Exploring Leith: Discover the Fourth Coolest Neighbourhood in the World

Do you spend too much time sitting like a croissant at your desk? Me too. Luckily Kate and Magda are on hand to ease those aches and pains. At this little massage clinic you’ll be very well looked after and leave feeling like a new woman. I recommend the hot stone massage, it works like a charm.

This light and spacious salon is a local favourite. Excellent hair cutting and colouring from a friendly, talented team and at a fair price, what more can you ask for?

Part shop, part gallery, the couple behind Bard travel all across Scotland, seeking out the finest artisan craft and design. Husbands Hugo Macdonald and James Stevens have designed Bard to look like the home of a collector, “Our mission is to help people feel excited about living with and using contemporary craft and design in everyday life. So it made sense to us to present what we are showing in a domestic environment, mixing high with low, clashing materials, colours and textures, just as you’d find in the home of someone with confidence to express themselves boldly through the things that they live with,” Stevens says.

In a panic for a present? Better get to Flux. There’s a lovely range of homewares, jewellery and handmade goods, many by Scottish designers, and a great kids corner full of ethically made children’s toys and clothes.

Kvasa is a 100% sourdough bakery and the best place to get a loaf in Leith. Try the traditional Danish Rugbrod made with seeds, craft beer and live cultures, the deep purple walnut bread, or my favourite, a whole (or half) Miche loaf - an enormous French style loaf that will keep you nourished all week. You’ll definitely need some sourdough croissants too.

This one’s a real treat. Roberta Hall-McCarron’s first restaurant moved a few years ago into these larger premises and the result is a relaxed and elegant restaurant space. The food is incredible, and it’s well worth adding paired wines to your menu. Hall-McCarron’s menus are hyper-seasonal so expect the very best Scottish game, fish and vegetables prepared with skill and style.

A popular venue for events and parties, get in touch with Season Quayside if you’re planning a big event and want thoughtful, seasonal food in a stylish venue.

egg members can enjoy 10% off food at Season Quayside!

Everyone has their favourite pizza joint: this is mine. Whether you sit in or order in, Razzo delivers the goods every time. Expect thin Neapolitan style pizzas with scorched pillowy crusts and the very best toppings. Mine’s a Melanzane with fried aubergine, fior di latte, pecorino, garlic and basil.

A relaxed deli spot in prime position on the Shore. No stranger to Edinburgh, Victor Hugo has been serving great sandwiches and coffee since 1955. We love the original Meadows cafe, and happily this Leith branch is just as nice - and because it’s bigger it’s easier to get a table. Pastrami on rye with emmental is the classic, or try eggs benedict in a brioche roll for a real morning boost.

This is a cracking cocktail bar, with regular live jazz and great staff who create a laid-back friendly atmosphere. The bar is beautiful with dark floral walls, stained glass, and comfy velvet seats. A great spot for a night out with the girls.

Mistral is everything we want in a wine bar: interesting wines by the glass, with a little (unpretentious) expert guidance, a relaxed environment, and great snacks. Take a seat in the window or at the big central table and sample wines from small European producers, with some small plates to share - the nduja and ricotta crostini are delicious.

Your young people will love getting messy at Studio 48, and learn a lot at the same time. Art classes are taught by top local artists with a passion for encouraging children’s creativity. Adult workshops are a lot of fun too.

egg members can save 10% on Arty Parties this summer!