Herald Café Bar

The iconic library’s bar and café offering staple mains, served in an open, minimalist space ideal for study breaks and lunch meetings.

The 2019/20 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This big, bright space at the entrance of the Mitchell Library is a cheerful spot to take a break. There are lots of different seating areas – standing at a counter overlooking the street, in booths, at tables or in cosy nooks and, with a lending section adjacent, you need not be short of reading material while you eat. Breakfast is served before midday, offering the full Scottish or just a hearty breakfast roll. There’s a decent range of lunch options comprising sandwiches, omelettes, baked potatoes and daily specials. Fillings include carrot and hummus, goat’s cheese and red onion and chicken with mango. Chilli-laden nachos are a warming, filling pick. The café gets very busy at weekends and lunchtimes but, with patience, you can usually snag a seat before too long. Bar service also reopens in the evening when events are running at the adjacent Mitchell Theatre.