Bono Coffee Opens Its Doors on South Clerk Street

A new independent coffee shop has opened on South Clerk Street, bringing speciality coffee and a relaxed neighbourhood feel to one of Edinburgh’s busiest student and residential areas.

Bono Coffee at 88 South Clerk Street officially opened in mid-April 2026, taking over the former Indiba café-bar site (and before that, El Patio).

The sibling-owned spot is run by Daniela and Alejandro Castillo Valdes, with Alejandro originally from Mexico and currently completing his Master’s in Edinburgh.

Why This Matters Locally

The Southside has seen a steady stream of new independent food spots in recent years, but good coffee options right on South Clerk Street have been limited.

Bono fills a gap for students, university staff, and locals who want something better than a chain but don’t want to trek to the Meadows or Newington proper.

It’s the kind of low-key, welcoming place that adds to the area’s character without trying too hard.

What You’ll Find Inside

The interior has been completely refurbished by SPLINTR interior design in a contemporary style — clean lines, plenty of light, and warm dark wood on the bar and tables that keep it feeling cosy rather than stark.

There are two sets of window seats that catch the afternoon sun, and the square Bono sign outside with “coffee here” written underneath is simple and effective.

On the menu, you’ll find Obadiah coffee (the house roast is a Brazilian Sul de Minas), Nudo teas, matcha, and chai with oat milk options. Food is straightforward and seasonal: sandwiches, pastries (including Krema Bakehouse items), and Greek-style orange pie on the first day.

The team is small — just three people on opening morning — and the vibe is relaxed and dog-friendly.

Practical Details

• Address: 88 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9PT
• Hours: Currently daytime focused (coffee, breakfast, lunch)
• Getting there: Five-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh’s central campus and ten minutes from The Meadows

The owners have said the menu will evolve with the seasons and they’re aiming for a flexible, fun offering rather than anything overly serious.

Our Take

Edinburgh doesn’t need another big chain coffee shop, but it does need more places like Bono — independently run, properly fitted out, and genuinely welcoming to the people who actually live and study in the neighbourhood. Early signs are promising.

If you’re in the Southside and want a decent cortado without the queue or the noise of bigger spots, this one’s worth a look.