Hey! Nashy here 👋
How are you all doing? I stepped back from the newsletter for a few weeks; Keep Edinburgh Thriving has been growing so fast that I needed to pause and get clear on where I'm taking things.
As a local independent start-up myself, sometimes you have to slow down to speed up! 🚀
What hasn't slowed down? Instagram, TikTok and Facebook now have over 50,000 followers across all three platforms, which means more eyes than ever on Edinburgh, the Lothians and the brilliant independent businesses that make this city so special.
Thank you! 🙌🏼
This week I'm shining a spotlight on some of the incredible local gems I've visited recently, businesses that absolutely deserve your support.
This week's newsletter includes:
🏪 Local business highlights
🏡 Guess the Property Price
💐 Mother's Day Gift Guide preview
📅 A snapshot of some weekend events
Let's get into it! 👇
💐 COMING NEXT WEEK
The Keep Edinburgh Thriving Mother's Day Gift Guide celebrating the best local makers and independents Edinburgh has to offer.
Are you hosting a Mother's Day event that our wonderful mums, grannies, sisters and daughters would absolutely love?
Or do you know a brilliant local business that deserves a spotlight?
📩 Reply to this email with the details, i'll do the best I can to share as many as possible in the Newsletter or on socials.
Be sure to tag @keepedinburghthriving on socials so I see your events and can share.
Come on Edinburgh — let's keep it local this Mother's Day! 🏴
Have you been to The Chocolate Barn yet?
🍫 The Chocolate Barn
For anyone with a sweet tooth like me, this one is for you! Tucked away at Lowe's Farm in Campend on the outskirts of the city, just off the Sheriff Hall roundabout and super easy to access. The Chocolate Barn is an absolute little gem that has been winning hearts across Edinburgh and the Lothians since it opened!
I recently turned up unannounced and my video went a bit crazy across socials! It was great to meet the owner, Ian. I enjoyed a good coffee and a tasty flapjack while catching up on emails in the most lovely, welcoming space. With a cosy log-burning fire, a huge selection of chocolate treats and a fantastic area for families with kids, there really is something for everyone.
A very worthwhile visit. 🍫
📍 The Chocolate Barn, Lowe's Farm, Campend, EH22 1RS
🏡 Edinburgh Property - Can you guess the value?
3 Leadervale Road, Liberton, Edinburgh, EH16 6PB
This property makes for an ideal residence for a wide range of buyers, mainly but not limited to its ground floor accommodation.
What do you reckon?
Get Creative at the Edinburgh Open Workshop!
🔨 Edinburgh Open Workshop
Tucked away on Assembly Street in Leith, Edinburgh Open Workshop is a brilliant community maker space that has been encouraging creativity since 2018.
An award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise, EOW offers a fully equipped wood, metal, paint and textiles workshop, open to makers of every level, from total beginners to seasoned professionals.
I visited EOW with the family back in December for their Christmas Market and fell in love with the space. Recently I wandered back in and was greeted by Jessi, who gave me a full tour then a quick chat on camera. Whether you fancy trying your hand at welding, woodworking, laser cutting, sewing or painting, there's a course or a bay with your name on it. The creative community here is genuinely buzzing and the pay-as-you-go model means there's no barrier to getting stuck in.
They also offer gift vouchers, the perfect gift for your creative friends and family! 🎁
📍 Edinburgh Open Workshop, 39-41 Assembly Street, Leith, EH6 7BQ
John T Taylor - For all your leather goods!
🔨 John T Taylor Leather
This has to go down as one of my favourite hidden gems so far! John reached out on socials and asked if I'd like to visit his studio in Comely Bank. I was so intrigued I jumped at the first opportunity. I popped in for a quick chat and ended up staying for an hour and a half!
John is a master craftsman who hand makes quality, bespoke custom leather items and his passion for it is absolutely infectious. He adds a personal touch to everything, resulting in top quality work and service. The workshop smells AMAZING! Honestly, you have to experience it for yourself!
Contact John directly on socials to arrange a visit, discuss custom designs and all things leather. You won't regret it! 🙌🏼
📣 WORTH SHOUTING ABOUT
🫕 Cold Town House - Sunday Roast Gravy Fondue
Have you seen this on socials? Meat, veg, roasties, pigs n blankets, Yorkshire puds, stuffing AND gravy!!!! What’s not to love!
£15pp, every Sunday from 12pm till late. Save me a seat!
🌱 Support the Makers - Young Makers Market
This is the next generation of creative young entrepreneurs and we are absolutely here for it! A market celebrating makers under the age of 18, right in the heart of the Portobello community at Portobello Baptist Church.
Expect gorgeous handmade pieces, baked goods and much much more from incredibly talented young people, including my own daughter!
Gift yourself something unique... or Mother's Day is just around the corner! 💐
🗓️ Saturday 7th March 2026, 1pm until 4pm
📍 Portobello Baptist Church, 189–193 Portobello High Street, EH15 2PW
🐾 Dogs welcome! Free entry!
That's your lot for this week! 👋
The newsletter is growing and I'm gradually building it into a proper platform. A place to shout about the brilliant local businesses on our doorstep and to keep you in the loop on the best events happening in and around Edinburgh.
But the best bit? It's shaped by you and this community. So get out there, spend local, and I'll see you around the city. 🏴
Hit reply and say hi, i’d love to hear from you.
Know a local business that deserves a feature? Reply to this email or find me on Instagram @keepedinburghthriving
Nashy