Located on buzzy Morrison Street, the EICC is at the heart of one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, where a plethora of hot new bars and restaurants sit alongside a few old favourites. Here are our picks for the best places to eat, drink and be merry…
Where to drink
⦿ Hey Palu
Recently awarded a spot on the prestigious list of the UK’s top 50 cocktail bars, Hey Palu opened in early 2020 bringing a welcome dose of la dolce vita to the neighbourhood. Located on Bread Street - just a short walk up Morrison Street - the modern Italian bar features a menu bursting with top notch drinks from a selection of signature negronis to an endless list of impressive Amaro cocktails. And it’s all served with unmistakable Italian charm provided by director Alex Palumbo. "All of our drinks are influenced by the beautiful Italian aperitivo style of drinking," says Alex, "...think relaxing in a sunny Italian piazza whilst sipping on a Negroni and people watching."
www.heypalu.com | 👟 5 minutes
⦿ Thomson's Bar
Well-known in the city for its real ales, malt whisky selection and steak pies, Thomson's is a traditional and friendly local pub on Morrison Street. The beautifully designed bar features oak timber detailing, inspired by the historic Scottish Architect, Alexander 'Greek' Thomson.
thomsonsbaredinburgh.co.uk | 👟 2 minute
⦿ The Jolly Botanist
Voted 'Best New Pub' in 2015 is specialist gin bar The Jolly Botanist. Located at the Haymarket end of Morrison Street, this independent, family-run bar is well-known in the area for its impressive collection of local and international gins. The impressive G&T menu even gives a recommended tonic and garnish for every gin so you can invest some quality sipping time finding your favourite.
www.thejollybotanist.co.uk | 👟 5 minute
⦿ The Festival
Make sure you head on down to the neighbourhood’s local, The Festival. Only a short walk from the EICC, this bustling pub has recently been refurbished with state of the art TVs for a live sporting experience like no other. Tuck into the delicious classic pub fare on offer, while you cheer on your local football team from the comfort of this delightful, modern pub.
www.belhavenpubs.co.uk/pubs/midlothian/festival | 👟 2 minutes
⦿ Malones
For a great craic, visit Malones. Close to Haymarket station, this Irish bar boasts an array of impressive accolades from Best Pub in Scotland 2015 to Best Entertainment Experience 2017. Get your groove on with live music available every night or wet your whistle with a dram of Irish whiskey from the largest collection in Scotland!
www.malonesedinburgh.com | 👟 4 minutes
Where to eat
⦿ Fava
Part of an influx of Greek eateries to the neighbourhood, Fava has become a favourite since opening its doors in February 2022 at the top of Morrison Street, near Haymarket station. The restaurant serves an endless array of authentic mezze made with real Greek ingredients. If you can’t choose, go for the 'Pikilia' - a sharing platter featuring house favourites from Loukaniki (Greek sausages) to Kolokithokeftedes (courgette patties) - a delicious mouthful in more ways than one.
www.favarestaurant.co.uk | 👟 4 minutes
⦿ Pomo Pizzeria
For authentic Italian pizza, make sure to drop by Pomo Pizzeria, a sleek, stylish restaurant with a warm, laid back vibe. The popular pizzeria opened in 2019 and has a range of delectable signature pizzas to try, from the classic margherita to a delicious capricciosa. While a thin, crispy Roman base is the house speciality, they’re happy to bash out a Neopolitan base for diners who prefer a little more to chew on - and they offer gluten free bases for those with allergies, intolerances or wheat-free preferences. Flexible and friendly, it’s a winning combo.
www.pomopizzeria.co.uk | 👟 4 minutes
⦿ Slice of Greece
With 25 years of experience in Greek dessert making, this Greek patisserie and coffee shop only opened in June 2022, and already has a cult following for its fresh, homemade desserts baklava and cakes. Make sure to get your hands on a tourta - a thin layered Greek cake with a base soaked in syrup and filled with pastry cream, topped with garnishes of your choosing.
www.sliceofgreece.co.uk | 👟 1 minute
⦿ Milk
This much-loved local café first opened in its West End location in Morrison Street 12 years ago before branching out to other areas across Edinburgh. As well as great locally roasted coffee, there’s a small menu available that changes weekly and a popular all-day breakfast. "We have seen Morrison Street change quite a lot since we opened," says co-founder Sam Stevens. "With the new station at Haymarket, lots of new offices opening up, other like-minded businesses and many more tourists exploring the area, it has turned into a thriving hub."
www.cafemilk.co.uk | 👟 3 minutes
⦿ Scooby's
Located across the road from the EICC, Scooby’s is a bit of a local institution having been around for as long as the EICC itself. The sandwich shop has a selection of mouth-watering sandwiches for you to feast on, so make sure to stop by.
