A charming, retro-leaning Leith brunch café with strong coffee, memorable sandwiches and cakes, but occasional service lapses, inconsistent fry-up execution, and some real price sensitivity.
The Old Spence Café delivers solid food quality anchored by standout sandwiches, coffee, and cakes that keep regulars returning, though cooked breakfasts occasionally falter. The quirky, nostalgic design creates genuine neighborhood appeal, and warm service mostly compensates for minor inconsistencies in attentiveness. What prevents a higher grade is uneven breakfast execution and modest space comfort that limit its reach beyond a beloved local spot.
One caveat: Some diners report slow breakfast service or missed table attention, especially when it’s busy.