Quay Commons

Resident Leithers may have noticed a rather pleasant development down by the waterfront, as the smell of freshly baked sourdough trickles through the cobbled streets.  That's because there's a new bakery in town, and it goes by the name of Quay Commons.

The venue is the brainchild of the folks that brought the much-loved Gardener's Cottage to Edinburgh's city centre.  Such was their success that they were bursting at the seams and in great need of extra kitchen space.  Quay Commons begun as a prep space, but since opening its doors has gone on to become a multifunctional gathering spot for the ravenous public.

By day, it is a working cafe, bakery and butchers; by night, it is a cosy bistro, and a licensed premises from which you can pick up boutique wines. It's a place for the chefs to create and experiment, and the industrial interior gives a subtle nod to the creative processes going on behind the scenes.  Of course, when it comes to sampling the products, the locals have been happy to oblige.

Nestled in next to some of the Shore's most-loved venues, and supplied by the likes of Pilot beer and Williams & Johnson coffee, it's yet another reason to ditch the city centre and head waterwards for great food and drink.