Thomas J Walls

Language

0131 261 7582
Coffee
Edinburgh · 35 Forrest Road · EH1 2QN

Where Edinburgh Wakes Up

A mellow retreat on Forrest Road — wood panels, exposed brick, specialty coffee, and brunch done with care.

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Specialty Coffee
Square Mile Roasters
Edinburgh Brunch
No Wi-Fi · Just Coffee
Wood & Brick
Forrest Road
LGBTQ+ Friendly
4.3 Stars · 868 Reviews
Mon–Fri from 7:30am
Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Specialty Coffee
Square Mile Roasters
Edinburgh Brunch
No Wi-Fi · Just Coffee
Wood & Brick
Forrest Road
LGBTQ+ Friendly
4.3 Stars · 868 Reviews
Mon–Fri from 7:30am
Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Our Story

A corner of
quiet warmth
in the city

Nestled on Edinburgh's historic Forrest Road, Thomas J Walls has become a gathering place for students, locals, and curious wanderers alike. The walls carry character — exposed brick and warm timber panels frame a space where conversations linger longer than they should.

We serve brunch done properly, light bites that genuinely satisfy, and coffee made with the kind of care that turns an ordinary Tuesday morning into something worth waking up for. LGBTQ+ friendly and community-first, always.

Every espresso is sourced through Square Mile Coffee Roasters, London — co-founded by World Barista Champion James Hoffmann. Founder Jonathan Sharp, himself crowned Scottish Barista Champion in 2009, chose them deliberately. When you know what exceptional coffee tastes like, you source accordingly.

868
Google Reviews
4.3
Star Rating
£1–10
Price Range
Thomas J Walls Coffee exterior, 35 Forrest Road Edinburgh
Guests enjoying coffee outside Thomas J Walls
★4.3
Google
In the Hopper

Right now:
Red Brick

Roasted by Square Mile Coffee Roasters East London · Co-founded by World Barista Champion James Hoffmann
01Dark Fruits
02Lingering Sweetness
03Bright Finish

We rotate our seasonal blend every three months — the belief being that good coffee should always have something new to say.

Current Blend
Red Brick
Square Mile
Updated seasonally
Specialty Coffee
Sourced from ethical growers. Roasted to bring out every note of complexity.
🥑
Fresh Brunch Daily
Seasonal ingredients, honest cooking, no shortcuts. Served from open until sold out.
🏳️‍🌈
Everyone Welcome
An LGBTQ+ friendly space where every person is greeted with warmth and respect.
No Wi-Fi. Good.
No screens. No outlets. A deliberate choice — just exceptional coffee, real conversation, and room to think.
The Experience
01
The Morning at Thomas J Walls
01 / 04

The
Morning

Before the city fully wakes, Thomas J Walls is already alive with the smell of fresh-ground coffee and warm bread. The first flat white of the day tastes different here. It always does.

The Space at Thomas J Walls
02 / 04

The
Space

Exposed brick. Warm timber panels. The kind of room that softens the noise of the world outside. Traditional in the truest sense — built to last, designed to welcome.

The Brunch at Thomas J Walls
03 / 04

The
Brunch

Seasonal. Honest. Never rushed. From smashed avocado on sourdough to hollandaise-draped eggs benedict — every plate is made with the quiet confidence of people who care.

The Community at Thomas J Walls
04 / 04

The
Community

LGBTQ+ friendly, always. A place where every person at every table belongs. Not a policy — a practice. Forrest Road is richer for having a room like this in it.

As Featured In
The Scotsman Edinburgh Coffee Lovers Brian's Coffee Spot The Edinburgh Reporter
What People Say
4.3
868 verified Google reviews
★★★★★
"One of my favourite spots in Edinburgh. The coffee is consistently brilliant and the atmosphere is just right — warm, unhurried, a bit like an old friend's living room."
Sarah M.Google · 2 weeks ago
★★★★★
"Perfect brunch place. The smashed avo and flat white combo is unbeatable. Staff are always so friendly. A genuine gem on Forrest Road."
James K.Google · 1 month ago
★★★★☆
"Great coffee, lovely space with exposed brick and wood. Gets busy at weekends but absolutely worth the wait. Very welcoming atmosphere — feels very Edinburgh."
Priya R.Google · 3 weeks ago
★★★★★
"Reliable, delicious, and feels like home. I work nearby and come here almost every morning. The team remembers your order after a couple of visits. Rare quality."
Tom B.Google · 1 week ago
★★★★★
"Honestly the best flat white I've had in Edinburgh. Cosy vibe, very fair prices, and they actually care about the coffee. Thomas J Walls is the real deal."
Lena W.Google · 5 days ago
Visit Us

Find us on
Forrest Road

Open Today · Closing 7:00pm
35 Forrest Road
Edinburgh, EH1 2QN

0131 261 7582
Monday – Friday7:30 am – 7:00 pm Saturday8:30 am – 7:00 pm Sunday8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Enquiries

Get in
Touch

Have a question or a group booking? We'd love to hear from you. Call or message below — we reply within 24 hours.

Or call us directly 0131 261 7582