Edinburgh’s coffee scene continues to expand. New cafés appear every few months, reflecting a broader UK trend where coffee has become woven into daily life. The arrival of Black Sheep in Bruntsfield has, however, illustrated some of the tensions this inexorable rise can ignite.
Most coffee spots stay busy from morning till closing, and finding a table at peak times can be challenging – a testament to steady demand. UK consumers spent more than £6 billion in coffee shops in 2024. Around 500 new outlets opened last year, and predictions suggest another 2,000 cafés could appear by 2030. The market appears far from saturated. Industry analysts point to changing work patterns, with more people working remotely or seeking third spaces between home and office. Yet each new opening sparks conversation, particularly when it involves a high-profile chain.
The new branch and public response
The latest point of discussion is Black Sheep Coffee. This growing British chain, established in London in 2013, has opened a new outlet at the former Royal Bank of Scotland at 206 Bruntsfield Place. The bank closed in November 2024 despite a petition with over 1,000 signatures and a high-profile local campaign.
This marks Black Sheep’s 11th Edinburgh location, adding to a network of more than 60–70 stores across the UK. While much smaller than giants like Starbucks or Costa, it has grown into a notable nationwide presence.
The online reaction was swift. Concerns about the proliferation of coffee shops are common in city discussions. Many residents expressed weariness, questioning the need for another café in an area already well-served. One commenter observed: “Just on that one short block there’s already Cafe Barantine, Project Coffee and Café Grande… we must be reaching saturation.”
Chains v independent businesses
Much of the concern centres on the impact on independents. Large chains have greater financial resources, allowing them to absorb losses that smaller businesses cannot, potentially squeezing out local cafés. One comment summed it up: “The finances for a large corporate are very different from a small business.” Others expressed concern about a shift towards a “uniform franchise neighbourhood,” noting the advantages chains have in marketing and economies of scale.
Yet residents also voiced strong loyalty to local cafés, with many pledging to “vote with their feet”. For these patrons, café choice is about more than coffee. Atmosphere, familiarity, and personal connection matter, qualities that can feel less present in corporate chains.
Pragmatism and market reality
Not all locals opposed the new outlet. Some offered a more pragmatic view, noting that chains and independents can coexist, often serving different markets. Chains may appeal to those seeking convenience or workspace, while independents attract customers prioritising craft and character. In this sense, the market is not necessarily zero-sum. On a recent visit to Bruntsfield, I noted that all the cafés I passed, Black Sheep included, were very busy; evidence perhaps of a general rise in demand.
Chains also bring tangible benefits. They invest in vacant properties, provide local jobs, and contribute to business rates, helping sustain the high street. Chain cafés also tend to open later than independents, making it possible to work into the evening. Black Sheep in Bruntsfield, for example, is open until 8pm.
Mutlu Karagogan, co-owner of Fauna (in the city centre) and Heart and Bottle, suggests that independent cafés can still thrive alongside major chains. Heart and Bottle sits directly opposite a large Starbucks, with a Costa just metres away. Yet all three businesses remain busy. Karagogan attributes this to changing habits, with many customers actively seeking something different – the fuller flavours of specialty coffee. “People notice the difference,” he suggests. Karagogan also feels that the independents can offer a more personal service, with a smaller team of baristas.
The reaction also reflects deeper concerns. This sentiment is particularly sharp given the loss of the RBS branch. Several commenters described the closure as “a total loss,” especially for elderly residents, seeing the replacement as a shift toward convenience-led consumption.
At its core, the conversation is not really about coffee. It reveals a tension between global chains and local identity, between economic reality and community attachment. Coffee has become a lens through which residents assess the evolving character of their neighbourhood. The strength of feeling speaks to broader questions about identity, access, and belonging in a changing city. Whether Bruntsfield can maintain its distinctive character while accommodating commercial pressures remains to be seen. For now, the debate itself reveals how much residents care about the spaces that shape their daily lives.
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