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Scottish Sun
20-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Two Scottish cafes named among UK's best ‘hidden gems'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TWO popular Scottish cafes have been named among the UK's best hidden gems. A new study has revealed where the best spots are based across the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Two Scottish cafes have been named among the best of the UK's hidden gems Credit: Getty 3 Lynne's Scrumptious Snax made it on the top 10 list Credit: Google The research, conducted by analysed Tripadvisor review counts and ratings for over 14,000 cafés across the UK's 150 most populated cities. It then created a score combining these two factors to find out which spots are highest rated and favoured by coffee lovers. And two busy Scottish cafes managed to make the list. Aberdeen's Blether claimed second place overall with 526 reviews and a score of 4.9945. Located on North Deeside Road, Blether is extremely dog friendly, encouraging customers on their socials to bring their pooches along. Their homemade menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner - catering to gluten-free and vegan diets. The Scottish themed coffee shop is a great spot to have a cosy cup of coffee and a fine piece. Lynne's Scrumptious Snax in Edinburgh just missed a top five spot in sixth place. The locally run snack bar, serves hungry customers hot and cold food along with drinks daily. It is the perfect spot for a quick bacon roll, or try their famous speciality burgers for your lunch. Inside brand new Lilo and Stitch cafe in Scots store The takeaway venue is located on Cultins Road at Hermiston Gate Retail Park. They are also vegetarian friendly and have plenty of vegan options. Devine Restaurant Coffee Bar in London secured the top spot with an impressive 1,409 reviews while maintaining a perfect five-star rating, resulting in the highest score of 4.9979. The cafe is located in Vine Street, within the City of London, just a few steps away from the Tower of London. A spokesperson from commented on the findings: "Cafes often mean more to the communities they serve than just a place to grab coffee - they're a space to unwind, connect with others, work, and write. "These results show the strength and diversity of Britain's café scene across the country. "While the top spot goes to London, it's great to see towns and cities throughout the UK represented in the rankings, demonstrating the nationwide growth in quality coffee shops and cafés. "What's most striking is how these successful cafés have managed to maintain perfect ratings even with hundreds of reviews, showing a high level of consistency in service and quality."
Scotsman
12-06-2025
- Scotsman
Britain's Sixth-Best Café? You'll find it in Edinburgh!
A new study reveals Britain's favourite cafés based on Tripadvisor reviews, and Lynne's Scrumptious Snax in Edinburgh ranks sixth with 263 reviews and a score of 4.989 out of 5. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The study, by analysed Tripadvisor review counts and ratings for over 14,000 cafés across the UK's 150 most populated cities. It then created a score combining these two factors to find out which spots are highest rated and favoured by Brits. Lynne's Scrumptious Snax, in Edinburgh, takes sixth place with 263 reviews and a score of 4.989 out of 5. The snack van, situated in Hermiston Gait Retail Park is open every day, and serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch until 2 pm. Both food and service are rated top quality in its hundreds of reviews, with customers frequently praising the generous portions, friendly staff, and freshly prepared signature burgers. Many visitors describe it as a hidden gem and a go-to spot for a satisfying, affordable meal on the go. Top 10 Britain's best cafés Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cafes often mean more to the communities they serve than just a place to grab coffee - they're a space to unwind, connect with others, work, and write. Rank Name Overall rating Number of reviews City Score 1 Devine Restaurant Coffee Bar 5 1409 London 4.9979 2 Blether 5 526 Aberdeen 4.9945 3 Saracens Cafe 5 349 Nottingham 4.9917 4 Kanu Poké 5 293 Shrewsbury 4.9901 5 Kawaffle 5 286 Plymouth 4.9899 6 Lynne's Scrumptious Snax 5 263 Edinburgh 4.9890 7 Tantuni 5 258 Plymouth 4.9888 8 Laco Café & Bistro 5 236 Stockport 4.9878 9 Rising Cafe 5 221 Birmingham 4.9869 10 Crema E Cioccolato Scarborough 5 206 Scarborough 4.9860 Devine Restaurant Coffee Bar in London secured the top spot with an impressive 1,409 reviews while maintaining a perfect 5-star rating, resulting in the highest score of 4.9979 out of 5. The café is located in Vine Street, within the City of London, just a few steps away from the Tower of London. Devine is independent and family run, and its menu includes all the classic British breakfast items, like full breakfasts, omelettes, baps and more for reasonable prices, given its location. The most expensive item is priced at £12. The café is open from Tuesday to Friday from 7 am to 2 pm. Aberdeen's Blether claimed second place with 526 reviews and a score of 4.9945. Located on North Deeside Road Cults, Blether is extremely dog friendly, encouraging customers on their socials to bring their pooches along. Their homemade menu spans breakfast, lunch, and supper, and caters to gluten-free and vegan diets. Saracens Cafe in Nottingham ranks third, garnering 349 reviews and a total score of 4.9917. Saracens distinguishes itself from the rest of the places in the top 10 for its opening hours, as it's the only one which is open until late at night, until 1 am from Sunday to Thursday, and until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu is a blend of various cuisines from around the world, with both full British breakfasts and curries to choose from, as well as burgers, pasta dishes, and a wide selection of cocktails. Further down the list, Kanu Poké, in Shrewsbury, comes fourth, with 293 reviews and a score of 4.9901, while Kawaffle, in Plymouth, completes the top five, with 286 reviews and a final score of 4.9899. A spokesperson from commented on the findings, Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Cafes often mean more to the communities they serve than just a place to grab coffee - they're a space to unwind, connect with others, work, and write. 'These results show the strength and diversity of Britain's café scene across the country. While the top spot goes to London, it's great to see towns and cities throughout the UK represented in the rankings, demonstrating the nationwide growth in quality coffee shops and cafés."
