Peter's Yard is a Swedish-inspired artisan bakery and cafe in Quartermile, Edinburgh. Celebrated for exceptional sourdough bread, Swedish cardamom buns, and excellent coffee, it is one of Edinburgh's best spots for breakfast or a morning coffee break. The baked goods are made fresh daily using traditional methods.
Peter's Yard is a Swedish-inspired artisan bakery and cafe at Quartermile in Edinburgh, a modern development on the site of the former Royal Infirmary in the Meadows area. The cafe was founded by Swede Johan Ljung and takes its name from a friend and fellow baker. Its identity is built around exceptional sourdough bread baked using traditional methods, Swedish baking traditions, and carefully sourced ingredients. The cardamom bun — a Swedish staple of soft dough with ground cardamom and pearl sugar — is Peter's Yard's most iconic product and one of Edinburgh's most sought-after pastries, regularly selling out before midday. Swedish crispbreads, baked fresh and served with cultured butter and house toppings, are another signature. The sourdough loaves are sold in the bakery section and served as toast with generous accompaniments. The coffee programme is serious: single-origin beans, properly extracted, with barista training standards that put Peter's Yard ahead of most Edinburgh cafes. The space is Scandinavian in aesthetic: light wood, white walls, minimal clutter, and natural light from the large windows looking onto the Quartermile development. It attracts a loyal morning following of locals, university staff from the nearby University of Edinburgh, and visitors looking for a proper breakfast before exploring the Meadows or the Old Town. A second location operates on Multrees Walk in the New Town.
Location
27 Simpson Loan, Edinburgh EH3 9GG
Highlights
- Edinburgh's most celebrated Swedish-inspired bakery — cardamom buns that sell out before noon
- Artisan sourdough bread baked using traditional methods and high-quality Scandinavian baking principles
- Single-origin coffee programme with trained baristas — one of Edinburgh's best cafe coffee experiences
- Bright Scandinavian interior at Quartermile near the Meadows and the University of Edinburgh
- Swedish crispbreads made in-house and served with cultured butter — a signature snack or breakfast option
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10am for cardamom buns — they consistently sell out and cannot be reserved
- The sourdough toast with toppings makes a substantial breakfast if the buns are already gone
- The Multrees Walk branch in the New Town is an alternative if Quartermile is out of the way
- Filter coffee is well made here — choose it over espresso if a slower morning is planned
- The Meadows park is a three-minute walk from Quartermile — a coffee and bun from Peter's Yard followed by a Meadows walk is a good Edinburgh morning
Accessibility
Peter's Yard Quartermile is on the ground floor of a modern development with full step-free access from the street. The cafe space is open and well suited to wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Peter's Yard cardamom buns special?
The buns are made using Swedish recipes with generous whole cardamom and pearl sugar. They have a light, pillowy texture and a fragrant spice character that differs markedly from a standard cinnamon roll. The quality and consistency have made them Edinburgh's most talked-about pastry.
Is Peter's Yard suitable for a full breakfast?
Yes — the menu includes sourdough toast with various toppings, eggs, yogurt, and granola in addition to the pastry selection. It is a proper breakfast cafe rather than just a coffee stop.
Are there multiple Peter's Yard locations?
Yes, Peter's Yard operates a second location on Multrees Walk in Edinburgh's New Town, near St Andrew Square. Both bake fresh daily.
Is Peter's Yard good for vegetarians and vegans?
The bakery and cafe menu is largely vegetarian-friendly. Vegan guests should check specific items for butter and egg content; some baked goods have vegan alternatives available.