A place with both coffee and alcohol available? I'm sold! We went twice during our trip to Edinburgh. I got coffee one time and chai the other time. Both drinks were excellent and the staff was friendly! A plus is that the wifi works quite well! If you want to eat/drink there, you may have to wait a bit for a table, but you won't regret it. Fear not though, takeaway is available if you're pressed for time! read more

Brew Lab - Chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

World class espresso drinks. The shots are sweet and full bodied. The milk is foamed to a silky perfection. The service can be a little slow, but the servers are friendly and quick to respond once you flag them down. read more

I'm from California use to brewing my Special Maui Peaberry every morning, here on holiday for 31days. This was the first place in 25 Days here that had filtered pour over.The blend was their own dark roast and the best that I've had in the UK. I wii be back here daily the remaining 3 days . The almond croissant was in the top 5 . But coffee is a keeper.m read more

We came in about 10 minutes before they closed for the night, so we didn't have a chance to enjoy the space (the largest coffee shop space of all the Disloyal 7), and we weren't able to enjoy our drinks in the shop like we'd wanted. So, this was #2 out of 7 on the Disloyal 7. The drinks were good, and I really would've loved to take advantage of the funky, welcoming sitting area. They had a decent menu, with lots of options to choose from. I felt a bit rushed when we got in because we didn't have much time to review the menu, place our order and get out before they closed. We discussed going back, but with 5 other shops on our stamp card, we knew we wouldn't have the time. read more

This is a wonderful place to study, catch up with friends, read, or just hang out and people watch. Food is wonderful. Coffee even better.

The vibe in here was perfect. Maybe the best way to refuel after my red eye into Edinburgh. I was greeted with some very friendly service and some cozy and hip decor. My latte was well made, the espresso was clearly top notch, and my barista had a steady hand in their pour. Didn't get to sample much, but I was reading about a few of the coffee options and all sounded delicious as well. A little bummed I couldn't try more, but all in all a great stop in for quality caffeine in old town. read more

Brew Lab - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This place is a college hangout for students at the university. It's atmosphere is very much urban, with exposed brick and a slight underground feel. The tea I had was good and my baked goods were very yummy. It's very crowded there often because people tend to do college work there. However, this means if you need to chill for an hour with WiFi, this spot is very good. read more

Brew Lab - My tea with a timer (fun addition) for how long it needs to brew! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Honestly, I used to be really in love with this place, especially when I would go for a coffee break and enjoy their comfortable atmosphere. However, over the years, the quality of the coffee has diminished, especially as the prices get higher. I would not say their coffee is terrible but for the price, it's fairly mediocre. I could get better coffee at other places and would be happy to pay a high price for it due to its quality. This is not the case for Brew Lab because high quality does not come with the high price. The service is also pretty unfriendly. It's gotten to the point where they consider themselves so pretentious they do not even give you a smile and rudely answer any questions you have! I asked the girl in the ponytail and pink jumper whether they have any syrup for their coffee and she glared at me, saying they have 'absolutely no syrups at all for any of their coffees!'. Um, alright, could have just told me 'no we don't', there's no need to be hostile about it? I came with my friends and they were shocked at this behaviour. You think it can't get worse? Oh, just wait! We had been sitting at the long table for about 40 minutes and I was still drinking my coffee before I had to head home in 10 minutes when the server came to us and told us we should probably leave soon since more people are coming and want a place to sit. ...excuse me? This is the FIRST time I have been asked to leave a coffee shop, especially when the server can clearly see I am still drinking my coffee. Fair enough, I am not the fastest drinker of coffee but never before have I been asked to leave to make room for someone else to sit. Especially since there were other students that had been sitting there longer than us and they were not asked to leave -- and they should not be asked to leave either. My friends and I were so shocked at this that we just left immediately. I'd rather take my money elsewhere and help better businesses thrive than hot-headed cafes trying to cling to a 'prestige' image at the loss of their dignity. read more

