Peter’s Yard

I have been craving for cinnamon buns for a while and it was finally time to check out Peter’s yard, one of the most popular bakeries in Burgh. Would I come back? Yes. I feel pretty satisfied with Peter’s yard except for one thing: I wish I could eat them warm, like fresh out of the oven next time!

I absolutely love Peter’s Yard. This was my go-​to place for lunch in Edinburgh once upon a time. Their soups, open-​faced sandwiches and salads are delicious, healthy and always satisfying. They have great flat white and cappuccino. Their cakes are average but the scones are worth a try.

Pleasant enough for a coffee and a bun & this branch at least is of a decent size, compared to the Stockbridge one. It’s a café though, albeit Scandinavian, in a city with a lot of cafes so for me it doesn’t stand out for any reason against the competition — like the rest of them it serves its function.

I had no idea what kind of baked goods they served in Sweden since I have never been there, but now I know and I must visit! I have loved everything I’ve tried here: cardamom buns, cinnamon buns, parsnip cake. I really like the parsnip cake! That and a cup of almond tea is such a wonderful treat. The coffee is also delicious. Just beware it is very popular, but if you happen to be walking by grab a cardamom bun for the road and you won’t regret it.

I enjoyed my first experience at Peter’s Yard.
I stopped in today after finding out that my normal breakfast café was closed for remodelling. The inside of Peter’s Yard is very nice because it has lots of windows, natural lighting, a long table to sit at, and a nice outdoor area. The breakfast rolls and croissants are all assorted on a nice table in front of the cashier and they are replenished quite often. The atmosphere is a bit sterile (like any Scandinavian building would be), but it is still pretty inviting. The staff is nice as well. I liked everything about the inside of Peter’s Yard.
For breakfast I had their breakfast plate, which consisted of breads, cheese, two jams, butter, and cream cheese. I also had an Americano with milk. Everything was exceptional in terms of taste and presentation. It was a nice change of pace for breakfast and the cheese and bread was really good. The jams were also exceptional. The Americano was good as well. Overall, I really liked Peter’s Yard and look forward to coming back again as it is right by the school. I am surprised that I didn’t come earlier to be honest.
But, better late than never I suppose.

If you like riduculously overpriced bread and unfriendly staff this is definitely the place for you. Not for me though.

I’ve been here at least once a week for the past 2 years, absolute favorite place in Edinburgh to get a pastry and cup of tea, do some work and catch up with friends.
During the summer, the massive windows help create an outdoorsy picnic atmosphere, and during the rest of the year keep it from getting too grim during bad weather.
Favorites: Berry/​vanilla bun, Mazarin, focaccia.

I don’t know how i’ve managed to come here over a dozen times and not order anything but coffee. It’s obviously a talent — but yes: only coffee it has been. But though I can’t comment on the food, or non-​caffeinated whatnot, I can speak to the flat white.
They make a lovely flat white.
What? You were expecting more detail here? It’s a flat white folks — not rocket science. And after a dozen of them, you can quickly gauge whether this is «just ok» coffee or a good cup. Peter’s Yard makes a good cup.
This place is great for a business meeting. It’s ALWAYS busy but somehow, doesn’t seem to ever be too loud to concentrate or hold a conversation and the folks behind the counter are friendly as heck. I’m not sure it would ever become a working café because of how many folks it packs in on a daily basis, but it will definitely stay as a go-​to spot to mesh minds over a flat white… or two… or three.

It’s unique, and the highest possible quality in every possible way. So why 3 stars? Because £7+ for an open faced sandwich only works in a museum café where you pay it because you’re a tourist your legs are sore. Also, they have probably 15 kinds of baked things on the table, and like 13 of them are all white flour which I try to avoid. The location makes it really convenient for me so I stop in sometimes to grab a roll or something quick for breakfast and it is always crowded. So, clearly there is a customer base for it, it’s just amazing to a student who has learned how far a pound can go.
This place is a Pinterest locovore dream and if you can afford to be a regular here, it’s probably exactly the kind of place you want it to be.

