finding comfort in cafés
the in-between spaces where creativity flows and moments linger (+ my go-to spots in Edinburgh)
If you had told little me that I would be into coffee, she would have laughed. I disliked coffee and anything related to it—candy, dessert, tiramisu, and even the smell of it made me squirm. However, going to cafés always held a certain appeal, especially when we could relax on a terrace. My mum, sister, and I would sit next to each other and watch the world go by. At that time, the sole purpose of going to a café was to pause, catch our breath, and soak in the moment. We would look at the passersby and speculate about their lives—what was their story, where were they heading? We would linger there, not wanting to return home, until one of us would finally relent and say, “Alright, we should probably get going.”
Nowadays, I cannot imagine starting my day without a cup of coffee, and visiting a café has become one of my favourite things to do. It’s often where my writing begins, so it’s only fair that I dedicate a post to it.
A café is never just a coffee shop. It feels like a third space—not home, not work, but a comfortable in-between. It’s a neutral environment where everyone gathers, alone or together, to enjoy a cup of something: the morning cuppa, the midday boost, the shared one. You can be a slow sipper, a gulp-it-downer, or somewhere in the middle. No judgment here.
I’ve always loved the subtle anonymity of cafés, the way you can be surrounded by people without having to talk to anyone. I love the small rituals that come with every visit: chatting with the barista, ordering your bevy of choice, gazing at the baked goods, finding the perfect table, opening a book/journal/laptop, or simply watching the city unfold through the window.
There’s something about a café that feels like a pause in the middle of the world, allowing you to do the same. It’s a space where time moves a little slower, where people linger over half-read books and half-drunk lattes. You can work, study, read, eavesdrop (just a little), or let inspiration strike. And when you see others deeply focused—writing, sketching, studying—it’s hard not to feel the pull to do the same. There’s a quiet motivation in being surrounded by people immersed in their work, a kind of shared energy that makes you want to be productive, too.
I love the hum of conversations blending into the clinking of cups, the whirring of coffee grinders, and the steam of frothing milk. But most of all, I love the way people settle into themselves, whether alone or with friends. Sometimes, I come with a clear idea in mind. Other times, just stepping inside is enough to spark something. I often find myself staring out the window, letting my thoughts wander, or scribbling ideas into my notebook. Something about these places always helps me reset.
the coffee culture
A love for cafés and coffee isn’t unique to me. Over the past decade, coffee culture has evolved into something far beyond mere caffeine consumption.
Social media has played a significant role in this transformation, making aesthetically pleasing cafés a must-visit destination. People are no longer just looking for a good cup of coffee—they seek out the atmosphere, the distinctive interior designs, and the feeling of stepping into a carefully curated world. With the rise of remote work, cafés have become second homes for freelancers, creatives, and anyone in need of a change of scenery.
Indie cafés have expanded the coffee experience by offering diverse brewing methods, ethically sourced beans, and tasting workshops, attracting those who want to explore coffee beyond the standard cuppa. I still remember my first proper cup of coffee over ten years ago, when I suddenly decided I would start drinking it. It was a French Vanilla Latte from Tim Hortons, with one shot of espresso, plenty of milk to smooth out the taste, and a strong vanilla sweetener to mask it further. But things have changed. Now, I drink my coffee black, and I find myself fascinated by the beans, their origins, and brewing techniques. I always look forward to trying the brew of the day. If it sparks something in me, I might even bring a bag of beans home.
After the 2020 lockdowns, café hopping became a lifestyle (and continues to be one today). People longed for social spaces again, and cafés became a way to reconnect with the outside world. The rise of outdoor seating, takeaway cups, and a surge of new openings all contributed to this shift. It’s no longer just about grabbing a cup of coffee—it’s about the entire experience, the atmosphere, and the simple pleasure of discovering new places.
Yet, there’s an interesting paradox within all of this. Café culture has undeniably become trendy, and yes, my coffee cup often makes its way onto my Instagram feed. But, at the same time, cafés also offer me an escape from social media. They become a space where I can disconnect, let my thoughts wander, and be present in the moment. I might snap that golden shot, but then I put my phone away and allow myself to simply enjoy the here and now.
what i’m looking for in a café
For me, a great café is all about the atmosphere. I want it to feel welcoming, somewhere I can settle in for an hour or two without feeling rushed.
I won’t lie, aesthetics matter. I love coffee shops with thoughtfully designed spaces, whether minimalist or maximalist. You can always tell when a café has been created with care, when every detail—from the branding to the menu to the furniture—has been considered. I want to feel comfortable, inspired, and at home. Bonus points if they align with my values, like sustainability, community, or supporting local artists.
The staff matters too. I want them to be friendly, knowledgeable, and patient—especially when I’m feeling indecisive. I’m still on my coffee-learning journey, and sometimes, having to choose between fruity, not-so-fruity, or not fruity at all feels like an impossible decision (I’m a Libra after all).
As for the food and drink? I like a simple, well-curated menu. A couple of signature drinks, a handful of seasonal pastries, and a nice rotation of baked goods to keep things interesting.
I don’t mind laptop-free spaces since I usually bring a book or a journal with me. I tend to draft my writing by hand first, then type it up at home—partly out of habit, partly because my old MacBook barely holds a charge for 30 minutes. But I understand why laptop bans can be a dealbreaker for some, which is why I have a diverse list of cafés in my notes app, depending on what I need and the vibe I'm looking for.
And noise? Doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Most of the time, my brain just tunes it out. Whether it’s people chatting or music playing in the background, I usually slip into my own world. That said, I’m not sure I could handle a full metal or Y2K pop playlist for hours on end, for very different reasons. Worst-case scenario? Noise-cancelling headphones are my bff.
Wherever I go, I find myself drawn to these spaces. Each one has its own rhythm, its own personality. Some cafés are loud and bustling, filled with the city’s energy. Others feel like quiet retreats—a library with pastries. But no matter where I am, a good café always feels familiar, like a temporary home. A place to pause, write, think, and belong, even if just for a couple of hours.
What are some of your favourite cafés? Whether it’s your local go-to spot or a coffee shop you stumbled upon while travelling, I’d love to hear about it.
Until next time,
Amandine
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As an avid coffee drinker, this was such a fun and relatable read! I love how you captured the little rituals and quiet magic of cafés- how they’re not just about the coffee but about the atmosphere, the people-watching, and the sense of pause in a busy world.
I saw the almond croissant you had in your YouTube video- that buttery texture with a cold brew iced latte on the side? Perfection. Yes, I’m one of those people who drinks iced coffee even in the dead of winter. It’s the only thing I’ll have ice-cold! I love grabbing an almond croissant from The Good Life Eatery with a cold brew iced latte, and the last café I visited was Allpress
I loved this post! I'm also someone who likes to spend times in Cafes, reading, writing, people watching. In my city there are only a few cafes I can go to, and sometimes it's hit and miss. I get in and oh, the music is horrendous and loud and I have to leave. I mean ' i can't hear my own thoughts' loud. Y2K pop would be welcomed compared to the type of music people listen in this side of the world. Are you familiar with the word reggeaton? It's awful. But anyway, I sort of found my one or two places where I can just be. However, people around here (small town) go to cafés to socialize, in groups or at least 2 people. I'm always -always!- the odd one out, with headphones on and a book. Which I don't mind at all. Going to Cafés is one of the simplest pleasures I can get.