Scotsman
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Rising Stars of Edinburgh Fringe 2025: The New Voices Taking the Stage
As the world's largest arts festival returns, Edinburgh Fringe 2025 is set to showcase an extraordinary wave of fresh voices and bold new talent. This year's lineup features powerful explorations of identity, resilience, friendship, and societal change—offering audiences a chance to connect with stories that are as timely as they are personal. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From solo comedies packed with heartfelt humour and razor-sharp wit to innovative physical theatre and immersive performances, these shows reflect the diverse experiences shaping today's cultural landscape. Dive into this selection of unmissable new work that promises to challenge, entertain, and inspire across the city this summer. A STAN IS BORN!– Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), 15:00,from 30th July –25th August (not 11th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Musical comedy meets fan devotion: Alexis Sakellaris delivers ten original tracks, powerhouse vocals and razor-wit in a celebration of queer identity and pop obsession. A glittering, joyfully loud coming-of-age story that honours Beyoncé, Céline and Mariah. The Crawl, Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Fringe Festival An Ode to the Casting Director– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Penny), 11:40, from 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Sophie Fisher's cinematic solo tears into the audition grind with humour and heart. Expect live-feed scenes, biting truth and the chaotic surrealism behind every casting call. BAIRNS– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 14:05, 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Annie Davison channels surrogacy, sisterhood and the messy magic of modern womanhood into a compulsively paced, character-rich one-woman drama. Bold, honest and deeply moving. Don't Tell Dad About Diana, Underbelly Cowgate, Edinbrugh Fringe Festival Cara and Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 15:20, from 30th July –25th August (not 18th) Tense two-hander by Mojola Akinyemi about friendship, loyalty and the subtle creep of extremism. Sharp, unnerving and distinctly of-the-moment. Don't Tell Dad About Diana– Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), 12:50, from 31st July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Set in the 90s, this is a riotous drag-infused comedy featuring two teens prepping a Princess Di act under nationalist family noses. In 1997 Dublin, grief and friendship collide in glitter-soaked catharsis. Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x), Pleasance Courtyard Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 14:15, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Jade Franks' autobiographical solo show on class, privilege and hidden work at the University of Cambridge. Sharp, heartfelt, and as insightful as it is entertaining. FISH– Greenside (Jade Studio), 19:35, from Friday 1st – Sunday 23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Physical clowning meets climate anxiety, as a fish dreams of human life. Funmi Adejobi's whimsical performance is witty, engaging and unexpectedly poignant. FLUSH– Pleasance Courtyard (Upstairs), 12:15, from 30th July –25th August (not 11th, 18th) A women's toilet becomes a sanctuary of solidarity and raw confession. April Hope Miller's sharp drama delves into vulnerability, survival and connection. FLUSH partners with Ask For Angela, a national initiative supporting those in vulnerable situations in nightlife venues. Funny Though – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 15:30, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clare Noy's confessional comedy exposes performance anxiety and burnout behind the laughs. Honest, darkly funny, and remarkably relatable. Gimme a Sign!– Greenside (Fern Studio), 15:05, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Bailey Swilley channels grief, ghost-chasing and identity in this tender, eccentric solo show. A charming mix of humour, supernatural intrigue and authentic healing. Golden Time (and Other Behavioural Management Strategies)– Pleasance Dome (Ace Dome), 13:30, 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Poet-performer Kate Ireland reflects on ADHD, school culture and productivity through spoken word. Witty, illuminating and definitely uplifting. House Party– Pleasance Courtyard (Attic), 15:20, 31st July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 21st) A vibrant solo music show about East London gentrification, cramped spaces and collective resistance. Chakira Alin brings heart, humour and political urgency. I L L B E H A V I O U R – Summerhall (Former Gent's Locker Room), 13:40, 31st July –10th August 2025 (not 4th, 7th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sensory theatre meets sonic exploration: experimental movement, live sampling of breath and heartbeat reveal the hidden soundtrack of being alive. In These Shoes– Underbelly Bristo Square (Dairy Room), 19:45, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Fashion satire meets jazz cabaret in this witty portrait of style obsession and identity. Glynis Traill‑Nash delivers sass, insight and musical elegance. Lioness – Greenside (Clover Studio), 12:40, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kate Coulson's football-infused solo drama tackles sexism, ambition and friendship in the Women's Super League. Raw, empowering and full of drive. Macbeth by The Barden Party– ZOO