Oo-ee! Now THIS is the place to come if you're into coffee, and like trying out coffees that have been made with a range of brewing methods. Brew Lab are very proud of their filter coffee, so that's what we tried when we arrived about lunch-time ish. The coffee-theatre to this is fantastic, and it's fascinating watching the process and precision with which is is made. The first step is that the Barista empties a single-serve container of coffee beans into the grinder. You really can't get any fresher than that! They keep it simple here. The coffee menu has four rotating single-origin coffees: two brewed on the brew bar as pour-overs, and two on the espresso bar. If I lived nearby, I would try them all in rotation, to experience the differences, and improve my understanding of coffee. On the day we visited, we chose the Guatemalan filter coffee, and it was incredibly tasty. Brew Lab sure do know their coffee. They have a small food menu, and I was pleased to see items that were vegan friendly. I had a sourdough baguette filled with peanut butter, siracha, carrot, cucumber and watercress. This was a combination that I would never have thought of in a million years. Surprisingly, it worked really well, it was delicious. There was an impressive range of cakes, but we passed, having had an elegant sufficiency with our tasty baguettes. They also have cold brew. I definitely want to try one of these next time. The only slight niggle I had is that half of the place looks half-finished. I know exposed plaster, and lightbulbs hinging from wires is all the rage, but I do feel that they've taken this theme a bit too far, to the extent that it's not very pleasant to sit in. I was actually wondering whether the place was genuinely half-finished. I think they could do a bit better here. It'll be nicer when it's finished. That being said, if you can sit in the nice part, that's good, and we loved Brew Lab so much that, having had a good wander about Edinburgh, we actually came back later in the evening. Now, here is where my memory fades slightly. I know I didn't have a coffee, because you know, I like being able to sleep, so I think I had a beer from their pop-up beer menu. We also had some street food from the Fresh Revolution food pop-up. I had the veggie haggis arancini. Again, not a food item I would ever have chosen had I had more of a choice, but it was delicious. I feel like Brew Lab could offer me a very enjoyable coffee and food education. read more

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Not a bad brew at all. I've been meaning to come here for some time but since its in the other side of town I waited until the opportunity came along. And then it did. Not to feed into the stereotype that Melburnians are coffee snobs (but we totally are), this coffee is exactly what I would expect to get from a coffee shop in the northern suburbs back home, and that's probablyy biggest coffee compliment I'll give in Edinburgh. read more

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I really like this place but just wish it was a bit bigger/less cramped! It always seems like a bright idea to head down here, laptop under arm and get down to some serious work but even if you get a table it suddenly becomes so busy that it feels like a better option to head somewhere else with more room (I believe they actually switch the wifi off over lunch time) The coffee though is very good and the snacks very tasty - a great place to hit if you're lucky and can enjoy a spot of peace and quiet. read more

Love the ambience!!! One of the best coffees in the city! Wifi is also available, you need to be fast if you want to take advantage of super armchair and a comfy sofa for two, not many of them. There are sandwiches options as well, nice big windows, feels like industrial estate :-) In the w/end it will be the hardest to find a spot, but even during the week due to students and freelancers close by, it is quite popular. The staff are always upbeat and friendly. They sell reusable cups as well for take away drinks. Highly recommended for all Coffee lovers out there! It is open for a good few years, profitable business. I believe they offer some kind of paid training, Coffee barista, etc read more

I'd visited here last year but apparently I forgot to review it. It's a great cafè with friendly staff. I love the layout -- three seating areas so they all feel snug and comfy. I was here to get some work done and the free wifi is amazing although they do switch it off coming up to lunch time which I think is fair enough! I didn't sample the coffee on this visit but in keen to head back just to do this as they definitely seem like they know what they're doing. read more

Met a friend here for coffee and a small lunch. Cool place, lots of little table and nooks to sit and study or chat in. Had a deliciously smooth soya latte, lovely strong but not bitter coffee. I was temped by the treats and got the almond and plum cake, very moist, flavourful. For lunch I had a cinnamon butternut squash and large grain vegan salad, it was yummy and cheap but small... I was glad I had cake too =) I like that they had vegan options for the cake and food, since a few of my friends are vegan and its always nice to find good places to cater to them! read more

