I love Edinburgh. Have I mentioned?

I suspect it is because I studied here, and – after all – where I developed my knowledge and appreciation of coffee. That was a long time ago, of course, and I wouldn’t necessarily move back permanently at this time in my life (gone are the party days!); but whenever I return for a visit, it instantly strikes me how deprived we are in Aberdeen of hang-out places with a soul.

Unsurprisingly, one of my favourite things to do in the Scottish Capital is to explore the cafe scene. It amazes me how in such a small city there can be such a variety of independent coffee shops – each with their own character, making the most of sometimes constrained floorspace – holding their ground against the chain heavyweights (which there are also aplenty).

For a long time Wellington Coffee was my reference point for the best mocha in Edinburgh – which is maybe the reason why I have not actively looked for any other place on George Street of late.

But its so happened I was strolling down the said street with plenty of spare time on my hands, when I passed Burr & Co. – it looked like my kind of place. Classy decor, with that upmarket deli/brunchy feel I could loosely compare to Robouchon on London’s Piccadilly (only slightly less busy)…

Truth be told, I had noticed it before but never seriously considered for a coffee stop as I thought it was the breakfast place of the Intercontinental hotel, its neighbour (and, checking the website as I write this post, that is indeed the case!)

The interior was as classy as the street view suggested, all dark wood panelling, parquet, brass and tiles. I was seriously tempted by the traybakes and pastries in wooden trays within the glass displays, but thought I need to focus on the coffee first, in the name of research (and my waistline).

I made my order, then sat on the stool by the window sill, ignoring the larger looking room next door, as I was feeling a little bit out of place, ordering a solitary cup of coffee on a sunny Saturday afternoon, when really a Spritz outside would be more fitting.

From my seat I watched other orders being prepared and delivered; when I saw a Chemex I felt the chill of concern of an all-show/no-substance experience. And while I was pleased my mocha was served in a normal cup, the whiff of bitterness and the superficial puffiness of the microfoam seemed to have confirmed my worry.

Thankfully, I was mistaken. The first sip delivered a lovely sweetness with it: a blend of milky chocolate with a spice of caffeine. It was smooth and well balanced, and of the perfect temperature – which meant I didn’t even get a second chance to think of any side-serve before the cup was empty and my appetite (and brain receptors responsible for coffee appreciation) well satisfied.

One more mental kick for not visiting the place sooner before I left with a pleased sigh… and a mental note that – yes! I will be coming back here. Because Wellington has found its match.

To learn more about Burr & Co. visit their Facebook page or Intercontinental website.