The Milkman
The Milkman is a small independent speciality coffee shop at 7 Cockburn Street, on the curving lane that links Waverley station to the Royal Mile. It is a cosy stop for a flat white and a slice of cake, and there is a second Milkman further up the same street at number 52.
Photos
Amal
What to expect
This is a coffee-first café: speciality coffee made with care, plus a counter of cakes. The room is compact and snug, so expect to share space at busy times or take your cup out onto Cockburn Street. It suits a quick, good coffee rather than a long brunch. Inside it feels warm and lived-in, a contrast to the souvenir shops on the Royal Mile above.
Two shops on one street
The Milkman has two branches on Cockburn Street, at number 7 and number 52. If one is full, the other is only a short walk up the hill, which is handy on festival days when the Old Town is packed.
Nearby
The Edinburgh Dungeon is next door on Market Street and The Real Mary King's Close is a couple of minutes up the hill beside St Giles' Cathedral. That makes The Milkman an easy first stop after arriving at Waverley, or a warm-up before an underground tour. Cockburn Street itself is worth lingering on, with record shops, independent boutiques and bars along its curve. Mornings before 10am are the calmest time to find a seat at either branch.
Highlights
- Independent speciality coffee
- Homemade cakes
- Two branches on Cockburn Street
- Two minutes from Waverley station
Good to know
- Seating is limited, so it can be full at peak times.
- A second branch is at 52 Cockburn Street.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: themilkman.coffee