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Roseleaf Bar Cafe

Leith's quirky bohemian café-bar where Scottish comfort food meets Wonderland whimsy in teapots and hearty bowls.

★★★★★4.7 (1762)

Nestled in Leith's historic waterfront, Roseleaf Bar Cafe enchants with its whimsical Alice in Wonderland-inspired decor, hearty Scottish comfort food, and creative cocktails served in teapots. This family-run gem offers all-day brunch, pub classics like legendary Cullen skink, and a bohemian vibe perfect for casual dining or lively evenings. Open daily from 10am, it blends vintage charm with fresh, local ingredients in a cozy, quirky space.

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A brief summary to Roseleaf Bar Cafe

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
23/24 Sandport Pl, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 6EW, GB
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Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
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Mid ranged
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Indoor
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Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Monday
10 am-11 pm
Tuesday
10 am-11 pm
Wednesday
10 am-11 pm
Thursday
10 am-11 pm
Friday
10 am-12 am
Saturday
10 am-12 am
Sunday
10 am-11 pm

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    Getting There

    Tram

    Take the tram from Edinburgh city center to Ocean Terminal stop, then 10-15 minute walk along the waterfront path; frequent service every 7-12 minutes, single ticket £1.80.

    Bus

    Lothian Buses 16 or 22 from Princes Street to Sandport Way, 20-25 minutes total; runs every 10-15 minutes daytime, adult fare £1.80, note occasional roadworks delays.

    Taxi

    Taxi from Edinburgh Waverley Station, 15-20 minute ride depending on traffic; £12-18 fare, available 24/7 but peak hours add wait time.

    Walking

    From Leith Walk, 20-25 minute stroll via Constitution Street; flat pavement with some cobbles near waterfront, suitable for most fitness levels.

    For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

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    Local tips

    Order the legendary Cullen skink—Edinburgh's creamiest smoked haddock chowder—for a true taste of Scottish coastal soul.
    Sip cocktails from teapots or jam jars; ask for off-menu specials like mint-infused gin for a personalized twist.
    Visit for all-day brunch until 5pm daily; share haggis croquettes or Korean chicken wings for variety.
    Reserve ahead for larger groups, especially weekends; the back room suits sit-down dining amid the lively front bar.

    Roseleaf Bar Cafe location weather suitability

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    Discover more about Roseleaf Bar Cafe

    Whimsical Wonderland Entrance

    Step into Roseleaf Bar Cafe and tumble down the rabbit hole into a bohemian dreamscape. Quirky hats line the walls, boozy teacups scatter tabletops, and pre-loved furniture mingles with vintage knick-knacks and local art. Formerly the Black Swan pub, this family-run spot underwent a magical makeover, transforming into a haven of eccentricity where aspiring artists display works for free. The front area buzzes with casual socializing, while the back room accommodates larger groups for relaxed meals.

    Scottish Soul in Every Bite

    Roseleaf's menu celebrates Scotland's hearty traditions with fresh, seasonal produce from local suppliers. Signature Cullen skink—a chunky, creamy chowder of smoked haddock, potatoes, leeks, and onions—earns raves as Edinburgh's best, served with homemade sourdough. Brunch staples like eggs benedict, French toast, and full Scottish breakfasts run daily until late afternoon, alongside inventive twists such as Korean fried chicken wings with gochujang or haggis croquettes packed with neeps and tatties.

    Pub Classics Elevated

    Elevated pub grub shines in dishes like triple-cheese mac with truffle oil, prime rump steak topped with smoky red chimichurri and charred broccolini, or goats cheese salad with pickled figs and candied nuts. Fish cakes blend fresh seafood, black pudding salads feature premium cuts, and Sunday roasts deliver comforting abundance. Everything tastes authentically Scottish—tattie scones, skagen, smoked salmon—crafted with care to fill bellies and warm hearts.

    Cocktails with a Kooky Twist

    Drinks match the venue's playful spirit: cocktails pour from teapots and jam jars, alongside loose-leaf teas, herbal infusions, and local IPAs or Edinburgh Gin. Rotating specials like lemon cheesecake or mint-infused creations keep things fresh, paired perfectly with meals. The bar divides the space into lively front nooks for drinks and chats, fostering a neighborhood feel since opening in 2007.

    Leith's Neighborhood Heartbeat

    Tucked in Leith's Sandport Place, Roseleaf pulses with community energy amid ongoing local roadworks. Open daily from 10am to 11pm (midnight weekends), it serves brunchies, lunchies, din-dins, and munchies with last kitchen orders at 9:15pm. Dog-friendly and accommodating various diets, it embodies culinary hugging—homely, unpretentious, and deliciously local.

    A brief summary to Roseleaf Bar Cafe

    Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.

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