Edinburgh’s Broughton Street is a haven of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and boutiques, making it the ideal place to while away a few hours on a weekend afternoon. With a laid-back vibe and community feel, this corner of Edinburgh is undeniably cool both day and night.

But, the street and surrounding area is also the latest victim of the never-ending stream of Edinburgh roadworks… was that a collective sigh from the entire population of the capital we just heard?

Never fear - despite being in the midst of roadworks for the next six months, all the businesses will be opening as usual. We’ll be showing our support for our favourite local businesses and want to encourage you to do the same, so pop in and visit some of these Broughton Street spots next time you’re in the neighbourhood.

Shop

If you’ve got someone to buy a gift for and have no idea what to get them, make sure Nice Stuff (44 Broughton Street, EH1 3SA) is your first port of call. There are no prizes for guessing what this shop sells… you’re sure to find plenty of nice stuff when you step through the door. From handbags and scarves to candles and jewellery, they have it all.

Scandi obsessed? Us too. Life Story (53 London Street, EH3 6LX) is full of design-led homeware, stationery and accessories from top Scandinavian brands, as well as a hand-picked selection of pieces from closer to home. With beautiful products from the likes of HAY, Ferm Living and Aanderson, Life Story is probably the most Instagrammable shop in the city.

Curiouser & Curiouser (93 Broughton Street, EH1 3RZ) is the sort of shop you go into to buy a gift for your friend, but end up leaving with three presents for yourself instead. Oops. A veritable treasure trove of beautiful bits and pieces from homeware to jewellery, we always find ourselves flicking through the racks of prints and illustrations - many of which are by local artists.

For some of the most beautiful bouquets in Edinburgh, visit Narcissus Flowers (87 Broughton Street, EH1 3RJ). The florists here are experts at putting together a stunning arrangement for a special occasion, and there are plenty of flowers, cacti, succulents and accessories to pick up too.

Another gift shop worth popping into is Dragonfly Gifts (111a Broughton Street, EH1 3RZ). They’ve curated a unique selection of products to help you choose the perfect present, with a focus on quirky, retro and vintage pieces, as well as plenty of handmade items.

Specialising in Scottish design-led craft, Concrete Wardrobe (50A Broughton Street, EH1 3SA) sells premium, contemporary crafts handmade by Scotland’s designer-makers. You’ll find a wide selection of jewellery, accessories, textiles, clothing, prints, glass, ceramics and homewares here.

Eat

For fans of Mexican food, head to The Basement (10a-12a Broughton Street, EH1 3RH) for dinner. This bar and restaurant has a lively yet relaxed vibe, and a rustic menu full of Mexican street food favourites like sizzling fajitas, speciality tacos and guacamole made fresh at your table.

Fhior (36 Broughton Street, EH1 3SB), which means ‘true’ in Gaelic, is a modern Scottish eatery with head chef Scott Smith (formerly of Norn in Leith) at the helm. Opt for a four or seven course tasting menu for dinner, bursting with top quality seasonal Scottish produce.

The perfect place to enjoy coffee and a pastry on a Sunday morning, Soderberg (45 Broughton Street, EH1 3JU) is a Scandinavian bakery with a mouthwatering selection of treats to choose from. There are only a couple of tables, so pop in early or be prepared to take your cardamom buns to go.

Olive Branch Bistro (91 Broughton Street, EH1 3RX) is a laid-back restaurant which feels welcoming at any time of day. Pop in for brunch, lunch or dinner and stay for a few hours - the huge windows are ideal for people-watching! The menu is full of classic European dishes, plenty of comfort food and simple dishes given a modern twist.

In need of a good Sunday lunch spot? You can’t go wrong with The Ox (49-51 London Street, EH3 6LX). There are a choice of roasts at this cosy gastropub - turkey, lamb, nut roast - but we’d recommend going for the roast beef ribeye served with Yorkshire puddings, rich gravy, horseradish sauce and all the trimmings. We love their brunch menu too.

The Educated Flea (32B Broughton Street, EH1 3SB) specialises in top-to-tail cooking, mean they use every last little bit to create delicious dishes. Pickling, smoking and preserving is all done in-house, helping to mix Scotland’s amazing local produce with punchy flavours from around the world.

If you fancy dining in rather than dining out, pay a visit to Real Foods (37 Broughton Street, EH1 3JU) to pick up some supplies. This specialist grocery and health food store stocks just about everything you could imagine - from organic fruit and veg to vegan snacks and even sushi-making kits.

Drink

If cocktails are calling your name, head to Treacle (39-41 Broughton Street, EH1 3JU). This bright and trendy bar and kitchen is a lively after-work spot, serving up delicious cocktails and Asian-inspired food. Look out for the seasonal drinks specials if you fancy trying something new.

Artisan Roast (57 Broughton Street, EH1 3RJ) has been a favourite of Edinburgh coffee aficianados since 2007. The Broughton Street cafe was the first speciality coffee shop and roastery in Scotland, and they’re still producing some of the finest coffee in the city. Pop in for an expertly made espresso, or buy a bag of beans to recreate your favourite coffee at home.

More of a tea drinker than a coffee fan? Rosevear Tea (71 Broughton Street, EH1 3RJ) is the place for you. They stock a huge selection of loose leaf teas from across the world, perfect for enjoying a cuppa that’s a little more exciting than your standard Scottish breakfast blend.

The Empress of Broughton Street (25 Broughton Street, EH1 3JU) is a busy and buzzing bar with just the right level of hipster vibes. Think exposed brick, vintage lightbulbs and mis-matched furniture, but with friendly service and good pub grub to make it feel welcoming rather than pretentious.

Tucked away behind an unassuming door just off Broughton Street, KIN (1 Barony Street, EH3 6NY) is a super-cool basement cocktail bar. The knowledgeable bartenders will be able to shake you up something delicious - whether it’s one of their more unusual original creations, or a KIN twist on a classic cocktail.

Pickles (56a Broughton Street, EH1 3SA) is a charming little wine bar which is perfect for a romantic date night, but equally suited to lengthy catch ups with friends. Come for the wine, stay for the incredible platters of cheese, continental meats, pates, pickles and bread.

Where to shop, eat and drink on Broughton Street

Shop

Eat

Drink