I’ve written quite a few reviews of Peter’s Yard in the last 4 years, and my rating has gone up and down; for the basic reason that the prices have gone up and sometimes a little down, but then up again. But what I’ve realised is that that hasn’t stopped me from going to Peter’s Yard for coffee, cake, sandwiches, buns, ice cream, or just a nice place to sit and read or write for a few hours. So, despite the higher prices I keep coming back, which is testament to how good it is.
My usual is a flat white and fruit bun, or their open sandwich smoked salmon. And in summer, their ice cream. The fruit bun is as good as a bun can get: fresh dough, sprinkled with cinnamon, encasing fresh custard with some berries on top. Goes perfectly with an Americano. It’s the reason my 5k runs result in me getting faster but no leaner, but I don’t care.
Their sandwiches are delicious, but still quite expensive. An open sanwich and pot of tea will set you back £10. So maybe a good ‘once-​and-​a-​while’ treat, not a weekly or daily indulgence.
They do also sell loaves of their bread to take away, like their deliciously dark coarse rye. Great at home with poached eggs, and much more affordable.
The space itself is beautiful in all its Swedish simplicity, straight lines, and wide open spaces with big windows. If it’s cold and rainy out, it can be a bit chillier inside (in the heart of winter), but on a sunny day whether winter or summer’s sun, it’s bright and beautiful and a perfectly inspiring place to write, read or catch up with friends over cake.
Peter, I still like you a lot. It’s just a bit of a constant struggle to keep my penny purse full and my waist line in check.

I have visited Peter’s Yard a couple of times now with a friend and have enjoyed my experience. They serve nice strong loose tea, which is always a plus in my book. And my friends love the coffee. The pastries, cakes and sandwiches look amazing, and I’m looking forward to trying that soon… due to having been here at odd hours between meals, it just hasn’t happened yet… but I do end up staring at the food on the counter, if I have to admit it.
If you visit on a cold day, then it’s worth ordering a very warm drink. There is a bit of a draft through the whole place. This is due to a faulty door, which they have made a sign for. It really might be worth fixing that.
I want to give the Yard at least 4 stars, but I’m just not there yet. This is a pity as it has the food and look and feel of a place that should be getting 5 stars. This is partly to do with the fact that both times I’ve visited I haven’t had much interaction with the staff. It actually seems a bit like responsibilities in the kitchen seem to have priority over managing the till and the customers. I still think the place could easily earn a higher rating from most recent reviewers, but maybe they have become too confident in the quality of their food to the detriment of the little things.

Peter’s yard is synonymous with quality, but at a price. I have often visited Peter’s yard, bought a coffee, begrudged the fact that the soup costs £5.50. What they don’t tell you though is that around the corner one can buy the same soup and delicious homemade bread for £3.80.
Peter’s Yard To Go offers the same top quality as its more expensive big brother around the corner… What are the disadvantages? There are fewer places to sit and… Okay, just that. You can still find your favourite cardamom buns, sandwiches (also much cheaper), good coffee and lively salads. There is something here which cannot be bought at the original shop: ice cream! Elderflower gelato anyone?
This has become my healthy lunch to go. For £3.80 I get a bowl of warming soup and a couple of slices of delicious homemade bread. If I want to hang out somewhere for a longer time I would go next door where there is a couch and not too much pressure to get up and leave due to high demand for seats. If I want a quick and tasty lunch, I shall come here.

The type of place that would be a mainstay if I lived close by. Higher quality foods. Interesting teas. Two steps above your typical corner coffee place. Love that the cups and plates are compostable too. Worth going out of one’s way.

I have never had something in Peter’s Yard I didn’t like. The coffee is good, the tea selection from Anteaques is wonderful (try the grapefruit black tea), and the pastries/​cakes — delightful. Peter’s Yard does a great job of blending together unique and interesting flavours. The foods are tasteful, appropriately seasoned (e.g. just enough sugar to highlight the flavours of their desserts), and very Instagram-​able.
Recommendations: Sunday morning Swedish pancakes, Grapefruit Black Tea, the Raspberry Ice Cream, and the Vanilla Cardamom Bun.

I just recently discovered Peters Yard and I wish I had found it sooner! They have lovely lose leaf tea that is rich and full bodied! And the pastries, each time I have been there I have not been disappointed. This last time I got a raspberry linzer tart and it was amazing, with my last bite I was sad it was over. I think its a nice cozy café, and even provides blankets if you are cold and sitting outside .
the savoury food looks amazing but I haven’t had the chance to try it yet, hope to next time.