Southside (Studio), 10:40, from 1st –22nd August 2025 (not 4th, 11th, 18th) A gender-flipped, bluegrass-infused revival of Macbeth, blending raw emotion, humour and musicality. Intimate, irreverent and refreshingly bold. medium dead – ZOO Playground 2, 16:50, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a surreal afterlife office, a writer assigned to Anthony Bourdain's file navigates grief, bureaucracy and meaning. Darkly clever, deeply felt. Meg & Marge – ZOO Playground 1, 15:15, from 1st –25th August 2025 (not 12th) A tradwife social-media influencer is haunted by Margery Kempe, sparking a surreal, genre-bending comedy about perfection, faith and identity. Shell – ZOO Southside (Studio), 15:05, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Drag-clown ritual and queer sex education fuse in Ana Evans's participatory performance. Bold, playful, and challenges what theatre can be. Terry's: An American Tragedy About Cars, Customers, and Selling Cars to Customers – Pleasance Courtyard (Beside), 12:55, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 19th) Satirical musical comedy set in a 1990s Midwestern dealership. Lecoq-trained ensemble combines absurdist humour with pointed societal critique. The Crawl – Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), 12:05, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad No water, no words: a duet tackling competition and performance through inventive physical theatre. Creative, energetic, family-friendly. The Essence of Audrey– Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar), 11:15,from 30th July –25th August (not 13th) Helen Anker's elegant solo tribute to Audrey Hepburn blends biography, humour and humanity in an intimate theatrical portrait. The Poetess– Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome), 11:55, from 30th July –25th August Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Olivia Dodd's spoken-word play transforms viral poetry into a journey through grief, connection and creative legacy. Moving, hopeful. The Strongest Girl in the World– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Snug),14:20, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Truly Siskind‑Weiss weaves childhood grief into a magical, heartfelt solo about growing up, loss and resilience.
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Edinburgh start-up keeping the community fighting fit thanks to Business Gateway support
An Edinburgh start-up is making a major impact in communities after accessing support from Business Gateway. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Blast Boxing, a community interest company, aims to improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible boxing classes and one-to-one sessions. Designed to help locals get fit, have fun and learn core boxing skills, the sessions take place in a welcoming and supportive environment. Founded by Kevin Matthews, the organisation offers a range of affordable classes for children and adults, along with drop-in social events and PE sessions delivered through Edinburgh's Active Schools programme. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Blast Boxing also hosts specialist wellbeing sessions, including 'Box N' Blether', a popular format combining one hour of physical activity with one hour of open conversation, as well as parent-and-toddler classes and wellbeing sessions for both men and women. Blast Boxing Working with a range of established organisations and charities in Edinburgh, the team offer physical and emotional support to residents in disadvantaged communities. As well as boxing, the team brings years of experience and qualifications in youth work, community engagement, health and fitness. Having previously worked in the community as a pupil support assistant and youth worker; Kevin saw firsthand the positive impact exercise had on mental health. At the age of 30, he pursued a qualification in sports coaching, setting the foundation for his vision of a community-focused fitness organisation. Blast Boxing has recently worked alongside charities Score Scotland and Spartans, to support young people and adults in the area through introductory sessions, mentorship and dedicated classes and is currently running sessions with West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kevin reached out to Business Gateway in January 2024 to turn his vision into reality. He has been supported throughout his start-up journey by local adviser Lee Briggs, who has provided expert one-to-one guidance, business planning assistance, and advice on business structure, legislation, and community engagement. Business Gateway has also helped Kevin access funding opportunities and connect with local groups, enabling Blast Boxing to thrive. Lee's guidance has played a key role in Kevin's journey to grow Blast Boxing into a thriving enterprise, allowing the business to make a meaningful and lasting impact across Edinburgh. Kevin Matthews, Blast Boxing founder, said: 'Business Gateway has been instrumental in helping me bring my vision for Blast Boxing to life. 'The support and guidance I've received from Lee has given me the confidence and knowledge to shape Blast Boxing into an initiative that serves the community and makes a real difference on the lives of those involved.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: 'Having supported Kevin since day one, it has been fantastic to see his passion and dedication translate into real, positive change for the community. 'Blast Boxing is a brilliant example of how the right support and determination can create something truly impactful.'
