Stunning new cafe opens in Portobello with quirky wallpaper and antique furniture

The coffee shop boasts a full menu to suit all dietary types.
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Foodies and coffee lovers have been queuing up outside a new coffee shop in Edinburgh that’s hard to miss with its eccentric interior.

Passey's Coffee Company, in Portobello High Street, is a new boutique-style cafe serving a full menu that caters for all dietary types including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.

It even includes a full roast option on Sundays.

Passey's in Portobello High Street has opened its doors for the first time on Wednesday, September 9Passey's in Portobello High Street has opened its doors for the first time on Wednesday, September 9
Passey's in Portobello High Street has opened its doors for the first time on Wednesday, September 9
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The business, which was was previously Italian cafe Al Mare, opened for the first time today, September 9, after three weeks of renovation works.

Owners Gary and Nick Passey, from Midlothian, said the response from customers has been incredible from the moment they started service at 8am.

"It has honestly been non-stop since we opened,” said Nick, a little short of breath during a break from his busy shift.

The cafe's decor includes quirky wallpaper and antique furniture and was designed by owners Gary and Nick PasseyThe cafe's decor includes quirky wallpaper and antique furniture and was designed by owners Gary and Nick Passey
The cafe's decor includes quirky wallpaper and antique furniture and was designed by owners Gary and Nick Passey

"Some people thought it was total madness starting a business off the back of lockdown but we have been overwhelmed by how positive it has all been.

"The response has been fantastic.”

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Nick, 43, and his husband Gary, 40, who owns Hair by JFK in Edinburgh, designed the coffee shop and renovated it themselves.

"The place has some funky wallpaper and is filled with antique furniture which we think customers will like,” Nick said.

"We have really made it into a home away from home, somewhere cosy to come and enjoy a bite to eat or a coffee and look at some interesting things dotted around inside.”

The cafe owners said all food served is locally-sourced and prepped and cooked on site.

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It has been the couple’s dream to open a cafe of their own together after years of working in separate jobs.

Nick, who worked as a general manager for pub company Green King said when they saw what the property was going for on the market, “it was an absolute bargain” and “it would have been madness to turn it down.”

The coffee shop is open from 8am until 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am until 8pm Friday through to Sunday.

It has an outdoor seating area and social distancing measures are in place to keep customers safe.

To book a table visit Passey’s Facebook page.

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