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. 

This thoughtfully curated fine-jewellery boutique focused on ethical sourcing and distinctive design. Founder Keira Wraae-Stewart brings together pieces from independent makers alongside antique and vintage treasures – Victorian rings, delicate gold chains and sculptural modern pieces sitting happily side by side. The shop is also a destination for bespoke engagement and wedding rings, created in collaboration with clients. 

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.

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.