The Place, located at 124c Raeburn Place in Edinburgh, is a dog-friendly café that blends modern café culture with a clubhouse atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Stockbridge neighborhood, this venue offers more than just food and drinks—it provides a community hub for sports lovers, locals, and visitors.
The café operates in conjunction with Edinburgh Academical Football Club, giving it a strong connection to rugby culture, but it also welcomes a wider audience. With spacious seating, an outdoor area, and scenic views of playing fields and nearby parks, The Place is a delightful spot for relaxation, casual dining, and enjoying time with your pet.
Menu Discussion
The Place offers an extensive menu that caters to different tastes, focusing on hearty and satisfying dishes with a Scottish twist. For breakfast lovers, The Place serves a traditional Full Scottish Breakfast, which includes sausages, eggs, bacon, black pudding, haggis, mushrooms, and beans, all served with toast.
This robust meal is perfect for starting your day or refueling after a morning walk with your dog. Alternatively, the café offers lighter breakfast options like toast with jam, butter, or marmalade, and breakfast rolls featuring various fillings like bacon, sausage, or egg.
When it comes to lunch, The Place continues to impress with its range of sandwiches, paninis, and burgers. You can choose from fillings like smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and cheese, or chicken Caesar, all served on fresh, locally-sourced bread.
For those who prefer something warm, their burgers are a popular choice, with options like the classic beef burger, a chicken burger with aioli, and a vegetarian halloumi burger, which is both filling and flavorful. The burgers come served with crispy fries and salad, making them a satisfying meal.
The café’s afternoon menu expands to include a variety of small plates and sharing boards, ideal for nibbling over a coffee or sharing with friends. Items like hummus and pitta bread, chicken wings, and nachos provide light yet delicious options.
For those with a sweet tooth, The Place has a selection of cakes, brownies, and pastries, all baked fresh. Whether you’re in the mood for a slice of chocolate cake or a traditional scone with cream and jam, their dessert menu does not disappoint.
The drinks menu is just as comprehensive, with a wide selection of teas, coffees, and cold drinks. They take pride in their barista-made coffees, offering everything from a classic flat white to a rich, velvety mocha.
For something a little different, you can also opt for their herbal teas, hot chocolate, or iced coffee. Additionally, The Place has a well-stocked bar featuring a selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
Their local craft beers are a particular highlight, and there’s always a cold pint ready after a game or for an evening out with friends.
Atmosphere and Décor
The ambiance at The Place is one of laid-back comfort, with its spacious seating arrangement and large windows offering plenty of natural light. The café’s interior is warm and welcoming, with a modern rustic décor featuring wooden tables, soft lighting, and cozy seating areas.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours, whether you’re working on a laptop, catching up with friends, or simply watching the world go by.
What makes The Place stand out is its unique setting—it overlooks the playing fields of the Edinburgh Academical Football Club. This view gives the café a relaxed, open feel, with plenty of greenery around.
For dog owners, the outdoor seating area is particularly inviting, where you can enjoy a coffee while your dog rests at your feet. The café staff are known to be dog-friendly, offering water bowls and treats to canine visitors, making it a favorite spot for dog walkers in the area.
Despite its sports-club affiliations, The Place is by no means exclusive to rugby fans. It serves as a community hub, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the space. On match days, you may notice a lively rugby crowd, but the atmosphere is always friendly and inclusive. Whether you’re there for the sports or just a casual coffee, you’ll feel at home.
Review Summary
The Place consistently receives positive reviews for its friendly staff, dog-friendly policies, and versatile environment. Many visitors appreciate the casual, community-oriented atmosphere, noting that it’s a great spot to unwind with a coffee, enjoy a meal, or spend time with friends and family.
Reviewers frequently mention the accommodating and welcoming nature of the staff, who are attentive not only to the customers but also to their dogs, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
The café’s food also receives high marks, particularly the breakfast and lunch options. The Full Scottish Breakfast and the burgers are fan favorites, and many visitors comment on the quality of the coffee.
The reasonably priced menu, combined with generous portions, makes The Place a solid choice for both quick bites and leisurely meals. A few reviews mention minor drawbacks, such as limited beer and wine selections, as The Place is tied to specific suppliers.
However, these points are often outweighed by the overall positive experience. One recurring theme in the reviews is the potential for loud crowds on rugby match days, with some visitors preferring a quieter time to visit.
However, even on busier days, the staff maintain a high level of professionalism, ensuring that service remains smooth and attentive. There are also a handful of reviews that address issues related to the rugby culture.
Some visitors have expressed discomfort with certain interactions among patrons during match days, particularly concerning the behavior of some rugby fans. However, these incidents seem isolated, and most reviews praise the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, especially for families and dog owners.
Final Thoughts
The Place in Edinburgh stands out as a versatile, community-centered café that balances its role as a sports clubhouse with being a welcoming space for all.
Its dog-friendly environment makes it a popular destination for pet owners, while its well-crafted menu and cozy décor appeal to a wide range of customers.
Whether you’re there for a hearty breakfast, a quick coffee, or a relaxed meal with friends, The Place offers a laid-back atmosphere with a touch of Edinburgh’s sporting culture.
The views of the playing fields, the friendly service, and the inviting space make it a great spot to unwind, and with its dog-friendly policies, it’s a top choice for pet lovers in the city.
For those seeking a blend of café culture and sports atmosphere, The Place is a must-visit. Whether you’re stopping by on a sunny day to enjoy the outdoor seating with your dog or settling in for an evening drink, the café’s charm lies in its inclusivity and the seamless way it brings together the local community.
Features for The Place café in Edinburgh
- Address: 124c Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HG, United Kingdom
- Dog-Friendly Environment: Dogs are welcomed warmly with water bowls and treats, making it a perfect spot for dog owners.
- Outdoor Seating: Spacious outdoor seating area with views of the Edinburgh Academical Football Club playing fields.
- Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Closed on Mondays
- Menu Variety: Offers a range of breakfast, lunch, and small plates, including a Full Scottish Breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, and sharing boards.
- Drinks Selection: Barista-made coffees, teas, local craft beers, wines, and spirits.
- Event Space: Suitable for hosting events such as sports gatherings, with a spacious and flexible interior layout.
- Friendly Staff: Known for their accommodating and welcoming service, both for humans and their pets.
- Rugby Affiliation: Strong connection with the Edinburgh Academical Football Club, creating a lively sports atmosphere, especially on match days.
- Community Hub: Popular among locals, offering a relaxed, inclusive space for socializing or working.
- Scenic Views: Overlooks playing fields and nearby parks, adding to the café’s open and airy vibe.
FAQs
1. Is The Place dog-friendly?
Yes, The Place is highly dog-friendly. They provide water bowls and even offer treats for your canine companions, making it a great spot to visit with your pets.
2. What kind of food does The Place serve?
The café offers a wide range of food, including a Full Scottish Breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, small plates, and sharing boards. They also have a selection of fresh cakes and pastries for those with a sweet tooth.
3. Does The Place offer outdoor seating?
Yes, The Place has a spacious outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your food and drinks with views of the Edinburgh Academical Football Club playing fields.
4. Is the café open for events or private bookings?
Yes, The Place is suitable for hosting events like sports gatherings, social events, and more. Contact the café in advance to inquire about private bookings.
5. Does The Place have a website?
Yes, you can find more details about The Place, including their menu, on their official website: The Place Menu.
6. What are The Place’s opening hours?
The café is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM to 10 PM, on Saturday from 10 AM to 11 PM, and on Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The café is closed on Mondays.
