Grounds of Stockbridge

A new business in the heart of Stockbridge, Grounds makes a pretty darn decent coffee. The polenta, almond and orange cake is downright delicious.
The staff are friendly, at the moment the menu is quiet small, but its a lovely small coffee shop that’s worth checking out.

Nice quirky café /​coffee shop with a view out onto Stockbridge, selling Stockbridge art …

Just what Stockbridge needs — another coffee shop. So says the sign outside.
I’d agree though. Aside from Artisan Roast and to a lesser extent Peter Yard there aren’t many serious coffee places nearby so I was keen to try it.
It was open at 8am on Saturday which is handy if you have to be up early. I enjoyed a hearty bowl of porridge with fruit compote which was exactly what I was after.
The coffee is definitely above average. Beans from Dear Green roasters in Glasgow and I had a very pleasant flat white. It was a little large and approaching latte territory but that’s my personal preference.
The barista was knowledgable and friendly. Sandwiches and cakes looked decent. There was also an eclectic selection of cards and other gifts for sale. A solid choice for coffee and a bit to eat.

Now, with a name like Grounds, you’d be expecting me to tell you just how good the coffee is. (Sidenote: my decaf cappuccino was lovely!) But when I heard the words ‘healthy cakes’, my ears pricked up.
The raw snickers was made from all natural ingredients, and quite literally a slice of decadent nutty cocoa heaven. It was clean and raw and vegan and dairy free and gluten free and refined sugar free. But above all, it was delicious. If none of the other things matter to you, I’ve no doubts that you’ll still fall head over heels for the Raw Snickers if you choose to indulge.
This wonder slice was made by the genius owner of Grams, who actually served me today in Grounds and told me that he himself had made the cake. At the moment you can buy Grams’ treats from Stockbridge Market and select cafés in Edinburgh. I really, really hope that I’ll soon see Grams’ cakes in little cafés all over Edinburgh. — I can’t be the only one drooling for raw bakes! And damn, are they delicious. AND they look like sticky, hefty cakes. PROPER CAKES. — Death to those measly gone-​in-​one bite energy balls!
Raw Snickers, I’ll be dreaming of you until we next meet. — And Grounds, that’s just one more reason to come back for more!