When Amy Wardle gave up drinking for 75 days, she didn’t expect it would lead to building a TikTok community, collaborating with her dream brand, and discovering a whole new side of Edinburgh.
“Last year I completed the 75 Hard Challenge, which involves not drinking alcohol for 75 days,” says Amy. “Instead of heading to bars or pubs at the weekend, my partner Darragh and I started trying out a new café every week.”
What started as a healthier way to spend her weekends soon became something more.
“I realised how many amazing independent cafés there were that weren’t getting the hype they deserved. So I created my TikTok account to show them off and rate them – that’s how Amyricano was born.”
Her videos, which focus on small, independent cafés around Edinburgh, quickly struck a chord.
“It started as a hobby, but the response was so good – people were commenting and recommending their favourite places, so it became like a little community. A few cafés even reached out and asked if I’d visit and rate them.”
“I try to keep it to smaller, family-run spots. That’s probably why it’s resonated – it feels really good to give them some exposure and support Edinburgh’s local coffee scene.”
One of her most wholesome moments so far?
“I used to walk past Rosie’s in Fountainbridge every morning on the way to work – it’s this tiny café run by Rose and her family. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the coffee is cheap and cheerful, and Rose is so friendly.
I made a video rating it and the next time I went in, Rose told me business was booming. She even gave me a bracelet as a thank you. That’s why I love doing this so much – the café owners are always so grateful.”
Since launching the account, Amy’s now racked up over 8,000 followers and 694,000 likes. She’s visited 54 cafés and counting – and her love for coffee has only grown.
“I actually bought a Sage coffee machine so I could make café-quality coffee at home – and they ended up reaching out to collaborate! I went down to their studio to learn how to use the machine properly and all about the history of coffee, which was so fascinating. It was honestly a dream collab.”
Amy’s top 10 best cafés in Edinburgh
Below, she shares her 10 favourite cafés in Edinburgh so far – from hidden gems to scenic spots with views of the Pentlands:
Bastard Barista – Queen Street
“It’s so cool and quirky, similar to a speakeasy vibe, and it’s very unique. I’ve not been to any other café like this one. The staff were so friendly and the coffee was delicious and very reasonably priced. A must-visit if you’re in Edinburgh.”
Kate’s – Newington
“This is a family-run business and Kate makes all the cakes herself with help from her family. It’s so cute inside, and the peanut butter cookie is a must-try!”
Margot – Bruntsfield
“The cakes and pastries from here are delicious, and it’s one of the best flat whites I’ve had in Edinburgh. It’s so nice sitting at the window and looking out onto the Bruntsfield Links.”
Roasters – Haymarket
“The coffee from here is so good and very reasonably priced. There’s lots of seats inside, so it’s the perfect place to sit and work for the day. It’s open until 5, which is perfect.”
Source Coffee Roasters – Old Town
“They roast all their coffee just outside of Edinburgh and it’s delicious! It’s run by two Australian guys who are so friendly. There’s not loads of seats inside, but it has a great view of the castle.”
Clubbiedeans – Pentlands
“This is a small café in the Pentland Hills which is run in the back of someone’s house. The location and view of the Pentlands is amazing, and it’s a must-visit if you want a café with a view.”
Ante – Leith
“Another cool, quirky one. They do amazing seasonal drinks – in summer they have a lavender latte which is incredible.”
August 21 – Newington
“It has a very rustic feel, quite old school. Plenty of seats and a nice quiet room in the back which is perfect to work in. The cakes and sandwiches are so tasty, and the coffee is very reasonably priced – anything under £4 in Edinburgh I think is a decent price. Two coffees from here cost £7.”
Hata – near the Botanic Gardens
“Big menu with lots of food and drink options. The sandwiches are amazing and I had the best porridge I’ve ever had in here. There’s a cute room downstairs which is really peaceful and a perfect spot for a coffee and cake.”
Heart and Bottle – Morningside
“This is a cute, small café with only a few tables but worth a visit. It’s also like a little farm shop where you can buy different products like jam, chutney, crackers etc. The friendliest vibe, and the coffee was one of the best I’ve had on this series so far.”
Keep up with Amy and her recommendations on TikTok.
