After an absence of 200 years, one of Edinburgh’s historic coffee houses has made a grand return to Parliament Square, off the Royal Mile.
First founded in 1688, John’s Coffee House and Tavern was a bustling hub of conversation and conviviality for Scotland’s great legal minds, writers and thinkers.
In that era, there was little distinction between coffee houses and taverns – both served coffee, ale, wine and food.
Frequented by notable figures such as Adam Smith and David Hume, it is said that some of the most influential ideas of the Enlightenment were born at John’s. Judges and advocates were also regulars, popping by for their midday ‘meridians’ – a stiff drink before heading back to court.
The original John’s was destroyed in 1824’s Great Fire of Edinburgh, and by 1830, its space on Parliament Square had been filled by the altogether less cheerful police station and associated court and jail cells.
But now, following a £500,000 transformation by CoDE concepts, the address has been returned to its historic function.
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 the CoDE 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 over 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.”
Following a complete refurbishment, involving Edinburgh-based interior designers, Morgan Architects, the warm and inviting space is now ready to welcome guests to enjoy everything from breakfast in the morning to drinks later at night.
Signature drinks include the historic ‘Cauld Cock & Feather’, a glass of brandy with raisins, once a favourite of 18th-century patrons, and ‘The Enlightened Irish Coffee,’ featuring Highland Nectar Scotch Whisky Liqueur, freshly brewed coffee, maple syrup, and a topping of whipped cream.
Guests can also enjoy sharing boards featuring Scottish cheeses, charcuterie, and artisanal chutneys from Arran.
Sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, the coffee house and tavern will feature 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.
The drinks on offer include craft beers from Bellfield Brewery and cider from Edinburgh Cider Co.
