Costa Coffee

It’s a comfortable place to hang around after a busy hour of shopping. Very nice views from the coffee shop… located on the upper floor. I like it here.

I know, I know! Five stars for a chain coffee joint? Have I thus embraced my basic-​ness, or sold out entirely? (Dons Costa hat and sips out of Costa mug.) Well folks sit down and let me tell ya about my first Costa cuppa joe.
No, really. I may have mentioned in my prior reviews that I commute to work via bus. Recently I was asked to come in to work early, resulting in a 5 AM alarm blaring to start my day. After the first of my two bus stops to work, I realized that I had somehow arrived to find myself with a 30 minute wait for my next bus… all at the lovely hour of 6:30 AM.
So what, pray tell, is a girl to do in such a quandary on a chilly morning? Naturally to consult her Unilocal app and desperately hope a caffeine-​filled location exists somewhere close! Let’s begin counting our stars here: Costa on Hanover straightaway earns one for location (just off of Princes Street), the second for HOURS. Any coffee shop open early enough for a 6:30 AM visit merits that.
Queue star number three! When I ventured up the stairs into the main foyer of Costa, I was pleasantly surprised. This place is stinkin’ cute. I’ve seen a lot of coffee shops, but this one is not only spacious but really nicely decorated, with tasteful furnishings and giant quirky lamps and such. AND – even better – it has an amazing view of Princes Street and subsequently the castle. (Side note: when arriving at 6:30 AM it’s all but abandoned in there, which allows one to enjoy said view of castle in utter peace. Bliss!)
Star number four goes to, naturally, the coffee itself. You’ve got your standard coffee prices to be found here (perhaps cheaper than Starbucks? hard to say!) and the coffees themselves are just what the doctor ordered. So far I haven’t had anything that didn’t set me straight for a day of work. The flat white and hazelnut latte I’ve had were both lovely, but I don’t exactly consider myself a coffee snob, so I’m not one for comparisons in that regard. I like coffee in just about any form!
Star number five goes to the gentleman barista who greeted me my first time stepping inside. He was extremely friendly for such an early hour, taking the time to cheerfully acknowledge the great view I was marveling over, and when he asked if I was taking my coffee away, he instantly proffered a Costa bag for me to hide my coffee in so as not to be told to throw it away before boarding. Funnily enough, I’d experienced that very trouble just days prior, and it all but ruined my morning when I left to find a bin and was subsequently left behind by my bus. So when my barista told me that – well, I could have just given him a bear hug for his little gem of helpfulness (and wily coffee-​drinking ways!). It’s the little things!
And that’s the tale of how Clarissa was won over by (one of) a particular coffee chain. No joke – it’s a lovely joint, and you’ll definitely see me there on early mornings in the future!

I was recently at this Costa when I was working in town last week. I was amazed by the size and the view when I finally reached the top of the stairs.
I ordered a skinny vanilla latte to go. It was quick and delicious. The barista who prepared my warm beverage was friendly. In fact there appeared to be a customer behind me who already had his usual prepared. The cakes looked absolutely delicious. I believe it was a tiramisu triple layer cake that caught my attention. I’m definitely going to have to go back and try it!
Tip: try and get a seat over looking Princes Street!

Well basically, everyone knows what they’re getting when they visit Costa… better coffee than Starbucks!
Good location with ample seating. Not sure about the whole ‘coded entry to our toilets system’ though…

I headed into this Costa when I had one of my frequent cake cravings! Although it’s a chain, every Costa I’ve been to has something a little different about it. At this one on Hanover Street, you’ve got to head up a fairly dangerous flight of stairs (I say this because both my friend and I ended up tripping on them before we left).
The atmosphere is pretty chill, and it’s easy to forget one is just a few steps away from the hectic Princes Street. However, it is still a Costa, and the options of coffee, tea, pastries and cakes, sandwiches and paninis are there.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, no matter how much stick places like Costa and Starbucks get for being a big money making machine, you can’t deny that they churn out cup after cup of damn tasty coffee.
I particularly like this Costa because of the abundance of cosy nooks and small tables which makes it less embarrassing to go in a total Nigel for a mug of their finest.
I had a lovely flat white with a meatball panini and a cheeky wee white chocolate and rasperry muffin as a wee treat. My feet were killing me after a great days Unilocaling so I guessed I deserved it!
The only criticism I have of Costa is the price. The paninis and obviously not freshly made but cost around £4, which is too expensive in my view, and the muffins come in at just over £2, which means the coffee and lunch I bought was just shy of a tenner.
Great location, brilliant service and the same delicious coffees you get from all branches.

If you’re after a few minutes of peace and quiet, this Costa is ideal. Tucked away on Hanover Street, it has comfy arm chairs, clean tables and out of the tourist season, is usually calm enough to settle down with a good book undisturbed.
If you’re after a damn good cup of coffee however, I suggest you go to Artisan Roast or Wellington Coffee instead. The Americano usually tastes burnt and watery and the Latte is like a sea of milk with a faint taste of roasted bean. I’ve had better coffee in sleepy diners in the U.S. and for half the price.

This is one of my favourite branches… nae my favourite coffee shops full stop! Big statement, eh! Let me explain…
This particular street is much less hustly and bustly from the rest of the area because it’s pedestrianized (well, most of it is). There are no cars so it’s quieter, safer and all round more enjoyable.
The shop itself is really nice, your bog-​standard Costa but with a little more attention to detail in the layout. The quality of the coffee and food goes without saying, I think this branch serves some of the better coffee compared to other high street branches.
In the summer this place is always packed oot! They have a lovely outdoor seating area. Whenever I go shopping, I start at the far end of Princes Street at Frasers and make my way across, and this Costa is in prime position for my 11am coffee.

This was one of the first Costa Coffees to appear in Edinburgh and in my opinion it is one of the best. Occupying a prime corner spot looking out over Princes Street, the Mound and Edinburgh Castle, this Costa has its entrance up some stairs just on Hanover Street. The café itself is a reasonable size with a good selection of comfy seats and tables, and has Internet access available in the corner (or it used to, I can’t recall if they were still there on my last visit). Selling the usual mix of good quality coffees, hot and cold drinks and cakes & biscuits, this Costa is well worth a visit if only for the view and the relaxing atmosphere. Their hot chocolate is especially delicious!