Everyone I speak to right now seems to be busy. As life gets back to a kind of skewed normality, the rapidly filling diary can feel a little overwhelming at times after such a long period of restrictions. So, whilst I was strolling up Dundas Street on a wild and windy morning, it was an absolute delight to take myself into Archipelago Provisions, the sister site of Archipelago Bakery a few doors down, for coffee and cake and a browse around their deli.
Set slightly down from street level, the white curved shop front with panelled
windows feels instantly welcoming, and the aroma of pastries and ground coffee as I open the door is divine. The glass counter houses slabs of freshly made Spanakopita which is packed with spinach and feta between layers of golden filo pastry, vegan sausage rolls, salads, scones, and a host of sweet treats.
Speaking with owner Caroline Walsh over coffee, a delicious cinnamon bun, and the fudgiest of chocolate brownies, it’s clear that Provisions is a labour of love for her. Having dreamt of running a deli for a while, when this space became available so close to the bakery it was an opportunity that she couldn’t miss. Caroline bases herself here every day; she selects the produce that fills the shelves of the deli and talks with genuine passion about every one of them to customers. Toasties are made with her own bread from the bakery, and all the food is of the same excellent calibre that Archipelago is famous for. Look out for Caroline’s own organic ice cream in the freezers soon, too.
As I sit in the cosy café area to the rear of the shop, every time I glance up, I spy something else intriguing to tempt me. There is a fantastic selection of high quality, organic chocolate that catches my eye, olive oils, pasta, grains and pulses, quail’s eggs, spices and condiments – the list just goes on. The one thing they all have in common is quality. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to buy some of Caroline’s dad’s homemade marmalade before it sells out again.
It’s a lovely, bright shop where you can pop in for a few items or browse the myriad goods available. Take some time to unwind in the café; order a bowl of homemade soup, a toastie on their own sourdough bread, and round it off with something sweet. It’s a little haven away from the hustle and bustle, where you are guaranteed a warm welcome and great food (J. Blair).
Archipelago Provisions
23c Dundas Street
Edinburgh
EH3 6QQ
(Mon-Thu 10-4, Fri-Sat 9.30-4.30, closed Sunday)
