Henderson’s

I’m surprised to see that there are so few reviews, as this is one of the cutest cafes in central Edinburgh. What’s more, it’s veggie.
I think the immediate pull about Hanover at St Johns is that it is it’s in a barrel-​vaulted dining room below a church. Next door is a fair trade shop, and in front of the café is an atmospheric cemetery which lies at the foot of the castle. All in all, the location is unique and rather inviting.
I came here after my friend raved about the cheese scone she had here, so came myself. I got some red pepper, tomato and basil soup and a cheese scone, though I saw loads of other exciting dishes: curry, lasagna, pizza, vegetable burgers, falefal, cake, flapjacks, lentil bake and many interesting salads. My scone was warm and very fresh, the soup was lively, flavourful and really hit the spot, unlike some soups which you can tell have been waiting around for the last few days unloved… Everything is quite hearty and wholemeal ingredients are in abundance. I would love to sit here for a while to study.
The prices are also very reasonable, considering how central this place is. I’d like to return to find some cake, though they could do with better coffee…

I’ve yet to visit the original Henderson’s, (something of a travesty for a vegetarian in Edinburgh) but I’m starting to become a regular at this spin-​off, as its central location makes it the perfect place for lunch if you’ve been out and about shopping on Princes Street.
All is wholesome and meat-​free, including many nutritious salads and veggie staples such as falafel and lentil curry, which are consistently good if not terribly memorable, and, if you feel the need to counteract some of that healthiness, you can always polish your meal off with a generous slice of cake.
I like the friendly staff, although there’s often quite a long queue. Inside is cool and shady, but on sunny days it’s nicest to sit outside on a picnic bench on the terrace. I can’t say whether this branch matches up to the original, but a meal here is certainly a pleasant way to get your five a day.