It's little surprise to us here at Cala. Since launching our Waterfront Plaza development, we've learned even more about this vibrant community and its spirit - embodied by its diverse and dedicated independent businesses.
Thankfully, many of those same small firms have been able to step up to become vital suppliers to the community during the pandemic.
We’d like to show our appreciation of these local businesses by shining a light on them - and highlighting how they are helping local households during lock-down:
Le Petit Francais Bakery
A bakery that typically serves some of Edinburgh's best cafes, hotels and restaurants, Le Petit Francais was founded due to its owners missing the baguettes of their homeland.
With many of their usual avenues closed, the community minded bakery has placed increased focus on delivering its authentic produce direct to the city's homes.
It means Leithers can enjoy outstanding breads, pastries and cakes, made using french flour and AOP butter without needing to leave their homes.
Everything is made overnight, for delivery the next morning. With great value fresh baked goods on the doorstep, we hope Le Petit Francais keeps its many new customers for years to come.
Welch's Fishmongers
While technically in nearby Newhaven, Welch's supplies many of Leith's best restaurants and is arguably the city's most-renowned seafood traders.
With most of us now confined to their homes they've reacted by launching a home delivery service – and are doing contactless deliveries to those in the surrounding area.
Recently recognised by Tom Kitchin, during one of his lock-down family cooking sessions, there's never been a better chance to step up to the challenge – and try your favourite restaurant fish dishes at home.
Edinburgh Fermentarium
During tough times, pickled foods come into their own. Riding the crest of their resurgence in popularity, Edinburgh Fermentarium makes healthy, artisan fermented food in the heart of Leith, including sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and vinegars.
While it has suspended shipping, it has been successfully trialling doorstep deliveries in Edinburgh - and is offering free deliveries on orders over £24 between EH1-EH16.
Even better, it has teamed up with a variety of other local and independent producers to expand its offering and support more businesses.
A brilliant enterprise with produce good for the community, your health and your store cupboard.
East Coast Cured
Launched by a husband and wife team in 2017, East Coast Cured has quickly become a favourite within the restaurant trade, with a shop off Leith Links.
Now, in response to the coronavirus, their top quality charcuterie is available with free delivery to EH1-17 postcodes, on orders over £25. Even better, Leithers get free deliveries on all orders - to help reach those self-isolating or finding it difficult to get to their shop.
With a long shelf life, their top quality meats, that make use of the entire animal, will see you through the difficult weeks to come.
It's fair to say demand has been high – and the team have been doing their best to keep up with the online orders. Another business that will hopefully be reaching more customers during the lock-down – and keeping them long after it is lifted.
Easter Greens
A popular, 100% plant based shop based in Easter Road, Easter Greens is a perfect outlet for vegans and those conscious of the impact their purchasing habits have on the world around them.
Thankfully, lock-down doesn't mean customers can't still rely on them – as they've teamed up with Deliveroo to ensure its fruit, vegetables and environmentally friendly groceries can reach everyone in their community.
It just goes to show, in times of need, people find a way – and the ingenious idea of teaming up with Deliveroo should see them reach new households who'd previously always relied on supermarkets.
Mimi's Bakehouse
Currently baked at its shop at The Shore, Mimi's is set to open an external bakery in Leith.
Meanwhile, it is stepping up its deliveries of its exquisite creations throughout the city, satisfying cravings for expertly-made traybakes, cakes and scones – while ensuring birthdays and celebrations can still be special and centred around that showstopper cake.
Even better, to give a boost to NHS workers, it has launched a “Pay it Forward” scheme, and has now delivered more than 300 cake boxes to front-line workers.
About Cala @ Waterfront Plaza
Located within the Shore area in Leith, Waterfront Plaza features a collection of townhouses, duplexes, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and colony apartments.
It is transforming a section of land opposite Ocean Terminal into a development that pays homage to its local heritage – and with its colonies – some of Edinburgh's most beloved house types.
With current prices from £214,795 - £500,000, each home has been purposefully designed to offer the ultimate in contemporary living, featuring flexible living areas, high specification kitchens, generous bedrooms and cleverly-designed storage throughout.
It follows on from Cala's popular nearby regeneration projects at Albert Dock, Leith and Trinity Park.
For more information, visit our Waterfront Plaza page.
