Thistle Street
Thistle Street, named after Scotland’s national flower is home to the very first property built in line with James Craig’s ambitious New Town plan in the late 18th Century. It is steeped in history and fascinating tales of days gone by. For example, not many folk are aware that number 28 Thistle Street was the site of the very first Madame Tussaud’s waxworks exhibition. You can read more about the history of Thistle Street on the Edinburgh World Heritage website by clicking here.
Bars & Restaurants
Nowadays, Thistle Street is home to a vibrant community of independent retailers. In fact, it is hard to think of another street in Edinburgh’s New Town which is as compact, yet has so much to offer visitors to Scotland’s capital city. Located parallel to and immediately north of George Street, Thistle Street has an eclectic mix of excellent quality restaurants showcasing Edinburgh’s diverse and cosmopolitan outlook. The range includes vegan, Thai, Mexican, Scottish seafood and not one, but two French restaurants – a nod to Scotland’s Auld Alliance with our Gallic neighbour across the channel.
Continuing with the food and drink theme, in addition to our own Thistle Street Bar, you will find our neighbour, The Bon Vivant, which offers relaxed European-style dining of a very high standard but, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Thistle Street also welcomes the recently opened Cobbled Roastery, Edinburgh’s micro coffee bean roasters serving, in our opinion, the best takeaway coffee in town!
Independent Retailers
When it comes to retail therapy, Thistle Street is hard to beat with well-known independent boutiques such as Covet, Jane Davidson and Biscuit. For the discerning gentleman there’s Craig Banks, Edinburgh’s exclusive men’s made-to-measure tailor.
Take a wander with us now along the oldest street in the New Town and see what we have to offer; click on the images below to find out more. Better still, pay Thistle Street a visit and browse the finest independent shops and enjoy the warmest Scottish hospitality in Edinburgh.
