JOHN'S Coffee House and Tavern has returned to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile following a £500,000 investment – after being closed for more than 200 years.
The building which was once a gathering place for Scotland’s legal minds, writers and thinkers has been completely refurbished as a result of the cash from CoDE Concepts.
The new space was designed by Edinburgh-based Morgan Architects to bring the original assets of the coffee house to prominence.
Founded in 1688 in Parliament Square, John’s Coffee House and Tavern was a hub of discussion and social debate, drawing in a diverse crowd of intellectuals.
Two centuries later, the historic establishment will reopen, offering a menu that aims to blend tradition with contemporary Scottish flavours.
Signature drinks will include the "Cauld Cock & Feather", a glass of brandy with raisins, once a favourite of 18th-century patrons, and "The Enlightened Irish Coffee", with "Highland Nectar Scotch Whisky Liqueur".
The menu will also feature sharing boards featuring Scottish cheeses, charcuterie and artisanal chutneys from Arran.
With ingredients being sourced from local suppliers, the coffee house and tavern will offer tea and coffee from Edinburgh Tea Company and Common Coffee, haggis from Hall’s of Scotland, and baked goods from Le Petit Français and The Edinburgh Scone Company.
Drinks include craft beers from Bellfield Brewery and cider from Edinburgh Cider Co.
Andrew Landsburgh, director and founder of CoDE Concepts, said: “This is one of Edinburgh’s most fascinating and storied buildings. Walking through the old cells and courtrooms back in 2019, when opening CoDE's The Court, was eerie, yet inspiring. Our vision was to modernise the space while paying homage to its extraordinary history.
“Coffee was at the heart of John’s Coffee House and Tavern for more than a century, fuelling debates, shaping ideas and bringing people together. Now, 200 years later, we’re proud to continue this tradition, serving exceptional coffee and drinks in a space where history is written on the walls.”
The coffee house and tavern is located in Edinburgh’s Old Town Conservation Area and World Heritage Site.
