Whether you’re hunting for artisan cheese, hand-thrown pottery, vintage fashion, or the perfect book to curl up with, Stockbridge has something for everyone.
A short walk from Edinburgh’s city centre, the neighbourhood of Stockbridge offers a refreshing change of pace, and where community spirit and creativity flourish on every corner. With over 50 independent shops lining its welcoming streets, this vibrant hub is a must for anyone who loves unique finds, quality craftsmanship and the joy of slow shopping.
Here’s our closer look at what makes this lively neighbourhood such a magnet for locals and visitors alike.
Food and drink shops to tempt every palate
Stockbridge is a paradise for food lovers. From traditional delis to modern gelato bars, its independent food shops showcase the best of Scottish produce and international flair.
Here, cheese lovers are spoilt for choice. I.J Mellis, a much-loved Edinburgh institution is stacked high with farmhouse cheese from Scotland and beyond, while George Mewes Cheese caters to the true connoisseur, offering carefully aged selections with expert guidance. Just round the corner, Herbie of Edinburgh is a gourmet lover’s dream, brimming with fresh produce, cured meats and deli goods that turn an everyday lunch into something special.
For something sweeter, Liggy’s Cakes offer handcrafted celebration cakes and bakes that look as good as they taste and are perfect for treating yourself. And speaking of indulgence, Chulos Cookies is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their American-style cookies are thick, gooey and decadent. For something cool and refreshing, Joelato serve small-batch gelato made with seasonal ingredients and bold flavours. And with their menus changing each week, you can be sure of something different each time you visit.
Homewares and gifts with character
The neighbourhood is a magnet for those seeking thoughtful design and one-of-a-kind finds. From handcrafted gifts to something beautiful to brighten your home, it is full of shops that champion quality and individuality.
An Independent Zebra is a joyful, electric space, packed with vibrant prints, quirky cards, home accessories and handmade jewellery. Caoba, with its colourful Mexican art and homewares, brings an international flair to the neighbourhood, while Galerie Mirages is a treasure trove of handmade jewellery, textiles and objects d’art from around the world.
Plant lovers will instantly feel at home in Grow Urban, a lush oasis of greenery and plants, with friendly staff on hand to help you find the perfect leafy companion.
Vintage and charity treasures
Stockbridge has long been a haven for vintage lovers and bargain hunters, with its mix of carefully curated vintage boutiques and charity shops that are full of unexpected gems.
Those Were the Days Vintage stands out as one the city’s most beautifully presented vintage shops, specialising in timeless fashion from the 1920s through to the 1990s. With its well organised rails and commitment to quality, it’s a place where you can find everything from a 1960s mini dress to a show-stopping evening gown.
While not independent, it’s also worth mentioning the area’s strong selection of charity shops, including The British Heart Foundation, Barnardo’s, Cancer Research UK and St Columba’s Hospice, all of which are favourites with locals for their ever-changing stock and eye-catching window displays. Whether you’re furnishing a home, refreshing your wardrobe, or just love the thrill of the hunt, Stockbridge’s second-hand scene offers something richer than the average high street, with sustainability and social impact built in.
Bookshops worth getting lost in
In a digital world, Stockbridge’s bookshops are a gentle reminder of the pleasures of browsing real books on real shelves.
Golden Hare Books is a standout – a beautifully designed space with warm wooden interiors, a carefully curated selection of fiction and non-fiction, and staff who genuinely love what they do. Their attention to detail, from recommendations to gift wrapping, makes every visit feel special. Nearby, Rare Birds Books focuses on female authors and offers a welcoming environment to discover your next great read. Their in-store events have built up a local community of readers who return again and again.
For younger readers, Ginger and Pickles is a true gem – a children’s bookshop where the shelves are packed with imagination. From picture books to puzzle books, it’s a place designed to spark curiosity and make reading feel like an adventure. And for those who love a second-hand find, a visit to Oxfam Bookshop should be on your shopping list. With shelves lined with well-loved novels, cookbooks, biographies and more, it offers a quiet, nostalgic browsing experience.
For ideas on great shopping finds, explore shopping in Stockbridge.
Markets you’ll want to come back to
What sets Stockbridge apart isn’t just its range of independent shops, but the rhythm of its year-round community events that bring people together around food, culture and creativity.
Stockbridge Market is a weekly institution, drawing crowds with its mix of artisan producers, hot food stalls, fresh produce and handmade crafts. Whether you’re picking up local honey, fresh sourdough or a handmade candle, it’s a great place to shop for something that wee bit different.
In the summer months, The Neighbourhood Market brings a festival atmosphere to the heart of Stockbridge, with pop-up food stalls, live music and cocktails served under the open sky, making it a perfect place for long, sociable, sunny afternoons. Meanwhile the annual Foodies Festival, which is held in the area’s Inverleith Park, is a major highlight, drawing food lovers from across the city with its blend of street food, live food demos, drinks tastings and live entertainment.
Whether you’re planning a casual weekend stroll, a shopping trip with friends, or your first visit to Edinburgh, be sure to carve out some shopping time in Stockbridge. It’s where you might just find your next great find.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
