Eat and drink

The Book Festival is all about feeding the mind and imagination but sometimes there is nothing better than just feeding the body! Every year we offer a wide range of food and drink to help you do just that. Bring some friends, relax and unwind. Come join us in the gardens (just off the West End of Princes Street). We're open daily during the Festival and entrance to Charlotte Square Gardens is FREE. Do come and visit us - we'd love to see you.

If you are looking for somewhere interesting in Edinburgh to have a meal, a cocktail or a snack, our media associates The List have a great eating and drinking guide to Edinburgh.

Ruthvens Café Bar

In the London Review of Books Signing Tent, open daily from 9.30am until late

Meet your favourite author and have your book signed whilst enjoying a great selection of local, seasonal and Scottish produce: deli-filled rolls, tasty salads and freshly baked cakes. Treat yourself to a glass of wine from the wine list or relax with an organic coffee and your book on the decking.


Ruthvens Café


In the Spiegeltent, open daily from 9.30am until late


A fully licensed café in our atmospheric travelling ballroom – the perfect place to eat, drink or chat with friends. Freshly made deli-filled rolls and sandwiches, homemade soups, salads and a delicious array of baking and snacks, using local, seasonal produce and suppliers wherever possible. Freshly roasted, organic and Fair Trade coffee, speciality teas, chilled soft drinks and superb wines available by the glass.


The Bookshop Café

In the Bookshop, open daily from 9.30am until 9.15pm


The Bookshop Café, operated by Cater, is a local fresh food and drink company run by Barry Bryson, serving coffee, freshly ground for every cup, mouthwatering cakes and pastries, gourmet hand-cut sandwiches, freshly squeezed juice, organic teas and much more. Fresh local produce is used and where imported, it is Fair Trade only. Eco disposable materials are used which are
biodegradable and recyclable.


Di Rollo of Musselburgh Ice Cream Trike                             


In the gardens, open daily from 11.00am until 6.00pm

Locally made ice cream - delicious whatever the weather.


The Spiegelbar

In the Spiegeltent, evenings from 9.00pm
 until late.

 A bar with a difference! An atmospheric 1930s travelling ballroom where we stage Unbound each night from Sunday 14 August. More details can be found on the daily event listings and on our website www.edbookfest.co.uk. Enjoy wine, beer and savoury snacks with a friend or just relax with a nightcap whilst soaking up the ambience.


The Bookshop Cafe Heritage Portfolio ScotLand of Food and Drink
Matthew Algie Jura Single Malt Valvona and Crolla