The Bakehouse Co.

That The Bakehouse on Broughton Street has returned after 2011's fire is testament to the enduring popularity of this standard-bearer of the Edinburgh café scene. And the past months have seen further development to what is already an outstanding reputation. Not content to rest on their laurels, The Bakehouse team have been busy in the kitchen adding touches, testing and tasting their recipes until they are as finely honed as a customer could wish. The food here is, wherever possible, truly homemade using local ingredients. Heart-warming stews, properly filled pies in perfect pastry, the freshesttasting soups and sandwiches - this really is a menu to savour. Each day brings delicious specials from a team that compete against each other to impress their clientele. Cakes will call you, scones beckon and the sight of golden tray bakes will convince you that you have, after all, just enough room left for a nibble. Artisan Roast coffees and a great range of teas and cold drinks are all yours too.

What is particularly pleasing is that the ambience and setting of The Bakehouse has been well maintained. Its cosy chic invites you to linger awhile and the nowexpected mod-cons like complimentary Wi-Fiare available if you want them. The window seats, ever popular, are there for the taking, offering comfortable views of the bustling city beyond the glass. They are a particularly pleasant place in which to enjoy breakfast in preparation for busy days or to feel spoiled by an excellent, relaxed afternoon tea. Not that sitting in is a necessity. Thankfully this is food that can be taken out with you so a full schedule doesn't mean you have to miss out. The Bakehouse is everything you want from a café.