Messer is a small but seriously covetable knife shop from the team behind Skua. Run by Katie Messer and chef James Aikman, it’s Scotland’s first specialist artisan knife store, stocking beautifully made Japanese blades from makers like Mcusta, Zanmai and Ryusen alongside cookbooks, food magazines and chef-grade tools.

On a light-bathed corner of Stockbridge's St Stephen Street, treen is a boutique proving sustainable fashion can be both beautiful and practical. Founder Cat Anderson curates vegan clothing, knitwear and accessories from thoughtful independent labels, including organic cotton staples, low-impact denim, cosy Scandi knits and plant-based leather bags. Everything here is chosen for longevity, ethics and effortless wearability.

Down a few stone steps on St Stephen Street, Skua is a candlelit basement where big flavours rule. From the team behind Heron, it serves punchy seasonal small plates cooked in a compact open kitchen. It's earning its stripes for bold combinations, plenty of pickled and fermented elements, and a lively bar pouring inventive cocktails and natural wine. 

Jorum Studio is where Scottish perfumery gets gloriously experimental. Founded by perfumer Euan McCall and creative partner Chloe Mullen, this independent fragrance house crafts its scents entirely in-house in Edinburgh. Expect vivid, story-driven perfumes inspired by peat bogs, wildflowers and folklore. Pop into the beautifully styled boutique to explore cult favourites like Spiritcask or Gorseland and dive nose-first into a whimsical, nature-soaked scent universe.