Very solid bakery!
The cardamom bun opens your senses, slightly sweet, and savory, with a lingering cardamom finish. The vanilla roll was like a bagel donut with vanilla tapioca pudding in it, rolled in sugar. Tried the hot chocolate — perfect temperature, good chocolate/​milk balance, and sinful. My latte was a bit bitter, which was the only downside, but corrected with some table-​side pure cane sugar. The pink rock candy citrus shortbread was buttery and soft, but not too flaky. Self-​serve tap water available (a plus for any runners like me who drink a lot of it).
Love the blankets available to use for outdoor seating, and staff was friendly and willing to answer my questions about ingredients. Great location, and way better than Starbucks next door for the same price.

Achingly middle-​class. I hate that I like this place. I am such a stereotype. But, there’s a lot to be said about Scandinavian aesthetics and Swedish food. Ugh. It’s a good option for that neck of the woods, too.
Be prepared to take out a second mortgage. This place is a treat-​only kind of stop. Fabulous cake options. so beware your expanding waistline. The queues are pretty mental too. BUT. Still worth a stop. It’s four stars on a good day when the queues aren’t insane.

Conveniently located, yes, but in regards to quality — not so sure!
On a sunny afternoon we walked down Middle Meadow Walk towards the Meadows and decided to stop over for a coffee break at Peter’s Yard. I heard many good things about this place and thought to try it out.
We were able to grab a table in the sun, well, half in the sun and the other half in the shadow. In the end the shadow overtook the sun and we started freezing. This was the point in time when we decided to move inside for some comfort.
I like the outside area. Its very spacious. I also like the inside interior with with the heavy wood tables and chairs, a counter holding a variety of cakes and breads (of which I bought one), not to mention the funky take away cups. You are not able to choose between small, medium or large cups. No, You can only choose one size and the options are 1. Take away 2. cup (inside).
The personnel was extremely polite and they even offered table service, outside and inside.
So, why only 3 stars? That’s really hard to explain, as everything seemed so perfect. Yes we waited for the coffee for up to 10 – 15 min, but this shall not be the main reason for the lower than planned rating.
What is it then? Oh yes, I remember. The warm drinks did not have the right kick. For myself, I had ordered a Latte Macchiato and a banana cake. Personally I thought that the coffee and the cake were not up to the standard I would expect of such a popular place. Of course, it could be me, being so fuzzy when it comes to coffee and desserts. The cake appeared a bit dry. Its a shame, as it looked really tasty.
What’s the saying? Its not you, its me! :-)
I also saw lots of other food options, like salmon on bread, salads and other nice” tasties” (good looking food), and next time when going there, I will try something else. Maybe it will improve the rating.
Still, I think that this place is an ideal stop on the way towards or from the Meadows.

Was not welcoming…
Fifteen min for a coffee…
Not a great value…

Yesterday my boyfriend and I came to Peter’s Yard for lunch, and then I stayed on to work from here in the afternoon. When we walked in, we were just able to get the last two free seats at a large, shared table in the back. We were there just after 1:30 and they were down to their last few sandwiches and last two servings of soup available for the day. We were a bit surprised at how expensive everything was. £5 for soup of the day is a bit steep, as is £5.50 for a glorified cheese sandwich. My vegetarian sandwich was good, though, and what I liked best was the sunny environment with natural light streaming through the many floor-​to-​ceiling glass windows on three sides of the café. I think what Peter’s Yard makes best is everything coming from its top-​rate bakery and from its coffee machines.
So I stayed on to work from here after lunch, moving to one of the more comfy chairs (when one opened up) rather than the table where we ate. I was a bit surprised that there was no free wifi (only the BT wifi you have to pay for), which could have been an issue for me other days but luckily I had some editing to do on paper so I was able to sit and enjoy the environment while working, and then check my work emails on my phone. It’s not ideal for someone working from home unless you have work you don’t need to do relating to anything online, but it works otherwise.
My Tips:
1) If you’re coming for lunch, get here early to head-​off the lunch rush and get the lunch options while they’re still available.
2) If working from here again (which I’m sure I will since I liked the atmosphere and natural lighting so much), I’d probably not come for lunch but, rather, come in the middle of the afternoon for coffee and cake. That is better on the wallet and also on the ability to find a seat. Also, I’d only come to work from here when I know I don’t need the Internet!