The marble shopfront of Thomas J Walls on Forrest Road, its old opticians' lettering above wide windows and a bronze door.
Edinburgh

Thomas J Walls

A coffee shop for brunch and light lunches in an old opticians on Forrest Road, which kept the name over its marble shopfront.

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Welcome

Look up as you walk along Forrest Road and you'll spot it: a marble shopfront still lettered Thomas J.

Walls, Opticians, with big glass windows and a bronze door. The opticians have long gone, and it's now a roomy coffee shop that kept the old name, the wall panels and the marble floor, with dark wood and brick inside. It's an easy, relaxed stop between Greyfriars Bobby, the university's Old College and the Meadows, a few minutes away at the end of the road. Come for coffee and brunch, a slice of cake or a light lunch, and grab a seat by the window to watch the street go by. There are a few tables outside, dogs are welcome and the entrance is step-free. It opens at 7.30am on weekdays and 8.30am at the weekend, closing at 7pm (6pm on Sundays), and there's no need to book, so just walk in.

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Before you go

Open every day from early morning until the evening, for coffee, breakfast, brunch and lunch.

There is no booking, so just walk in.

Where
35 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QN, between Greyfriars and the Meadows.
Open
Monday to Friday 7.30am to 7pm, Saturday 8.30am to 7pm, Sunday 8.30am to 6pm.
Booking
Walk in; it does not take bookings.
Dogs
Welcome.
Children
Welcome.
Access
A wheelchair-accessible entrance, toilet and seating.
Phone
0131 261 7582

Opening hours

Monday
7.30am–7pm
Tuesday
7.30am–7pm
Wednesday
7.30am–7pm
Thursday
7.30am–7pm
Friday
7.30am–7pm
Saturday
8.30am–7pm
Sunday
8.30am–6pm

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Where it is

At 35 Forrest Road, in the Old Town, between Greyfriars and the Meadows.

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Find out more

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