Leith Café
A new café in Leith, informed by traditional Edinburgh interiors and the building’s former use as a tobacconist.
The design draws on the warm, timber-lined character of historic tobacconists, where display and atmosphere were closely linked. This is combined with references to traditional Edinburgh café interiors to create a space that feels rooted in its context. Existing features, including cornices, are uncovered and restored, then paired with simple contemporary interventions that sit comfortably within the existing shell.
Timber wall panelling forms a continuous lining to the interior, creating a calm backdrop to the activity of the café. Steel-framed display elements and fluted glass lighting introduce a lighter layer, while built-in furniture and bench seating make efficient use of the compact footprint. The arrangement allows for a high level of seating within a modest space, maintaining a clear and comfortable layout.
Externally, the existing stonework is refurbished using breathable finishes, with the shopfront carefully reworked to suit its new use. The retained ‘Cigar Box’ lettering anchors the café within its history, maintaining a clear connection between the building’s past and its current life on the street.