Brew Lab - Yummy almond plum cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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After my first visit here, I started to think about Marmite...you know they say you either love it , or hate it? Well, I'm not so sure its as clear cut as that. It depends on what mood you're in, what flavours you're after and whether you actually just want cheese on your toast instead! I'm sort of thinking Brew Lab might be a little bit like Marmite for me! We were here on a Tuesday lunchtime, and the place was jammed packed, mostly with students, mostly with laptops, and mostly taking up space when we actually wanted to sit down and eat. Now, I understand the attraction for students, close to the university, free WiFi, good coffee, but I wonder if this will actually alienate all the folk who would provide Brew Lab with business at weekends and during the holidays. I have to admit, I'd be reluctant to come back here for lunch, if I knew I'd have to faff about waiting on the students heading to class so I could sit and get a table to eat. After loitering with intent, we managed to procure a table and got comfy. Lunch was an extremely tasty sourdough sandwich (from an excellent selection!), and a HUGE slice of parsnip & ginger cake, which was moist and delicious. The menu was varied, interesting and left me slightly undecided, I always like when that happens! Service was prompt and attentive, and our very kind waitress even went to find out what song was playing (as we liked it, and wanted to know who it was!). Incidentally, the playlist on the go was fabulous, and the mellow, downtempo tunes were perfect. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to. However, this place is all about the coffee, and what wonderful coffee it was! I'm a creature of habit, and a plain, black coffee is my usual choice. I'm struggling to recall the blend I had, but it was smooth, nutty, inherently sweet & a perfect strength. I would even be tempted to break the 'no milk' habit, and go for a flat white or cappuccino here, so sure would I be that it'd be delicious. In addition, the coffees brewed are regularly changed to ensure our taste-buds are kept on their toes. Now, I know I was having a moan earlier about the students taking up tables studying but, after lunch, I did sit for a while and read a book. The staff were very good and didn't chase or harass us to go, but by that time there were many more tables free, so I didn't feel so bad. I would have had it been over a busy lunchtime! So, just like Marmite, I think this was a day where my mood varied! I didn't love Brew Lab...but then I didn't hate it either. I do think I'd like to pay it a visit at the weekend to see if it has a different vibe going on, although, I'm not sure they'll have the chance to get the place finished by the time I go back...there's a little bit of plastering that still needs doing! read more

Sometimes coffee is a necessity and sometimes coffee is a pleasure. Today on my visit to Brew Lab it was both. Yes, the place looks almost painfully hip, but it sits well. It was packed on a Saturday afternoon, but I placed my order at the counter and took my wooden number to a spare seat, unfortunately not one of the cosy looking ones in the window. My order was brought to me reasonably quickly - a cappuccino and a hefty slice of pistachio and bramble cake. The cake felt dry as I forked a bit off but I think that was just the pistachios in the mix, it was crumbly and delicious and just what I needed. That cappuccino was perfect - hot, creamy, rich and smooth. Mmmmmm, so good I want another one (if it wouldn't stop me sleeping). read more

