A-Z of Secret Edinburgh: Union of Genius

By Gayle Anderson -

Soup is the speciality every day at Union of Genius

Eating out doesn’t have to be fussy and expensive in the capital. Follow the locals to Union of Genius – Scotland’s only soup café – in Forest Road.

At Union of Genius, a talented team of ‘soupmongers’ make six different home-made soup each day, with matching choices of breads. The staff are really friendly and dogs are welcome. Beware, though – Union of Genius is tiny and most customers opt to take away.

Bring your own flask

The good news is that you can bring your own flask and they will fill it for you – so you can find a quiet wee spot to slurp while you carry on discovering the city.

They even have a soup mobile (a classic Citroen H van called Dumbo, since you’re asking!), which can be hired to serve soup at your parties and special events.

Union of Genius, 8 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QN. Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8.30am-4pm. Saturday 12noon-4pm