The Forest Cafe

The Forest emerge triumphant in their new home on the corner of Lauriston Place, just off Lothian Road. New venue, but the same reclaimed furniture, fairy lights and 'art is free' call to action. All food is vegetarian or vegan, cheap and tasty, and served until it runs out. Booze is bring your own, and the friendly, relaxed vibe caters as much to reading a book as enjoying one of their many gigs, poetry readings or workshops.

Run entirely by volunteers, the organisation, or even working the till, is a far cry from Starbucks conveyor belt service. Also, you're expected to clear your own dishes. But if stuff like that bothers you then this screwy alternative, bohemian 'stick it to the man' institution probably isn't for you.