The Engine Shed Cafe
- Food served: Mon–Sat 10am–3.30pm; Closed Sun
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Takeaway
- Music on stereo: Nothing
- Capacity: 50
- Largest group: 10
- Open since: 1989
- Average price 2 courses: £5.50 (lunch)
This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.
In a world where ethical products often carry a hefty price premium alongside dubious credentials, the Engine Shed is a breath of fresh air. Indeed, a breath of air scented with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread, for this family-friendly, canteen-style lunch joint sits above an organic bakery where fabulous breads, cakes and tray-bakes, oatcakes and tofu are produced by trainees with learning difficulties as part of the Engine Shed’s wider social enterprise. As the name suggests, the building was once linked to the nearby Innocent Railway line. The airy upstairs café wears its industrial heritage well, but tempers it with warm colours and homely wooden furnishings. Thankfully there have also been structural adaptations to make the place fully accessible, because it would be a shame for anyone to miss out on the simple, satisfying food served by trainees with a unique and palpable sense of teamwork and pride in the whole endeavour. While the menu – a rotating selection of staples including soups, casseroles, quiches, baked potatoes, wraps and sandwiches – will win no awards for culinary innovation, the value for money is hard to beat and the home-made cakes are particularly delicious.
- High point: Ethical, inclusive and eminently affordable
- Low point: Only open for lunch
Comments
- 1. Liz, The Engine Shed – 2 January 2009, 12:41pm
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What an excellent place! I thoroughly agree with all the comments in the List description - a little gem of a place, that is if you like fine wholesome food, good helpings, pleasant airy surroundings, art, and where to buy your homemade bread and oatcakes straight from the oven! The various art exhibitions are a bonus, plus the ethical challenge of dodging the globals and convenience outlets. Downsides? Lunchtimes frequently busy, so go early; parking restricted, so enjoy taking a bus to the Pleasance and walking! A quick sprint up neighbouring Arthur's Seat will allow you to appreciate lunch even more!
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