you why it’s worth a visit.

Sweet October sando

A Hidden Gem in Leith

Edinburgh has no shortage of amazing sandwich shops, and it can be hard for a new place to stand out. Sweet October, located on Bernard Street in Leith, is a humble cafe that lets its food do the talking. It’s one of those places that you might walk past without a second glance, but you’d be missing out on something special.

Inside, you’ll find a small and cosy space, with only a few seats. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its incredible food and friendly atmosphere. This is a true labour of love, a local business where everything is made fresh and with great care.

The Food

The star of the show at Sweet October is the focaccia sandwiches. These are no ordinary sandwiches; they are “the size of a small person’s head” and packed with inventive and imaginative fillings. Each one is freshly made, gorgeous to look at, and absolutely delicious.

But it’s not just about the sandwiches. Sweet October also has a fantastic selection of baked goodies. The chilli, jalapeno and cheese scone comes highly recommended, and it is, in a word, “divine”. Of course, you can also get a great cup of coffee to wash it all down. For the quality on offer, the prices are very reasonable, especially when you compare them to some of the more well-known spots in Stockbridge.

The Vibe

Scones

Sweet October is a friendly and welcoming place. It has the feel of a real neighbourhood cafe, where the focus is on quality and customer satisfaction. It may not have a giant range of items, but what they do, they do exceptionally well. It’s the perfect spot to pop in for a quick lunch or a takeaway treat.

The cafe is conveniently located near the new tram line, making it easy to get to from other parts of the city. It has a quiet confidence about it, and you get the feeling that it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Things to do in Leith

Leith is a vibrant and historic part of Edinburgh with a unique character. After grabbing a delicious lunch at Sweet October, you can take a walk down to The Shore, a scenic waterfront area with a fantastic selection of pubs and restaurants. A must-see attraction is the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, which is permanently moored at Ocean Terminal.

If you’re visiting the city, Leith has plenty of accommodation options, from stylish apartments to comfortable hotels. You can check for deals on Expedia or Hotels.com. Getting to Leith is simple, with the new tram extension providing a direct link to the city centre and the airport. For train travel to Edinburgh, check out TheTrainLine for tickets to Waverley or Haymarket stations.

Overall

focaccia in a big box

Sweet October is a definite recommended stop for anyone who appreciates a good sandwich and a friendly, local vibe. It’s a place with a lot of heart, and it’s clear that the owners are passionate about what they do. With its delicious food, reasonable prices, and charming atmosphere, Sweet October is a welcome addition to the Leith food scene.

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    Review: Sweet October, a cafe in Leith

    Andrew Girdwood

    Sweet October is a charming cafe on Bernard Street in Leith, Edinburgh, serving up giant focaccia sandwiches and delicious baked goods.
    Food
    Drink
    Solo
    Vibe

    Summary

    Looking for your new favourite lunch spot in Leith? Sweet October on Bernard Street is a must-visit! This hidden gem serves up incredible, giant focaccia sandwiches and divine baked goodies. A friendly, local cafe with amazing food.

    4.8
    Sweet October

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    Filed Under: Food and Drink Tagged With: Coffee, leith, sandwiches, solo

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