A two-part experience that blends Edinburgh's history with coffee tasting, starting at John's Coffee House & Tavern and exploring the underground space of The Lost Close.
Closes & Coffee runs at The Lost Close on Friday 1 January 2027, a two-part experience that pairs Edinburgh's history with coffee tasting. It starts at John's Coffee House & Tavern, which was once a lively hub for Enlightenment thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume. Tucked beneath it is The Lost Close, an underground space that stayed hidden for nearly two centuries before being rediscovered in 2019.
Down there, you'll hear the story of how coffee first arrived in Edinburgh and the role it played in shaping the ideas that changed the world, all while sipping a freshly brewed cup from local roaster Common Coffee. Once that's done, the journey continues at The Real Mary King's Close, where you descend into the preserved streets beneath the Royal Mile for a one-hour guided tour of the stories of the people who once lived there.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Edinburgh and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
There are a few practical things to keep in mind before you book. The tours are in English only, with no audio guides, and the route involves multiple steps, uneven surfaces and low lighting. Because of that, there's no step-free access and it isn't suitable for wheelchair users. It's open to ages five and over, and pets are welcome. Tickets are £40.00 per person, and the whole thing kicks off at John's Coffee House & Tavern, 1 Barrie's Close, Edinburgh EH1 1RF.