Brew Lab - Obligatory arty coffee shot - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Love this coffee shop! It's super cozy and they have good coffee. Was just there yesterday and so want to go back already. If I lived in Edinburgh, this will be the place I'd go regularly to let them take my money. COFFEE/FOOD- various types of coffee drinks and coffee for purchase. Ordered a flat white with soymilk and it was delicious, wished it was bigger! Plenty of baked goods, sandwiches, and a couple soups on the menu. Since I was freezing cold from getting blown like crazy at the castle, I opted for the curry lentil soup which came with two slices of olive bread and butter. It was very very tasty, with some spice which was perfect to warm me up. The olive bread is very good as well, pieces of juicy green olives in the bread! I wish I could stuff more food into me then I would have gotten a brownie (read that it's marvelous). AMBIANCE/DECOR- filled with people when I went at 3pm ish. Luckily there were a few counter seats available so I chose one that looked through to the cashier/coffee making lab. It was the perfect location to people watch. Pretty much non-stop traffic the entire 1.5 hrs I was there. Most people were there to eat/have coffee, hangout, or work/read. Some outlets available. There are interesting frames and artwork on the walls and a little shelf by the cashier that sells coffee and coffee related goods. I love the wooden counters and walls. The place feels very cozy. STAFF/SERVICE- great! The guy who took my order was courteous and answered my question and instructed me how the cafe works. You order, then they give you a wooden rectangular stick that you prop up at where you sit so that a waitstaff could bring you what you ordered. Then you leave your dishes and cups there when you leave. FYI if you use credit card, you have to pay a small fee for the charge. So use cash whenever you can! read more

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Delicious coffee and such lovely staff! Great place to go to study or to chat. Good atmosphere

Brew Lab definitely ranks in my top 10 destinations for good coffee in Edinburgh, it may even be in the privileged top 5. The decor is very hipster - you must check out the reclaimed basketball court floor, I want it for my home so bad! They have always have at least 2 different beans on the go, often more, and cleverly link each bean to the best brew method/ coffee type on the chalk board behind the counter. Many of these beans are also bagged and available to buy. The cafe also has a great and typically priced assortment of coffee making paraphernalia and literature. I went for a controversial flat white made with Ethiopian single origin beans this visit, I am usually a purist. It was divine! My only disappointments were the close time of 6pm and the fact that they didn't remind me to get a stamp on my coffee card! read more

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Ever in search of the best coffee in town, I tried Brew Lab on the recommendation of a couple of friends. I was in a rush, so I just opted for a take away snack in the shape of a cannelloni bean and salad baguette and a Long Black. As seems to be the trend in coffee start-ups these days, the décor has a grungy can't-be-bothered-to-decorate feel to it, with no particular design scheme in mind other than 'what furnishings can we get in the nearest second-hand shop?' I guess it's OK if you're a student as your own flat probably looks identical, but I'd prefer that there was at least some attempt at a coherent design scheme. Anyway, how about the coffee? Well, the Long Black was certainly the best I've had in this part of town; a really nice flavour to it and strong enough not to require me asking for an additional shot. However I thought the quantity could have been better. Maybe it was unfair of me to ask them to put it in my Yelp flask, but it would have been nice if they had mentioned that I would need two Long Blacks to adequately fill the flask, or offered something else like a grande Americano or something. Still, they did give me a discount of 23p for using my own container. The baguette was OK if a little crunchy, but the bean filling wasn't particularly flavoursome. So although the coffee was good, the higher prices here and the lacklustre sandwich prevent me giving it the full 5 stars. I'll try the coffee again at a future date, but for value (and the fact that they will fill my Yelp flask!), my favourite will remain Caffe Nero for now. read more

Alright, So I've been to Brew Lab a few times, and now I have a solid conclusion about this place. My conclusion is: I love it here! I'll tell you why. 1. It has many plugs for laptops, and strong wifi. I can spend lots of time working here on my computer and not feel pressured to leave! This brings in a good atmosphere, I can come in here to chill out. 2. As Napoleon Dynamite says: "Chicks only dig guys with skillz". Well.. these guys have skillz, coffee making skillz. You can tell they are passionate about what they do, everyone is really approachable and happy. The staff can bring a good or bad atmosphere to a place, and I think in the case of Brew lab, theres definitely happy times all around. 3. The food is delicious. These guys just bring in the people who can do it right. Example: Union of Genius for soups and salads. I get so excited when I hear bout the specials of the day. Everything has been excellent so far, and the bread always fresh! 4. The decor is different! Or, well lack-of. The look of the place is really interesting, and the bathrooms are CLEAN. That's always a big one in Edinburgh. It's hard to find a decent bathroom!!! 5. The loyalty card. I don't have one yet, but I heard it's awesome. There's different tiers for the loyalty card, so instead of just getting a free coffee when you've purchased 10, you can get another card that gives better rewards. For example, free coffee for you and a friend! Anyways, I'm pretty much becoming a regular here. I really enjoy it, and if you're a coffee lover I recommend stopping by. read more

