A spacious, central Edinburgh brunch cafe with an unusually broad inclusive menu and generally strong food and service, though peak-time hosting, occasional service lapses, and portions-to-price can frustrate.
Loudons New Waverley delivers solid food quality anchored by standout Benedicts, Scottish breakfasts, and French toast, though inconsistent execution on items like cakes and cold dishes prevents a stronger showing. Service remains friendly and knowledgeable, while the central New Waverley location offers genuine convenience for travelers and sightseers. Occasional lapses in attentiveness and mixed value perceptions keep it from approaching grade A territory.
Loudons New Waverley is a bright, spacious brunch cafe just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and a short walk from Waverley Station. The open-plan room feels more airy and functional than cosy—one recurring comparison is a smart student canteen—but its size makes walk-ins and family groups relatively practical. Most diners describe a warm welcome and brisk table service, summed up by one guest’s impression that the team made a busy breakfast feel “easy and well organised.” The cooking leans elevated, playful brunch rather than plain cafe fare: Scottish breakfasts sit alongside haggis Bennys, creative pancakes, French toast, bowls, burgers, and strong vegetarian and vegan coverage. The Croque Monsieur French Toast, Bennys, Scottish breakfast, and pancakes are the most dependable crowd-pleasers. The menu is not uniformly delicate or minimalist; it can be rich, saucy, and adventurous, and a minority of diners find portions underwhelming for the price. Service is usually a strength, especially for dietary questions, but queue management and occasional staff manner have produced some sharply negative experiences. Families are genuinely well catered for: reviews mention buggy space, baby-changing facilities, toys, child-sized cutlery, beakers, and a kids’ menu. The current menu also offers approachable choices such as pancakes, burgers, French toast, porridge, and scones, alongside more adventurous dishes. It is therefore a strong family brunch option, though picky eaters may need guidance because many headline dishes use haggis, sauces, chilli, unusual toppings, or creative combinations.
Area vibe: Historic central district mixing Georgian streets, cultural sites and modern retail and dining.
Safety: Generally safe with good lighting and regular foot traffic in evenings, though quieter late at night on some side streets.
What's nearby: Close to Waverley Station, Princes Street shopping, the Royal Mile and the University of Edinburgh's venues.
Start with the Croque Monsieur French Toast, a Benny, or one of the creative pancake plates, with dependable breakfast options beyond them.
Expect a spacious, family-friendly brunch room, but plan around peak queues and double-check allergen details before ordering.
Loudons feels bright, roomy, and family-ready rather than intimate, with an open kitchen and a noticeably functional layout.