Edinburgh · Leith

Williams and Johnson

Close-up of the black Probat roaster's nameplate with PROBAT embossed in the metal casing and polished chrome fittings catching the light

Zachary Williams and Todd Johnson, two baristas who met working the specialty circuit, opened this microroastery in a converted 1947 biscuit factory at Custom Lane on the Shore in Leith. The building now doubles as a creative hub of artists and designers, and the roastery sits right in the same room as the counter, a 12 kilogram Probat doing the roasting a few steps from where the espresso gets pulled.

Williams and Johnson keep a rotating single origin menu chosen for freshness rather than a fixed house blend, aiming on espresso for something vibrant and clean while filter leans into more body and sweetness. A small courtyard out front holds a handful of red bistro tables, and the low counter and level floors inside make the room easy to move through on wheels.