Brew Lab - Hot chocolate!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I've been coming to Brew Lab since they opened, and from a promising but at times rocky start, they've become one of the go-to places in Edinburgh for those who want both good coffee and good food (a combination that seems tricky, as most great coffee places in Edinburgh only do cakes and most great lunch places do bad to mediocre coffee!). They show a consistent wish to become better at what they do, and it shows. Their flat whites are consistently top notch, as are their cortados and long blacks. Sometimes, I'll go for a cheeky mocha in a flat white cup, and it's superbly chocolatey without being too sweet. The place is usually packed with people, which is a shame as you can't be guaranteed a seat if you're more than one or two people, but they use their space well and you can't really fault them for being popular. The food is great, with very crusty baguettes (on the tough side for some to chew, but I love bread that gives a bit of fight) wonderful soups (different, fluffier bread comes with this) and really rather lovely salads as well. As an omnivore with vegetarian leanings, I love that their vegetarian and vegan options are just as inviting as their meat options and usually completely different, rather than just being the meat option without meat or something like that. Cakes and pastries are always fresh and full of flavour as well. Finally, and very importantly, the staff clearly care about the products they make and sell, and they do so with an inviting air about them, unlike some other coffee shops in Edinburgh who might have been around for longer but who've put themselves out of my favour by being at times incredibly dismissive of customers who don't conform to their standards. The servers and baristas at Brewlab are hard workers and consistently friendly. Love it! :) read more

Okay, so I might not be the best person to review Brew Lab as I don't do coffee. At all. The whole coffee thing is properly lost on me. So a place famed for this particular beverage probably has to work harder for me. However, I liked Brew Lab when I could finally get some space to sit down and soak up the place. It feels a bit like a train station with people constantly wandering around trying to find a spot to sit, and it's rammed full of rich student types. I like the decor, the staff were very pleasant and my peppermint tea was really very nice. Fresh peppermint leaves and all. Lovely. Couldn't fault the cuppa - would happily sup another one. However, it's losing the fourth star for me just now because it's so busy and I don't find it very relaxing. If I want to enjoy a pot of tea I'd rather go somewhere a bit less packed. But hey, that's just a testament to how popular the joint is :) read more

Brew Lab - Peppermint tea - fresh leaves. Yum! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

After a big night out in Edinburgh, I needed a coffee, so where better to go than Brewlab. I asked for a strong 'wake me up coffee' and that's what I got. The service was excellent and my coffee was brought to me while I lounged away on the sofa catching up on the days news and downing an endless supply of water. The decor is attractive taking in a were house style feel without feeling cold. It wasn't too busy, though it was an early Thursday morning, I can see the place getting very busy at weekends. The coffee woke me up and while it was too early of me to have the cake, what was on offer looked great. It was a great place to relax, get over a hangover and enjoy a superbly crafted coffee. read more

Brew Lab - Coffee! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I love the coffe here and the way they have decorated the internal arrangement. I really like their filled baguettes but yet to try then when they have the pulled pork one! I like watching the world go by from here. It's a popular place with the students too. read more

Dav runs this place. It has the shabby but thought out rustic lodge look that is so inviting, and it is always near to full but somehow there are always a few seats to plant on. They use all compostable wear, which I am used to from SF where composting is mandatory, so I appreciate finding a cafe I can feel at home in. That sounds really pretentious, but I'm gonna leave it there, because it's true. The most important part, wait for it, the coffee... it is miraculously good. Not that I enjoy being a coffee snob, but Dav knows of Blue Bottle Coffee (his favorite too), and his coffee has the same jolt and delicious delicious addicting flavor of BB. Ah. I was so high when I left I was stumbling a bit, and I wonder if there wasn't a little something extra in there. But no, the other coffee I'd been drinking (cafes will go unnamed) will go unvisited by me now that I've found Brew Lab. read more

