valvona and crolla - elm row

valvona & crolla on elm row (top of leith walk) is the flagship shop for this long-established, edinburgh-based italian family business.

they have one of edinburgh's finest selections of italian groceries, cheeses, antipasto, oils and wines. plus a whole lot more yummy stuff too long to list. there is no doubt that shopping here will bring you great foodie joy (including great wine joy).

sadly this passion doesn't seem to extend to coffee.

at the back of the store is quite a large and pleasant cafe that does alcohol as well as food. i had a flat white which was too hot and weak. you know this also means that the milk texture was non-existent. i've had this same experience several times - such a shame when the food and wine is so great.

i continue to be amazed by folk who clearly know what they're doing with food and wine but who don't consider coffee with the same rigour. this isn't confined to v&c by any means. plenty of excellent, well-reviewed and highly regarded restaurants are the same. much coffee evolution yet to occur in our tea-loving part of the world!

other v&c coffees reviewed here - on multrees walk (bad) and jenners (good).

- coffee: own blend
- coolness: fantastic italian foodie goods
- website: www.valvonacrolla.co.uk