The Haven

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

Between Leith's gentrified Shore area and Newhaven Harbour lies an unremarkable industrial stretch dominated by Chancelot Mill. This unlikely setting hasn’t put off café newcomer Natalie Kwek one bit, however, and it’s here that she’s created a lovely new space out of an old greasy spoon. Original cornicing, vintage objects and mismatched furniture restore character, while high-backed comfy armchairs around the fireplace make The Haven feel like a homely, inviting living room. Food is straightforward, fresh and attractive, focused on all-day breakfasts and home baking which is all done on site in a tiny open kitchen. Out come cute cupcakes after stacked sandwich cakes, artily iced biscuits followed by super-sweet traybakes like raspberry cheesecake brownies. Add to that pancakes with maple syrup and huge scones made fresh every day, and you have just part of the reason why a new clientele is discovering this part of town.

• High point: Like going to tea at grandma's
• Low point: That view ain’t pretty