These guys specialize in the lighter roasts, and they serve their pour-overs on a plank of wood, in a small pitcher, allowing the customer to pour the coffee themselves, as they see fit. Beautiful. As to the coffee, I prefer a bit of a stronger pour, but they do a good job. Their Cappuccino is nearly spot-on, though a bit hotter would be nice. Otherwise, perfect. read more

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If I lived around here, I would come here to work or hang out all the time, seriously. The atmosphere and interior design is so comforting yet spacious, with lots of light and lots of nature. Oh and the drip coffee didn't disappoint. read more

Really cool little coffee shop and cafe. The coffee is excellent and the design of the place is quite interesting. Not sure if it is a natural look or doctored to look like a renovation site with a few tables and chairs. I could easily find myself here in the morning sipping coffee and catching up on the news and or surfing the net. The food here is also good. I had the ham and cheese croissant and it tasted excellent. It is also one of the few places that is open early on a Sunday morning. I would happily comeback here any day for a coffee and a croissant. They do have fresh made sandwiches and other items for lunch and some delicious looking cakes and tarts if you are after something sweet. read more

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So I've got to update my review as I feel that 4 stars just isn't fair. After travelling the country on coffee tours with my barista boyfriend, this place really is one of the best. Yes, it's full of hipsters, yes it's got exposed brickwork, yes the coffee techno people in there intimidate me, but the coffee speaks absolute volumes. It really is outstanding, and the people that work there, are actually coffee gods in my eyes. Please forgive me brew lab, I promise to never say anything even the slightest bit uncomplimentary again, so long as you let me enjoy your coffees over and over and over again. My excuse is, I think I was just jealous of the obviously much cooler than me crowd. Friends?! read more

Brew Lab - Scotch egg deliciousness - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

A five star review from a non-coffee drinker? This place MUST be good. Having lived in Melbourne for years, you can't help but be a coffee snob. I don't need to drink it to tell you that these guys know their stuff. The everchanging worldly flavours, hand-picked bean quality and OCD precision of the baristas... tick, tick, tick. So what's in it for us non-caffeine fiends? - A tea and hot chocolate menu (yes - MENU!) means we have as much if not more choice of bevvies as our coffee counterparts. - The food. Sweet or savoury; Breakfast, lunch or nibbles. It's addictively delicious, made daily by local suppliers. Beware - it's so good, lunch sells out by 2pm regularly! - The atmosphere - BrewLab has that 'so-in-right-now' shabby chique interior, complete with exposed walls, cozy lighting and just the right amount or funky modern decor bits to keep your eyes interested - The staff: Most uber cool cafes like this usually come with a dose of pretentiousness, but not Brew Lab. The staff are friendly, knowledgeably and infectiously passionate about coffee. On one hand I love that it' sa unique one-of-a-kind spot. On the other, it's so good I wish there was a Brew Lab on every corner. read more

Brew Lab - Brew Lab personified Mac Hipster. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Great comfy and modern cafe with high end coffees and teas (e.g. Fresh peppermint leaves for the mint tea). Seating - lots of seating (at counters, sofas, tables for two or four, or at the big long table). There's always been space to sit, although there's always a fair number of people. Perfect for working or studying or meeting friends. The free wifi is fast and reliable and there are electric sockets next to most of the tables so you can charge your phone or computer. (It's one of those places where everyone with a laptop seems to have a Mac!) Snacks - they serve lunch and varies baked goods, chips, and some fruit. There are no gluten free options as far as I can tell. read more

Brew Lab - Nicaragua coffee and peppermint tea. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Good hot chocolate, tea, and donuts. Young crowd and comfy atmosphere with decent music and good vibes.

