The Swing Cafe at Colinton Parish Church

Dell Rd, Edinburgh EH13 0JR, United Kingdom
+44 131 441 2232
$$$ Cafe
(27 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Located within the tranquil grounds of Colinton Parish Church, The Swing Cafe is a true gem nestled in the picturesque village of Colinton, Edinburgh. This charming café offers not only a delightful dining experience but also a slice of history, given its connection to the renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson, who famously played on a swing just outside its back window as a child.

The Swing Cafe is a warm, welcoming space run entirely by dedicated volunteers. You immediately feel at home upon entering, with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and homemade delicacies wafting through the air. The cozy ambiance makes it an ideal spot for leisurely breakfasts, lunchtime gatherings, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

What truly sets The Swing Cafe apart is its beautifully crafted menu, which features heartwarming homemade dishes. Customers consistently rave about the “best breakfasts” they’ve had in Edinburgh, with standout offerings like a rich, velvety Hot Chocolate and indulgent Homemade Mac and Cheese that feels like a hug in a bowl. The emphasis on homemade quality shines through in every bite, making you yearn to bring a bit of this comforting experience back home with you.

The café serves as more than just a dining venue; it's a local hub where friends and families come together. The reviews reflect this sense of community, with visitors praising the friendly service and the peaceful atmosphere. Angélica shares her love for the café, stating it's a must-visit, while regulars like Ash appreciate the great prices and consistent quality of food. Chris Wilson highlights how the café’s simple yet delicious offerings make it an excellent spot for a lunch break, whereas Becca Harrington commends the “well-run” establishment and the kindness of the staff.

The Swing Cafe is not just a place to eat; it's an experience that combines good food, historical significance, and a heartwarming sense of belonging. Whether you're a local or just passing through Edinburgh, be sure to stop by Dell Rd and indulge in the delightful offerings that promise to make your day a little brighter.

Call them at +44 131 441 2232 to check on daily specials or more about their community initiatives!

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Healthy options
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

27 Reviews
Angélica

25 Sep 2025

Lovely café, excellent attention and delicious food. I had the best breakfasts during my Edinburgh trip here. I wish I could have brought this café with me back home! The food has really got that homemade feeling. If you‘ve got the chance to visit you really should.

Shaun Dabare

24 Sep 2025

Very nice cozy little local cafe in Colinton. It's run by volunteers inside the Colinton Church, who are very nice and friendly. Through the back window of the cafe, you can also see the swing that Robert Louis Stevenson (author of Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde) played on as a child in the 19th century. I had a Hot Chocolate and Homemade Mac and Cheese. For very reasonable prices, I might add. The Hot Chocolate warmed me up in preparation for the Mac and Cheese, which was thick, creamy and delicious. Definitely filled me up. The accompanying Garlic Bread was also warm, crunchy and tasty. Would definitely recommend this little cafe!

Ash

12 Aug 2025

Peaceful place, great food, lovely staff and good prices for a lunchtime meal. Lovely little local place, I'm a regular customer. Keep up the great service!

Chris Wilson

06 Aug 2025

A lovely lunch break with a friend in this wonderful cafe. It is part of St Cuthberts church in Colinton full of RLS associations. Staffed by volunteers who are doing a top job. The food was simple but home cooked and delicious.

Becca Harrington

30 Jul 2025

Lovely, well-ran little cafe, staff were really nice and food was great

Wendy Evans

19 Jul 2025

It saddens me that a recent customer in Spring 2025, chose to use Google to criticise The Swing Cafe. As a local community cafe we don't have the commercial barista coffee machines of bigger organisations so prepare drinks and food with as much TLC as we can. Our aim, as volunteers, is, as much as anything, to provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience for our customers. I wish this lady had made her concerns known on the day. Perhaps our colleague had had a bad day or wasn't feeling 100% but hadn't shared their feelings with others. Had we had the opportunity to discuss it, perhaps we could have made things better on the day rather than left the customer with a bad memory of their experience.

Roberta Di Carlo

22 Jun 2025

A lovely neighborhood cafe run by incredibly kind and caring volunteers. I felt at home, and I saw people passionate about the place. All this topped off by the beautiful neighborhood, the cemetery atmosphere, and the sound of the stream. The food was delicious, not expensive at all, and everything was meticulously curated.

Join the The Swing Cafe at Colinton Parish Church Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.