Tollcross

The lively area at the Northern end of Lothian Road where Earl Grey Street splits into Home Street and Brougham Street is known as Tollcross, and extends the cultural reach of Lothian Road out toward Bruntsfield and Morningside, two of Edinburgh’s more well-to-do neighbourhoods.

A long exposure of nocturnal traffic on Tollcross, Edinburgh.

Tollcross is home to the Cameo Cinema and Bar as well as the King’s Theatre, where travelling dramas are staged as well as a yearly pantomime.

[image credit: ewanmcdowall]

Restaurants, Charity Shops And Specialty Stores In Tollcross

The charm of Tollcross is in the tiny shops and stores that line its streets, in contrast to the chain store presences along some of Edinburgh’s other shopping areas. Here, small charity stores and groceries, as well as bakeries and restaurants are the norm.

The 10 and 16 buses enter Tollcross crossroads from this direction, winding their way out into the further reaches of Edinburgh’s suburbs. By heading east along Lauriston Place, one can reach the Southside neighborhood, while Brougham Street and Bourgham Place feature a number of tiny shops which are popular with students from the nearby universities and colleges for their health foods and cheaply available meals.

The most significant feature of Tollcross is the clock in the middle of the junction. Made by Edinburgh clock makers James Ritchie & Son, it has been a landmark since the early 20th century.

Tick tock, tick tock. The Tollcross Clock is one of Edinburgh's instantly recognisable landmarks.

[image credit: kyz]

By day, Tollcross is inhabited by workers and families, while the evening sees the streets occupied by students and others eager to take part in the area’s culture. The Cameo Cinema, which offers membership and has been under constant threat of closure for several years, continues to show exciting new films from both the UK and abroad and also functions as a venue during the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).

Cameo cinema in Tollcross is the place for arthouse films in Edinburgh and a popular venue for the EIFF.

[image credit: angus mcdiarmid]

The wine bars and restaurants of Tollcross attract both the college and postgrad sets as well as those looking for a good pre- or post-theatre meal, and the coffee shops in the area have been known to stay open quite late, especially over the summer festival.

Behind the main streets, Tollcross’ architecture features beautiful old houses and residents who have been in the area for years. While some rent their accommodation to students, others have a strong presence in the neighborhood, and development along nearby Fountainbridge ensures that the area will continue to be one of the main draws of Edinburgh’s city center as time goes on.