We took a trip into town and as a treat dropped into the new BrewLab Coffee bar on South College Street. It is a very well presented, rustic looking place where coffee is their passion. We decided on a Latte and a Flat white with a banana bread chaser. Coffee and cake were divine. Just perfection in a cup. The cake was lovely and just what the doctor ordered on this autumnal Sunday afternoon. £7.70 for 2 coffees and 1 cake much better value than some other large coffee purveyor! Photo link: http://i.imgur.com/FSp5hl.jpg Photo link: http://i.imgur.com/dvQV4l.jpg read more

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Oh man, I love this place. It does get really busy, but the coffee is great and the food is good as well. The blonde barista deserves a shoutout but I unfortunately forgot his name - thanks for helping me pick out a great bag of beans! read more

Great spot, great coffee, great breakfast. Loved the avocado toast with salmon. Fresh and filling. Definitely recommend stopping here in Edinburgh! read more

When Brew Lab popped up on my "to review" feed, I was actually quite surprised that I hadn't reviewed them yet, because walking into this place is as close to being home (Vancouver, Canada) as one can possibly find in Edinburgh (this is a compliment - Vancouverites know their sh*t when it comes to coffee). But though I hail from the city that near invented the plaid shirt and pour over trend - i'm actually not much of a coffee connoisseur myself and in fact, have been slowly converting to caffeine free over the last year or so. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a flat white from time to time, but I definitely don't go out of my way to seek out a good cup. Which is how I know that this place is still pretty dang great. Why? Because a place that makes great coffee is great... for those people who appreciate a great cup of coffee. For folks like myself, that don't really fuss over the particulars, a cafe can't just stand on the quality of their brew. They have to have good customer service or atmosphere to make it into the plus column - preferably both. Brew Lab secures this and adds free wifi to the mix, so yes: i'm a fan. The staff here have always been pleasant. The interior is beautiful, with lots of wood, spaces to chat and corners to hide away and get some work done. They have a decent wifi signal, and though they are usually packed to the rafters, the turn over seems to be quite quick, so if you hover, you generally don't have to wait long for a seat to pop up. Plus, as Shae M's review tipped me off to: they have cold brew on tap! Now, I may not know my coffee, but I know I ADORE good cold brew, so this was an added bonus. All in all, I can't tell you the ins and outs of their brew, I won't wax poetic about their flat whites and I don't wear a "coffee expert" badge... but what I can tell you is this place is the perfect spot to pull up a chair, have a chat and sip something nice. And really... what more do you want? read more

Great home away from home for a coffee shop aficionado abroad. Great coffee, good food and comfy accommodations. read more

Brew Lab - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I travel a lot, and as a result drink a ton of shitty coffee. So it's always a treat when I find a legit coffee shop whilst abroad. Brew Lab was just what I needed. The coffee is very good, well roasted, and well prepared. There's plenty of seating and lots of plugs to charge electronics, and, at least at the times I was there, it was nice and quiet inside. read more

How do I love thee, Brew Lab? Let me count the ways. I'm told you're super coffee heroes, to those that are qualified to discuss such matters. Well, here's a star for being great at everything non-coffee AS WELL. Yes, your hot chocolates are divine. Your tea selection includes my new favourite, lavender rooibos. Here's a star for the fact you sold me a plum. An actual plum. A 50p plum. Your fruit bowl is more than just apples and bananas, for you sold me a plum. Here's a star for recognising me when I come in and for being so welcoming every single time. Here's a star for your excellent and reliable free Wifi, and even for your smart idea to switch it off at lunchtimes, which, while it might inconvenience folks like me, is actually a really clever plan because you know you're hot enough to get business at that time simply on the basis of your own product. Here's a star for your decor, or lack of. Even when your front window got spidered by some blunt object recently, and I felt my heart form similar patterns at the brutal attack on a place that is now, essentially, a piece of my soul, you somehow owned it. Your exposed bricks and mortar, your unfinished corners, your ramps and slopes on the wooden floor - all is perfection, kooky and raw without being too hipsterish. Here's a st- oh wait, I hit five already. Well, good job, Brew Lab, good job. Good job from someone who doesn't even come here for the thing you specialise in. You are superheroes indeed. read more