Exploring Edinburgh’s Soho
The West Port area of Edinburgh is a mini haven of second hand book shops, vintage, and cocktail joy. The area was dubbed Edinburgh’s Soho because of the presence of a mixture of strip bars that sit alongside an abundance of independent book shops and other small stores. There is so much awesomeness to be found in this area, so don’t let the prospect of a small group of adult venues put you off exploring it.
Main Point Books
This is a chilled out, down to earth establishment to spend hours lingering around the book shelves. The second hand selection is eclectic but thorough, and the staff are lovely. The shop is also one of the venues hosting the upcoming West Port Book Festival, running from 13th -16th October, where various authors will congregate for different events over the week. Look out for fab, Scottish author, Janice Galloway, and open mic reading events to increase your literary confidence.
Dragonfly
Cocktails. Fantastic, alcoholic potions in distinct, creative flavours, that will keep you returning for more. I like the relaxed element to Dragonfly, with its artsy mix of décor attracting the art school crowd from the nearby Edinburgh College of Art, and a guaranteed weekend crowd sipping up the menu. There’s usually also a DJ ramping up the mood with some tunes.
Herman Brown
Herman Brown is my favourite vintage shop in the old town. Maybe it’s the fact it’s been around for a while establishing its vintage credentials, and that Anna, the founder of the store, truly knows her stuff. The clothes and the jewellery speak for themselves in terms of quality and range, and are fairly priced. I’ve never left the shop without buying something, even if it’s just a small, jewelled brooch, or an 80s jumper. My wardrobe always appreciates it, my bank account not so much.
The Coffee Mill
Coffee is always required when book browsing and vintage foraging are on the go. This place is friendly, tasty, and offers a range of good food and hot beverages, with sit-in and takeaway options. If you’ve discovered some literary gems, this is a good place to sit down and leaf through them. It’s also pretty good for people watching, if you’re of the nosey variety.
Pulp Fiction
A new kid on the book emporium block, with an obviously great name. Pulp Fiction offers a big range of fiction, in genres that include mystery, romance, fantasy, crime and Sci-Fi. As a bonus to this, there are sofas, opportunities for drinking tea, and a general, all-round chilled atmosphere to enjoy.
Photography by: Richard Sunderland and chrisdonia
Dragonfly is a great choice. Every night of the week is different in there – all good. West Port also has loads of cool hotels and serviced apartments nearby. It’s certainly one of my favourite places in Edinburgh.
As the Grassmarket becomes even more popular hopefully more people with venture up the hill. The West Port festival is also worthy making time for if you love books or book binding.
Thanks,
Ian