Brown's of Leith Now Open: Discover the New Culinary Hub at The Shore

This new creative space is now open

Wow! It’s not a reaction I have often to new spaces, but the revitalisation of George Brown & Sons Engineers Ltd is really something. Leith is a hotbed of culinary, architectural and creative talent. Always has been, always will be. What better transformation of this recently vacated warehouse than to a new town square - Brown's of Leith.

Wander through the iconic double doors from The Shore into a zone of foodie zen. There are comfortable chairs and easy access countertops to order scran and refreshments. I visit on the windiest Friday of the year with my trusty companion, pug Coco by my side. The staff have time to chat, everything is so fresh and there’s sun streaming through the windows highlighting steam rising from the pizza ovens. I’m in!

Civerinos margherita pizza is deliciously crisp and cut into small sharing size pieces; very thoughtful as I certainly didn’t get the pizza to myself. Tomato sauce umami-rich in flavour contrasts beautifully with a slightly charred super-thin crust. It’s obvious why they are included in Time Out’s list of the world’s Top Pizza restaurants (ranked 13th on a list of the 19 best pizzas globally in March 2025).

Bite review of Civerinos

Timberyard and Montrose can do no wrong and continue their winning streak with inhouse

drinks counter Haze. “Blurring lines between morning coffee & evening wine” is a fabulous approach and makes a lot of sense given Brown’s is open for a full 12 hours four days a week. It’s a good choice of blurred lines and the coffee is very decent too. Nibbles will appear on the menu as the venue develops. For the meantime, you’ll need to go down there yourself to find out. Shrimpwreck is in there too, offering dishes fresh from the sea. It’s on the list for next time.

Brown’s is work in progress, and soon will also be home to a community of artists and architects. I’m looking forward to their events, both over winter and when summer eventually returns. The Shore has always been a rewarding weekend wander, and this opening from Gunnar Groves-Raines of Custom House (just across the water) has added another jewel to Leith’s highly decorated culinary crown.

Brown’s of Leith: 4-6 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh

Thursday–Sunday, 8am–8pm