Good Morning! Nashy here 👋
What. A. WEEK for Edinburgh's small business scene.
Running a small independent business? The challenges come in all shapes and sizes.
Road closures that kill your footfall. Big chains moving onto your doorstep. Rising costs. The list goes on.
But here's the thing about Edinburgh. We choose local. We support our own independents.
Whether it's grabbing a coffee, buying a book, or trying something new for lunch, your support makes the difference between surviving or thriving.
This week, three incredible businesses that make this community special...
Plus: Get out there, support local creatives, and find some incredible Christmas gifts while you're at it. I've rounded up some of this weekend's best events below. ✨
💚 Meet The Heart & Soul of Bongou Cafe
Tusi owner of Bongou Cafe
This week I had the pleasure of meeting Tusi, owner of Bongou Cafe on North Forth Street.
If you haven't caught the video on Instagram, please give it a watch. 📱
The emotion, passion and energy Tusi brings is genuinely inspiring and infectious!
You can't help but be happy in her company!
Bongou specialise in flatbread sandwiches FILLED with the FLAVOURS of Nigeria! 🇳🇬
A definite must visit this weekend for everyone. Let's support our local gems! 💚
☕ DelishYosh Needs Us Right Now
What a week for small independent businesses in Edinburgh.
DelishYosh Coffee Bar is expected to lose up to 60% of their revenue due to the closure of St Marks Path, with very little notice.
Saturday's weather forecast looks like it'll be dry though ☀️ so if you're looking to get out for a walk, please pop by and support Yossi!
He really needs us right now. 💙
✊ Foot of The Walk Is Fighting Back
Many of you will have heard about Waterstones opening their 6th Edinburgh store in Leith.
This has really brought together the local traders at the foot of the walk, which has been amazing to see.
One of the main businesses impacted by this will be Argonaut Books.
They've also just launched their new website!
Go check it out and show them some love! 🙌
What's On This Weekend in Edinburgh 🎉
Get out there, support local creatives, and find some incredible Christmas gifts while you're at it.
🎭 What Now? - Theatre, Spoken Word & Music
A vibrant Friday night brought to you by new theatre collective What Now? in partnership with Push The Boat Out.
Three plays commissioned specially for the festival by Hannah Lavery, Zinnie Harris and William Letford, an urgent response to the geopolitical moment we're living through. Plus spoken word by Anthony Anaxagorou and music by Carla J. Easton. 🎶
📅 When: Friday 21 November, 8:00pm – 10:00pm
📍 Where: The Pleasance Theatre Pleasance Courtyard, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ
💰 Tickets: £0-15 (concessions available)
An exciting mix of new work, works in progress and adaptations you won't want to miss.
🎨 Christmas Cards & Prosecco Workshop
Spend a relaxing day getting organised for Christmas! Design and draw your own unique Christmas cards for family and friends using dip pens, ink, and watercolour wash. Learn watercolour techniques, especially "wet-in-wet", and create step-by-step designs with finishing touches like metallic pens and eco-friendly glitter. ✨
📅 When: Saturday 22 November, 10am – 4pm
📍 Where: Birchwood Art Studio, Ashley Terrace, Edinburgh
💰 Tickets: £90
All materials provided, plus a pack of 12 cards. Includes complimentary prosecco, nibbles, tea and coffee throughout the day. Led by Sheila Chapman.
🎄 HelloArt Christmas Market
A day filled with art, food, music, and festive fun as local artists, makers, and creatives bring the holiday spirit to life. Expect twinkling lights, heartwarming moments, and the cosy buzz of Christmas cheer all around. ✨
📅 When: Saturday 22 November, 12pm – 5pm
📍 Where: Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith EH6 8RG
💰 Entry: FREE
Artwork stalls with Christmas themed pieces and handmade crafts. Workshop stalls for festive DIY experiences like wreath making. Plus delicious seasonal food and treats to keep you merry. 🎁
🎨 Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show 2025
Art for a great cause. Over 140 local artists. Over 250 artworks for sale – originals, prints, and exclusive pieces created just for the show. Up to 50% of each sale goes directly to the artist. ❤️
📅 When: Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 November, 10am – 4pm Online store: 22 – 30 November 2025
📍 Where: The Cornerstone Centre, St John's Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4BJ
💰 Entry: FREE
Plus: Art hamper prize draw worth £150 from Edinburgh Art Shop!
Can't make it in person? Browse and buy from the online store.
✨ Festive Gold Leaf Bubble Trinket Dish Workshop
Learn to craft a stunning bubble trinket dish using sustainable Eco-resin, just in time for the festive season! Mix colours, cast and decorate with gold leaf to create your very own piece. Your dish will be ready to take home – perfect as a handmade gift or to keep for yourself. 🎁
📅 When: Saturday 22 November, 10am – 12pm
📍 Where: We Make Workshops, 18 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5DL
💰 Tickets: £35 single / £65 together
For adults and children 8+ (children must be accompanied by a paying adult). All skill levels welcome – whether you're a seasoned artist or complete beginner!
🛍️ Tea Green Winter Market at National Galleries of Scotland
Your ultimate destination to discover, support and celebrate Scotland's remarkable creative community. A carefully curated showcase of independent creative businesses luxurious textiles, exquisite jewellery, stunning ceramics, vibrant illustrations, and so much more. ✨
📅 When: Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 November, 10am – 5pm
📍 Where: National Galleries of Scotland: National, The Mound, Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EL
💰 Entry: FREE
Established in 2014, Tea Green Events champions Scotland's independent creative talent through thoughtfully curated events. This truly iconic venue in the heart of Edinburgh is the perfect place to find unique gifts and support local makers.
That's it for this week!
Remember, every coffee you buy, every book you pick up, every market you visit it all makes a real difference.
These aren't just businesses, they're the people and places that make Edinburgh what it is. ❤️
See you out there supporting local!
Nashy 👋