Dovecot Café

Set alongside tapestry arts space Dovecot Studios in Infirmary Street this stylish little café has rightly accrued a merry gang of loyal followers. From the tourists who stumble across it after wandering around Dovecot’s exhibition space to the local workers and students who use it as a regular hangout, this impressive little indie outfit proves a draw for many.

Dovecot devotees don’t muck about, and head straight for a cup of the well-brewed Artisan Roast espresso – a popular staple. Those who are unfamiliar with the menu can settle into the bright, white surroundings, and peruse an appetising list of sandwiches, salads and soups. Attentive staff are happy to advise, as you dither over sandwiches filled with the likes of pastrami, brie and pickles or Scottish smoked salmon with wasabi cream cheese. The salads, too, make good use of nifty taste combinations – the falafel and shredded vegetables with hummus, tomato and spinach showcasing a kitchen that knows how to balance flavours. An ever-changing array of soups comes served in nice deep bowls, a wedge of bread the daily accompaniment. There is also a soup and sandwich option.

Sweets are laid out on the counter, presumably just to tempt you, and include florentines, sponge cakes and traybakes.