0131 221 1877 | 👟 1 minute
⦿ Bite Me
Stop for a bite to eat at this local sandwich shop. Only a short walk from the EICC, Bite Me is popular with locals and visitors to the city staying nearby. There are a multitude of delicious deli-style sandwiches and salads, all freshly made to satiate your rumbling tummy. Feast on a steaming bowl of soup, sample a fresh smoothie or enjoy a freshly brewed coffee with a delicious cake.
www.facebook.com/sandwichbite | 👟 3 minutes
⦿ Le Petit Café
Don’t forget to say bonjour to Le Petit Café. This chic café has an array of homemade French food available including their signature mouth-watering sweet and savoury crêpes. Try the salmon, cream cheese, lemon and fresh dill breakfast croissant for a filling dish to start your day off right or a French classic - pain au chocolat. If you’re thinking of popping by for lunch, there are a multitude of tasty galettes - or french savoury crêpes - to choose from, including a pizza-inspired crêpe.
www.lepetitcafe-edinburgh.com | 👟 2 minutes
⦿ Nice Times Bakery
Treat yourself to a generous slice of cake or a baked goodie from Nice Times Bakery on the corner of St David’s Place. Bring along your beloved pooch to sit and enjoy the popular fluffy iced cinnibuns - which are also vegan-friendly - or get your favourite treat to go at the dedicated takeaway hatch.
www.nicetimesbakery.com | 👟 2 minutes
What to do
⦿ One Spa
Quite possibly Edinburgh’s most luxurious spa, One Spa is located at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa and is famed in and around the city for its rooftop hydropool where spa guests can take in stunning views of the capital’s famous skyline. Book in for a rejuvenating body massage, hot stone treatment or a relaxing facial.
www.onespa.com | 👟 5 minutes
⦿The Cameo
Break out the popcorn and enjoy a night under the big screen at The Cameo. Situated on Home Street, a short walk from the EICC, this long-standing picture house is known for its quaint charm and carefully curated selection of exciting new release films and artful indie flicks. Pop to the venue’s cafe-bar beforehand for some snacks before its time to take your seat.
www.picturehouses.com | 👟 8 minutes
⦿ Escape
See if you and your colleagues can escape Houdini’s workshop, a Sherlock-themed adventure or a magical emporium in this epic escape room situated on Morrison Street. "Escape was Scotland’s first escape game company and was born right here in Edinburgh in 2014," says manager Dean Chalmers. "We’ve also recently introduced 'Game of Throwing' where players learn to throw hand axes - it’s great for team-building and to blow off a little steam!"
www.escape.game | 👟 2 minutes
Where to stay
⦿ Point A Hotel
Known for its cosy ambience, Point A Hotel is located right next to the EICC, just a hop and a skip from Haymarket train station. Guests are promised a comfortable stay in spacious rooms boasting five-star beds, breathtaking views and skylights.
www.pointahotels.com | 👟 1 minute
⦿ Voco
This IHG Hotel on nearby Torphichen Street has cosy rooms for a peaceful stay. The on-site Blossom Restaurant & Bar has a range of international dishes to dine on - sit and enjoy a charcuterie board with a tipple after a long day exploring the area.
www.ihg.com | 👟 3 minutes
⦿ Hub By Premier Inn
For a more economical choice, consider a stay at hub by Premier Inn. At this Haymarket hotel, enjoy a quirky, snug room with luxurious amenities including a Hypnos bed and a monsoon shower.
www.premierinn.com | 👟 4 minutes
⦿ Moxy
This playful Marriott Hotel on Freer Gait in Fountainbridge is the perfect place to stay for a spot of entertainment. Play a quick game of foosball with your fellow travellers in the lobby or enjoy cinema screenings of classic films from the thrilling Rear Window to the drama/comedy La Dolce Vita. Make the most of the city views and enjoy a wee dram or cocktail at the hotel’s rooftop bar.
www.marriott.com | 👟 6 minutes
Watch out for more details on our own hotel development coming soon…