Cafe

 “…a gem of a cafe…”  The List Eating and Drinking Guide 2017/18

“An inclusive, arty atmosphere and nicely crafted home cooking make the Drill Hall Café a memorable spot for lunch or for a cup of coffee and a cake.”  The List’s Eating & Drinking Guide 2015/2016

“With a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the Drill Hall Arts Café is a family friendly space in which to escape the bustle of the city.” The List’s Eating & Drinking Guide 2012/2013

“To be an artist, you must act like an artist. It’s nothing to do with buying the right paint brushes and everything to do with where you hang out. Step one: find a seat at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall café. Step two: wait for the magic to happen.  The intention is to offer places to local unemployed people on the Training scheme, a gesture that reflects Out of the Blue’s commitment not only to artists but to the neighbourhood in general.”  The Herald (May 2007)

(Listed prices include 20% VAT)

Fair Trade and Organic where possible

We strive to use fresh, organic, free-range, fair trade and local ingredients wherever possible, and to support neighbouring businesses with a similar ethos. We believe food that is in-season and has enjoyed an uncompromised journey to your plate simply tastes better.

Home-style cooking and baking

All our hot main dishes are prepared on the premises using fresh ingredients. Cakes and bakes are oven-fresh: kneaded into life and whisked together by our inspired team. Whilst the majority of our meals are vegetarian, the meat options that we do offer are procured from renowned butcher Malone’s. Our fish and eggs are also sourced from local merchants and bread comes from Manna House.  See below for more information about our suppliers.

Supporting the artistic and Leith communities

A hub for both The Out of the Blue Drill Hall resident artists and curious cats from the Leith community, we extend our support and respect by offering great food and drink at fair prices.

Training Scheme

A key part of the café ethos is an ongoing initiative to train and employ young people in this working hospitality environment. Each trainee will join us for a six month period, during which time they’ll gain the knowledge and experience as well as the skills and confidence to step out into the industry… and beyond. Find out more about our Training Scheme.

Special events

The café set up popular events such as Bruncheon! combining a yummy brunch menu with live music performed by local artists and the monthly Freeze Frame Film Club. We contribute to The Out of the Blue Drill Hall’s regular Arts Markets with our creative menus and we cater for meetings, parties, exhibition launches and for other occasions that take place at the Drill Hall.

Drill Hall Catering

The café is available for catering your event, whether it be boardroom lunches, wine and cheese for exhibition openings or specialty dishes to suit your event. Contact Chris in the café to discuss your needs. Find out more and see our Drill Hall catering menu. 

A LA KART Delivery Service 

A LA KART is the new Cargo Bike delivery social enterprise from the Out of the Blue Drill Hall Arts Café. Outside catering, hearty and wholesome and freshly made to your meeting or event. Find out more and see the A LA KART menu.

Cafe Suppliers

Cheese comes from I. J. Mellis, the specialist cheesemonger with several shops in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Bread (apart from morning rolls) comes from The Manna House, the trendiest and tastiest of artisan bakeries, just around the corner on Easter Road.  Meat comes from Bellevue Butcher’s in McDonald Place. We buy fish from Welch’s, a Leith company of long standing. Fresh fruit and veg come from various places, including an allotment in Craigentinny (which is also where café compost goes) and Phantassie Organic Farm in East Lothian. Eggs are from Edinburgh Community Food. Coffee from co-operative communities in Chiapas, Mexico. Morning rolls come from The Sicilian Bakery on Albert Street. Organic drinks and dry goods come from Greencity Wholefoods, a Glasgow-based workers’ co-operative and supplier to retailers and restaurants. Organic milk comes from Graham’s Family Dairy, near Stirling.