The Milkman

You'll spot the queue before you see the sign on this narrow stretch of the Royal Mile. Cramped inside with barely enough room to swing a teaspoon, The Milkman has perfected the art of the hurried Edinburgh coffee stop. The baristas know their beans and aren't afraid to tell you about them – their flat whites are consistently brilliant, with that perfect microfoam that makes you forget you're standing shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists clutching cameras. The homemade cakes change daily but the lemon drizzle is worth fighting through the Old Town crowds for. Yes, you'll probably take your coffee to go, but that's exactly how Cockburn Street coffee should be done – fast, friendly, and strong enough to fuel your walk up the Royal Mile.