Resident Advisors: Claire Heffernan, Superpower Agency
We get some Edinburgh recs from Claire Heffernan, Managing Director at the Super Power Agency – a youth writing charity based in Edinburgh
This article is taken from the 2025 edition of The Skinny Guide to Edinburgh – a 116-page selection of some of our favourite things to do and places to go across the city. Pick up a copy at venues across Edinburgh this summer, or read it online via Issuu.
Where do you recommend people go in Edinburgh?
As with many people living in Leith, I often see no reason to leave. The Shore has some great restaurants, amazing coffee from William and Johnson, and lovely dog walks along the Water of Leith. I personally love a little walk down to Newhaven too – great fish and chips and a lovely little bay that’s much less busy than Portobello.
Favourite place to eat?
So many places to choose from in Edinburgh, so this is hard but I recently went to Sotto in Stockbridge and it went straight to the top of my list. The food was amazing, the wine was absolutely delicious, but the service was just next level. We sat in the window people-watching all evening – perfection!
Favourite place to drink?
I love Bramble for a, well… bramble. A cute little hidden cocktail bar with cosy corners. I also love the Malt and Hops on the Shore for reasonably priced drinks, a lively atmosphere and on a sunny day you take your drink outside and sit in the sun on the Water of Leith.
Why do you like living here?
I think it’s honestly the best city in the world – it looks like a movie set, the people are friendly, the food is incredible, you’re by the beach and you’re so close to the most beautiful, scenic countryside too. I’ve lived here for 7 years and can’t imagine myself anywhere else.
What annoys you about living here?
How hard it can be to get a last-minute reservation – you really have to plan in advance particularly at the weekend. Oh, and not to be too British about it, but the weather can be depressing.
Do you have an Edinburgh festivals survival tip?
Just give yourself enough time to move (read: slowly amble) around the city. The crowds make walking anywhere take so much longer than you’d think.