Pret A Manger

Pret A Manger's Castle Street branch sits on one of the north-south Georgian streets that connect George Street to the New Town's northern terraces, two minutes' walk from Charlotte Square and within easy reach of the financial district centred around St Andrew Square. It functions primarily as an office-hours café serving the professional trade that fills this part of the New Town during the working week.

The menu is Pret's standard national range: freshly made sandwiches and wraps prepared on the day, baguettes, hot pots, soups, salads and porridge at breakfast. Hot food includes mac and cheese and grain bowls alongside the toasted options. The coffee programme covers flat white, filter and the full espresso range. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items are clearly labelled throughout, and the chain's subscription coffee offer applies here as at other branches.

Takeaway is the predominant format, though seating is available inside. The branch suits both early commuter trade and the lunchtime peak from the surrounding offices.