This is actually the moment when the idea for this blog popped into my head. Under the realisation that I may indeed and on occasions have to try new places. I couldn't be bias and I couldn't be boring. So blame the owners of Rudi's, I know I do.
I decided to simply continue my journey and see what appeared. Not much further down as I approached the foot of George IV Bridge I had made up my mind. A funky, orange fronted sandwich shop called Bobby's was my next port of call. Standing vividly in front of Greyfriars Kirkyard, the graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk and nestled in between art shops and pubs of the same name, Bobby's is an inviting shop. I imagine art students being suckered in my the sign's typography and the fashionably framed chalkboard denoting 'Today's Specials'.
There is something shabby-chic about the outside of the building that is suddenly lost as you walk through the door. Not that it's terrible, it's just more corner shop cafe than I was expecting.
Now I admit I walked into Bobby's already slightly put out. I knew I was going to pay an extra £1 for a coffee that was probably of the same or sub-standard to my bargain cup just down the road. Nevertheless it wasn't this man's fault, this man who was casually drinking a coffee and reading the Saturday papers at the counter. I always find it reassuring when you see someone drinking their own home-made coffee, they trust it's flavour and I trusted the look of it.
And as the saying goes "Can I have a skinny latte really really hot please?" Again no raised eyebrows, a simple side step towards the coffee machine. He made the coffee, we had a little chat, I looked at the chalkboard stealing cheeky glances towards the frothing milk. It was all very civilised if you ask me.
I asked him nicely for a little extra milk after he'd pour the milk. He obliged. Again very civilised. So I had to pay an extra £1 for the coffee, but what I got in return was creamy and hot and just what the doctor ordered.
When I started writing this post it occurred to me there was nothing particularly memorable about my visit to Bobby's, but that's a lie. It was memorable for the fact that there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. Good coffee, good customer service from a man that welcomes the advent of the Fringe. What more could a girl want? Oh yes...a gorgeous man to accidentally bump into me spilling my drink, thus offering to buy me another one and us living happily ever after just like all those black and white movies. But back to reality and back to Edinburgh. Is Bobby's spectacular? No. Would I recommend it? Yes. If for no other reason than to support your local arts festival supporter. And because it is named after one of the heroes of Edinburgh's epic history, Bobby the dog. Yes, a dog. See Frothy Fun Facts for details.
Frothy Fun Fact of the Day: Bobby's the sandwich shop as well as The Greyfriars Bobby pub are both named after Greyfriar Bobby himself, the little Skye Terrier who was remembered for guarding his masters grave for fourteen years after his master's death. Everyday Bobby who accompanied his master, John Gray, on his evening patrols as a Police Constable could be found sitting next to his grave. Attempts were made to move him from the graveyard, but everyday he returned, ever the loyal best friend. A sculpture was commissioned in 1873 and now a proud bronze statue of Bobby stands at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row just opposite the gates of the graveyard.
More info can be found out about this little guy below.
And if this has given you even more reason to visit Bobby's (the sandwich shop) follow this link!
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