Why The Beach House is integral to Edinburgh’s riviera

A prime prom position

Come here on even a reasonably pleasant Saturday or Sunday and you’ll struggle for a seat. And when the summer sun makes an appearance, The Beach House gelato queue (made up of those in the know when it comes to the very best iced treats on the prom) stretches well beyond the door. It’s a truly magical place to be at sunset, on a bright winter day and during a heatwave.

It’s a cheery venue, with an appropriately shabby chic, beachcomber style of decor, bunting and a colour scheme reflecting the area’s natural blue and creamy hues. Suited to families (kids love the pancakes, lunch boxes and fruit smoothies), friends wanting a catch up over an alcoholic beverage, couples seeking a hearty, healthy brunch or dinner and lone-diners craving a slice of freshly baked cake, the venue has both indoor and outdoor seating. And if you want to eat your bacon buttie/scones with cream while sitting on the sand, there’s a takeaway service too.

Nutritious, locally-sourced organic produce

The menu changes in accordance with the seasons, because what you might fancy during a heatwave may be different to your culinary needs mid-winter. Ingredients are organically and locally sourced wherever possible, with free-range eggs, soup veg from Oxenford organics, chorizo and salchichon made from free-range, acorn-fed Iberico pigs and other meat from Findlay’s of Portobello. And with a small garden space, The Beach House is working toward growing its own herbs, flowers, spinach and salads to augment the high-quality ingredients.

Try dishes like the Vegan Scramble (silken tofu, turmeric, spinach and confit tomatoes on fresh sourdough); baked maple and cinnamon grapefruit, with homemade granola and Greek yoghurt; cold cut flat iron steak with chimichurri, pickled cabbage and garlic bread crostinis; Asian noodle salad, made with free-range chicken and crushed peanuts; and pulled pork in a brioche bun with slaw. Or for something sweet, but healthy, order something like a chia seed pudding, with mango, banana and coconut yoghurt, fresh fruit and a homemade mango lassi.

Branching out into a bakery

The Beach House also opened a bakery in 2017, close by on Porty’s High Street, supplying both the cafe itself and providing a handy retail unit for those buying to take home. This has provided the brand with a little more space to spread out and bake even more cupcakes, cakes, traybakes and bread fresh each morning. No additives, preservatives or palm oil is used and vegetarians, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options can be purchased.

Daily bakes include the likes of spiced pumpkin cake, plum and almond frangipane, iced cinnamon buns and pastries, all displayed behind the glass of the venue’s artistically displayed counter. And you’ll find specially themed items during seasonal holidays, like Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Easter and at Christmas. Its creations are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste buds, and The Beach House now offers a stunning wedding cake service.

Unique small batch gelatos

It’s long been the place to go for delicious ice cream on the esplanade, with excellent vegan options and dairy ices made using organic milk. The gelatos, sorbets and ice cream are also prepared in-house each day, with quirky small-batch flavours like sea-buckthorn (packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, so it’s even good for you) and a non-dairy choccie sorbet that’s as rich and smooth as anything you’ll taste with lactose.

Delectable drinks

With an expansive drinks selection, The Beach House is an ideal choice if you want to linger over something to eat, or just grab a quick beverage. In addition to coffee, chai, tea (including loose leaf and iced) and hot chocolate, there’s a nettle presse, juices, you & i kombucha and homemade lemonade evocative of idyllic childhood days. But if you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, you can order an artisanal breakfast cocktail, a glass of wine, a Scottish craft ale, or an Edinburgh gin.

The Beach House is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 8am, serving breakfast, an all-day brunch, light lunches, evening small plates, snacks, cakes, drinks and gelato.